DOCUMENT READER WITH ONE DOCUMENT PRINTING CAPACITY

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a document reading device, in particular a document reading device for capturing data from an identification document.

[0002] In areas of sovereign security relevance, such as airports, the identity of a traveler must be verified multiple times. This is typically achieved through spatially distributed identification checkpoints within a control system, such as a border control system.

[0003] To capture identity data, each identification control point has a document reader that reads the identity data, such as a person's name, from an identification document.

[0004] A conventional document reader includes a document tray onto which an identification document can be placed for data capture. The document tray is usually transparent, allowing the camera located beneath it to optically capture the identification document. For this purpose, the identification document can be illuminated using infrared or ultraviolet light.

[0005] To read data from an identification document, such as a passport, the document is opened and placed in a precisely defined manner on a document support, which is formed by a glass plate. Beneath the document support is a camera and, for example, a white light, ultraviolet light, or infrared light source that illuminates the identification document with light of a predetermined wavelength. A processor can be used to read the camera data and control the light source. This processor can, for example, verify the authenticity of the document by detecting that a data page is correctly positioned on the document support and output a corresponding signal.However, if the identification document is placed on the document tray in a twisted position, for example, recording errors can occur, which make it more difficult to verify the authenticity of an identification document.

[0006] One disadvantage of conventional document readers is that they can usually only be operated reliably by trained personnel. This is because identification documents typically need to be placed on the document trays in a very specific way, for example, perfectly aligned, to ensure error-free data capture. Therefore, error-free self-operation of document readers by untrained personnel, such as travelers, is not readily possible. However, self-operation of document readers by travelers is desirable to enable, for example, faster border crossings or quicker passenger processing at an airport.

[0007] Another disadvantage of existing document readers is their sensitivity to stray light. If stray light falls on the transparent document surface and thus into the camera's field of view, optical features of an identification document, such as ultraviolet features, cannot be reliably detected.

[0008] GB 2 391 129 A reveals an image acquisition system with a scanner.

[0009] The EP 1 998 299 A2 reveals a travel kiosk with a touchscreen.

[0010] EP 2 388 735 A2 discloses a mobile device for capturing a document.

[0011] The GB 2 378 073 A reveals a video camera with a mount.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a more efficient document reading device that, for example, enables self-service by untrained users.

[0013] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claim. Further embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0014] The invention is based on the realization that this task can be solved by an automatic user guidance system, in which, for example, a user is shown in real time how to place an identification document on a document support so that error-free data capture can be achieved.

[0015] According to one aspect, the invention relates to a document reader as described in claim 1. The display device can, for example, be a semi-transparent display arranged above the document tray. The display device can assist or guide the user in operating the document reader. If a user places an identification document incorrectly on the document tray, the display device will, for example, indicate what steps need to be taken to ensure the correct orientation or positioning of the identification document on the document tray. Therefore, the user guidance provided by the display device can be expected to result in high acceptance of the document reader according to the invention, even among users without any prior technical knowledge.

[0016] The identification document is not part of the document reader. An identification document could be, for example, an identity card, a passport, a means of payment such as a bank card or credit card, a driver's license, a company ID, a bill of lading, or a permit. Generally, an identification document can also be any other document whose identity and authenticity need to be verified.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the display device is arranged above the document holder such that the identification document can be positioned between the document holder and the display device. This creates a niche, open on both sides, between the document holder and the display device, into which the identification document can be inserted. When the identification document is on the document holder, the display device is positioned above it, allowing a user of the document reader to directly view the display and correct the position of the identification document on the document holder if it differs from the intended position.

[0018] The target position can be defined, for example, by a mechanical stop on the document support. This prevents a user of the document reader from moving the identification document beyond the target position. Furthermore, the coordinates of the mechanical stop, relative to the orientation of the document support, are defined as the target position. However, the target position can also be defined solely by electronic coordinates, which can be used as a data substitute.

[0019] The display device is positioned either within a parallel angle above the document support or parallel to it. This parallel angle can, for example, extend between 80° and 100°, between 89° and 91°, or be exactly 90°. This creates a defined area for receiving the identification document.

