Lighting for double-sided card scanners

Abstract

The card scanner has a first light source positioned such that a first bright area created by the reflection of light from the first light source lies within a first position on the first surface of the card. The second light source is positioned such that a second bright area created by the reflection of light from the second light source lies within a second position on the first surface of the card. Here, the first and second positions do not overlap. The image processor combines the first image of the first surface of the card with the second image of the first surface of the card to generate a first composite image. The first and second bright areas are filtered from the first composite image by the image processor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a card scanner, and more particularly to illumination of a card for performing an optimal scan.

Background Art

[0002] Card scanners are used to efficiently scan data from business cards, driver's licenses, insurance cards, and other various identification cards. The scanner can be a simplex card scanner that scans one side or a duplex card scanner that scans both sides. Examples of current card scanners include the BCR901 Simplex Card Scanner and the DX1210 Duplex Card Scanner, both of which are provided by CardReader Inc. on its website (www.bizcardreader.com).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Detailed Description of the Invention In a card scanner that uses a small camera within a constrained housing, when capturing an image of a glossy document having a semi-reflective or highly reflective surface such as a plastic identification card or a driver's license, bright areas may appear in the captured image. Various solutions for reducing this problem with respect to card scanners are detailed below.

[0004] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram showing the captured image configuration. The camera housing 10 includes a camera 12 used to capture images from the card 11. Illumination is provided by light sources 13 and 14. For example, each of light sources 13 and 14 may be a light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, light sources 13 and 14 may be implemented as horizontally or vertically extending light sources, each having multiple LEDs. Furthermore, different numbers of light sources can be used; for example, the LEDs can be arranged individually or grouped together in one or more lightboxes. A card support mechanism (details below) is used to receive and hold the card 11. Details of the card support mechanism are omitted from this figure and other drawings for brevity in describing other elements of the drawing.

[0005] The lighting configuration shown in Figure 1 can be effectively used to illuminate cards with non-glossy surfaces, such as business cards and other similar cards printed on non-reflective card stock material, and to capture card images.

[0006] Figures 2 and 3 show the bright regions that may appear on the image of a card with a glossy surface when the lighting configuration shown in Figure 1 is used. In particular, the optical path 19 from the light source 13 shown in Figure 2 can create a bright region 16 in the card image 15 of the card 11 captured by the camera 12, as shown in Figure 3. Similarly, the optical path 18 from the light source 14 shown in Figure 2 can create a bright region 17 in the card image 15 of the card 11 captured by the camera 12, as shown in Figure 3. The spacing between the light sources 13 and 14 shown in Figure 1 is optimized so that the bright regions 16 and 17 in Figure 3 are sufficiently separated and do not overlap with each other.

[0007] Figures 4 and 5 show how the position and spacing D of the bright areas that may appear on the image of a card with a glossy surface change as the position of the light source is changed. For example, when light from light source 23 is reflected by card 21 and captured as image 20 by camera 22, a bright area 26 may appear in image 20. Similarly, when light from light source 24 is reflected by card 21 and captured as image 20 by camera 22, a bright area 27 may appear in image 20.

[0008] Figures 6 and 7 show how the position and spacing D of the bright areas that may appear on the image of a card with a glossy surface change as the vertical distance of the light source is changed. For example, when light from light source 33 is reflected by card 31 and captured as image 30 by camera 32, a bright area 36 may appear in image 30. Similarly, when light from light source 34 is reflected by card 31 and captured as image 30 by camera 32, a bright area 37 may appear in image 30.

[0009] Figures 8, 9, and 10 show the process of capturing images by turning on light sources one at a time, and then removing bright areas using pixel comparison processing. Figure 8 shows image 40 captured with the first light source on and the second light source off, and a bright area 41 is present in image 40. Figure 9 shows image 42 captured with the first light source off and the second light source on, and a bright area 43 is present in image 42. In Figure 10, pixel comparison 44 is used to remove the bright area 41 in image 40 and the bright area 43 in image 42, and a composite image 45 is generated that does not contain either the bright area 41 or the bright area 43.

[0010] Figure 11 shows the operation flowchart of the pixel comparison processor 44 that removes bright regions 41 and 43. In block 50, processing is started. In block 51, the first pixel of image 40 is acquired. In block 52, the first corresponding pixel of image 42 is acquired. In block 53, the brightness of those pixels is compared from the acquired pixel values. If the pixel value of image 40 is less than the pixel value of image 42, in block 55, the pixel of image 40 is output to form the corresponding pixel of the composite image 45. On the other hand, if the pixel value of image 40 is greater than or equal to the pixel value of image 42, in block 54, the pixel of image 42 is output to form the corresponding pixel of the composite image 45.

[0011] In block 56, it is determined whether a pixel in image 40 is the last pixel in image 40. If it is not the last pixel, the next pixel in image 40 is obtained in block 57, and blocks 52 through 55 are repeated. If it is determined in block 56 that a pixel in image 40 is the last pixel in image 40, the process is completed in block 58. Due to the non-uniformity of illumination from each light source, some (minor) artifacts may occur. However, such artifacts are not significant and can be greatly reduced by calibration using a white reference image.

[0012] Figure 12 shows an example of how the processing can be modified to take into account different red, green, and blue intensity values ​​at each pixel position. In particular, the logical block 59 located between node 60 and node 61 shown in Figure 11 can be replaced by comparison blocks 62, 