[0020] Alternatively, the display unit can be swivelled relative to the document support. This allows the display unit to be folded up to place the identification document on the document support and then folded back down, enabling ergonomic operation of the document reader. Furthermore, the display unit can be tilted towards the user, improving readability.

[0021] The display device is at least partially transparent to light, in particular semi-transparent.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the display device can, for example, have electrically variable light transparency. The light transparency can be adjustable, for instance, depending on an electrical voltage. Thus, if the target position deviates from the actual position, the display device can be at least partially transparent, allowing, for example, only 40% of the light to pass through. This enables the user to see the position of the identification document on the document support and correct it according to the display device's instructions. When the target position matches the actual position, the display device can, for example, dim and the light become opaque, thereby providing even greater protection against ambient light. This can lead to a reduction in the reading error rate, as the display device at least partially shields the document support from ambient light.Ambient light is that ambient light which is not generated by the document reader for optical detection of the identification document.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the term "light transparency" refers to white ambient light or sunlight and not necessarily to ultraviolet or infrared light. This protects the user of the document reader from ultraviolet or infrared light that could be used to optically detect the identification document. If the display is light-transparent, it does not attenuate any light. If the display is at least partially or semi-transparent, it is, for example, 40% transparent to white ambient light. This provides shielding against extraneous light, which can be particularly advantageous when testing ultraviolet security features to determine defined lighting conditions for an ultraviolet light signal. The display can, for example, be designed as a transparent or semi-transparent display.One advantage of light transparency, or at least partial light transparency, especially semi-transparency, is that a user of the document reader can see their own hand continuously. This can lead to even greater acceptance of the document reader among inexperienced users. Furthermore, the display can provide shade against ambient light, which is advantageous when testing ultraviolet security features because daylight can mask ultraviolet fluorescence.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the display device is designed as a display, in particular as a semi-transparent display. The display can comprise a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or a film with LED or OLED light elements.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the display device comprises at least one luminaire element, for example a light-emitting diode (LED) or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or a liquid crystal display (LCD, Liquid Crystal Display).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the document support is provided with a mechanical stop which determines the target position of the identification document on the document support.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the display device is designed to show a movement pattern for reaching the target position. The movement pattern can, for example, depict the opening of a passport book, which may be an identification document. More generally, the movement pattern can display moving images to show a user the necessary steps to ensure the detection of security features or document recognition, or to motivate the user to take action.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the display device is provided with a first polarizing filter for transmitting light of a first polarization. The document support can be provided with a second polarizing filter for transmitting light of a second polarization. The first and second polarizations are preferably different and differ, for example, by an angle of 90°. This ensures that the camera located below the light-transparent document support is protected from the light passing through the display device. This is because the arrangement of the two polarizing filters is chosen such that the polarization angles are different. According to one embodiment, the polarizing filters are designed to transmit polarization angles perpendicular to each other.In this way, the light shining through the display device is blocked by the second polarization filter of the document holder.

[0029] The document support can be transparent, for example, with the second polarizing filter integrated into it or formed as a filter layer. This can be achieved, for instance, with a polarizing layer. In this case, the ambient light passing through the display (e.g., a semi-transparent display) and onto the identification document can no longer reach the camera located beneath the document support. However, the user can still see their hand and the identification document, and the camera can still capture the identification document using white light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the display device covers the document support. For this purpose, the display device can have dimensions such that it completely covers the underlying document support. In this way, the document support is protected from ambient light by the display device. The protective effect increases with decreasing transparency of the display device, which, for example, can have a light transparency of 40%.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the document support includes a light barrier. The light barrier enables the automatic detection of the presence of the identification document on the document support, which can then trigger the display device, for example, for optical user guidance by means of optical signals.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one optical sensor or optical camera. The optical sensor or optical camera can be arranged below the document support. The detection device can further comprise a light source, for example a white light source, an ultraviolet light source, or an infrared light source, to illuminate the identification document for feature detection.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the detection device is configured to determine the actual position by means of pattern recognition based on an optical scan of a feature of the identification document, in particular a contour of the identification document. For this purpose, the detection device may include a processor. The actual position can be determined, for example, by a digital comparison of the actual position data and the target position data. The feature of the identification document may, for example, be its geometric shape. Thus, the contour of the identification document could be, for example, an edge, a corner, or an arrangement of corners of the identification document.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the detection device is configured to compare the detected actual position of the identification document with the target position in order to determine any deviation between the actual and target positions. In the event of a deviation, the display device can, for example, show a first signal or a sequence of first signals, which may be of a specific color. When the identification document reaches the target position, the display device can either show a second signal or a second sequence of signals of another color, for example, green, or it can go out.

[0035] According to another aspect, the invention relates to an identification control point, for example an eGate, with the document reading device according to the invention.

[0036] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a document reading method according to claim 11. Further method steps result directly from the functionality of the document reading device according to the invention.

[0037] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a computer program for executing the document reading procedure when the computer program is executed on a computer.

[0038] Further examples of implementation are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a document reader according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 a document reader according to one embodiment; and Fig. 3 a top view of a document reader according to one embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 1Figure 1 schematically shows a document reading device according to one embodiment. The document reading device comprises a document support 101, a capture device 103 arranged below the document support 101, and a display device 105 arranged above the document support 101.

[0040] The display device 105 is, for example, designed as a transparent or semi-transparent display. For this purpose, the display device 105 can include light-emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes, organic light-emitting diodes, or liquid crystal display elements.

[0041] Document holder 101, for example, is designed to be light-transparent. For this purpose, document holder 101 can be made of glass that is transparent to the relevant lighting spectra.

[0042] According to an optional embodiment, the display device 105 is provided with a first polarizing filter 107, which transmits light of a first polarization. The document support 101 is provided with a second polarizing filter 109, which transmits light of a second polarization. If the polarizations are different, both polarizing filters 107 and 109 prevent the light passing through the transparent or semi-transparent display device 105 from penetrating the document support 101 and reaching the detection device 103. This at least partially shields the detection device 103 from ambient light.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the display device 105 is opaque to UV or IR light. In this way, the UV or IR light generated, for example, by the detection device 103 for the purpose of capturing the identification document 111, is blocked by the display device 105. This protects a user of the document reader from UV or IR light.

[0044] The detection device 103 may, for example, include a camera for capturing an image of the identification document 111. Furthermore, the detection device 103 may include a light source, such as a white light source, one or more infrared light sources, or one or more ultraviolet light sources, to illuminate the identification document 111 through the document support 101.

[0045] The display unit 105 can be attached to, for example, the body of the document reader by means of a bracket 113 above the document support 101. The attachment can be a rigid attachment, in which the display unit 105 is arranged, for example, parallel to the document support 101 within the aforementioned parallelism range.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the display device 105 can be pivotably mounted on the bracket 113, as shown in Fig. 2 This is shown. In this way, it can be swung upwards, for example, to place the identification document 111 onto the document support 101, and then swung back down. The display unit 105 can also be tilted towards the document support 101, which can enable ergonomic reading of the display unit 105.

[0047] The display device 105 is preferably designed for user guidance by means of optical signals. For this purpose, the display device 105 can be configured to emit optical signals that assist a user in correctly positioning the identification document 111 on the document support 101. The optical signals can be implemented, for example, by colored arrows (e.g., green or red) for user guidance or by displaying movement patterns.

[0048] If the actual position of the identification document 111 differs from the desired target position of the identification document 111 on the document support 101, the display unit 105 can show a message to help achieve the target position. This message can be, for example, a colored arrow indicating the direction of movement for the identification document, or a movement pattern. If there is a difference between the actual and target positions, the display unit 105 will show, for example, how the identification document 111 should be positioned so that the target position can be reached.

[0049] The target position can, for example, be a specific position on document support 101, which is defined, for instance, by electronic coordinates. However, the target position can also be determined by a mechanical stop.

[0050] To determine whether the identification document 111 has reached the target position on the document support 101, the detection device 103 can, for example, include a processor which compares the actual position with the target position and controls the display device 105 or its lighting elements.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a document reader according to one embodiment. The in Fig. 3 The document reader shown can have the features of the one in Fig. 1 or in Fig. 2 The document reading device shown, and vice versa.

[0052] As in Fig. 3 As shown, the document support 101 is provided with a mechanical stop 301, which, for example, comprises two legs 303 and 305 arranged at right angles to each other.

[0053] Furthermore, optional light elements 307 are provided for stop signaling, which, according to one embodiment, are embedded in the legs 303 and 305. According to another embodiment, the light elements 307 are arranged above the mechanical stop 301 in the display device 105. The light elements 307 can, for example, be formed by light-emitting diodes.

[0054] The document support 101 also optionally includes mechanical pressure elements 309, which are arranged, for example, along the legs 303, 305.

[0055] The display unit 105, located above the document support 101, at least partially covers the document support 101. To indicate a difference between the actual position and the target position of the identification document 111, the display unit 105 comprises arrow groups 311, 313, 315, and 317. Each arrow group contains four arrows, arranged in a coordinate system and pointing in different directions. The arrows within each arrow group can be individually selected or illuminated. The illuminated arrows indicate to a user whether the identification document 111 should be moved further to the right, further to the left, further forward, or backward.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the document support 101 or the display device 105 includes a light barrier 319 which enables detection of the identification document.

[0057] As in Fig. 3As shown, the display device 105 is located above the document support 101, which can be a support surface. The display device 105 can be a flat cover plate that can extend down to the level of the document support 101 on some or all sides. An opening for inserting the identification document is provided on one side; depending on the application, this opening may also be present on two or three sides. The identification document 111 is placed on the document support 101 and then moved in the direction of the arrow groups 311, 313, 315, 317, which are appropriately switched and integrated into the display device 105, for example, until it reaches the mechanical stop 301.When the identification document 111 passes the light barrier 319, the detection device 103, which may have an internal camera, is activated so that the position of the identification document 111 can be calculated. In this way, any deviation between the actual position of the identification document and the desired target position on the support surface 101 can be calculated.

[0058] According to one embodiment, document support detection can be achieved by polling the camera at reduced resolution and / or by detecting an RFID chip, which may be contained in the identification document. For RFID detection, an antenna can be provided next to, around, or integrated into the document support 101. The antenna can, for example, have antenna wires that are attached to the document support 101 or to the display unit 105.

[0059] The Figs. 1 to 3The document reader shown can be used for identification documents of various formats. For example, when the stop position, defined by the mechanical stop 301, is reached for ID-3 identification documents, the illuminated arrows of arrow groups 311 to 317 go out. However, for ID-1 and ID-2 identification documents, it is sufficient if the respective identification document is completely captured by the camera, which can be an element of the capture device 103. In this case, the illuminated elements 307, which are located in the display device 105 above the mechanical stop 301, can be switched on.

[0060] The optional mechanical pressure elements 309 are designed to mechanically fix the identification document 111 when it reaches the stop position defined by the mechanical stop 301. After the identification document 111 has been checked, the mechanical pressure elements 309 are released. The user can be prompted to remove the identification document 111, for example, by green arrows pointing in a specific direction, as indicated by arrow groups 311 to 317.

[0061] If the identification document 111 is inserted incorrectly, for example with the data side facing up, the user may also be prompted to remove the identification document by means of a corresponding arrow display.

[0062] For example, if an identification document is rotated by 180°, the user can be prompted to rotate the identification document 111 by means of rotating arrows in arrow groups 311 to 317.

[0063] The visual user guidance provided by the illuminated arrows of arrow groups 311 to 317 can be supported by acoustic signals. For this purpose, the display device 105 can have at least one loudspeaker diaphragm which can emit one or more tones.

[0064] The optical signals provided by the display device 105 can be implemented by means of static and / or dynamic displays. According to one embodiment, the arrows of the arrow groups 311 to 317 can display not only one color, for example green, but also changeable colors.

[0065] The design of the display unit 105 enables intuitive user guidance. For example, the display unit 105 can be made of UV- or IR-impermeable plastic that is transparent to visible light. This allows the user to always see the position of the identification document on the document support 101. Alternatively, the display unit 105 can be made of a material with electrically adjustable transparency. For instance, if the identification document 111 is recognized and correctly positioned, the display unit can remain opaque and darkened during a verification process in which the identification document 111 is optically detected. This significantly reduces the ingress of ambient light into the system, particularly into the camera of the detection unit 103.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the display device 105 can be made of a dark-colored material whose transparency is unalterable and which, for example, causes a light attenuation of 40%.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, the material of the display device 105 can be transparent only to light passing at a small angle around an axis that is positioned between the document reader and a user, while light incident from all other directions does not penetrate the display device. For this purpose, the material in Fig. 1 The first polarization filter 107 shown is provided.

[0068] According to one embodiment, air nozzles can be installed or introduced into the mechanical stop 301 for cleaning the document support, for example, of dust.

[0069] Positioning the display unit 105, which can be a semi-transparent display, directly above the document holder 101 and thus directly above the identification document 111 offers the advantage of providing user guidance directly at the identification document 111. In this way, the user receives immediate feedback on the current position relative to the target position or on target movements as long as the target position has not yet been reached. This reduces ergonomic obstacles, which can lead to a higher data throughput by the document reader. Reference symbol list

[0070] 101 Document holder 103 Capture device 105 Display device 107 First polarization filter 109 Second polarization filter 111 Identification document 113 Holder 301 Mechanical stop 303 Leg 305 Leg 307 Light element 309 Pressure element 311 Arrow group 313 Arrow group 315 Arrow group 317 Arrow group 319 Light barrier

Claims

1. Document reading device, comprising: a document bed (101) for placing an identification document; a detection device (103) for detecting an actual position of the identification document on the document bed; and a display device (105) for displaying an indication of the target position of the identification document on the document bed, wherein the display device (105) is at least partially light-transparent, wherein the display device (105) is configured to display which actions are to be carried out in order to ensure a correct orientation of the identification document on the document bed (101) when a user incorrectly places the identification document on the document bed (101), wherein the display device (105) is configured to display a movement pattern for reaching the target position, wherein the movement pattern displays moving images in order to display to the user actions required to ensure a detection of security features or for document recognition, wherein the display device (105) is arranged within a parallelism region above the document bed parallel to the document bed or pivotable with respect to the document bed.

2. Document reading device according to claim 1, wherein the display device (105) is arranged above the document bed such that the identification document can be positioned between the document bed and the display device.

3. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (105) comprises at least one light-emitting element, in particular a light-emitting diode or a liquid crystal display.

4. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (105) is configured to display a first optical pattern when the target position deviates from the actual position or a second optical pattern when the target position and the actual position match for user guidance.

5. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (105) is provided with a first polarization filter for passing light of a first polarization, and wherein the document bed (101) is provided with a second polarization filter for passing light of a second polarization, wherein the first polarization and the second polarization are different.

6. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the document bed (101) is provided with a mechanical stop which defines the target position.

7. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display device (105) at least partially covers the document bed (101).

8. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (103) comprises an optical sensor or an optical recording camera.

9. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (103) is configured to determine the actual position by means of a pattern recognition on the basis of an optical recording of a feature of the identification document, in particular a contour of the identification document.

10. Document reading device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (103) is configured to compare the detected actual position of the identification document with the target position in order to determine a deviation between the actual position and the target position.

11. Document reading method, comprising: detecting an actual position of the identification document on a document bed of a document reader; and displaying an indication of a target position of the identification document on the document bed, wherein the indication is displayed by means of a display device above the identification document, wherein the display device (105) is at least partially light-transparent, wherein the display device displays which actions are to be carried out in order to ensure a correct orientation of the identification document on the document bed (101) when a user incorrectly places the identification document on the document bed (101), wherein the display device (105) displays a movement pattern for reaching the target position, in particular an opening of an identification document, wherein the movement pattern displays moving images in order to display the user actions required to ensure detection of security features or for document recognition, wherein the display device (105) is arranged within a parallelism region above the document bed parallel to the document bed or pivotable with respect to the document bed.

12. Computer program for executing the document reading method according to claim 11 when the computer program is executed on a computer.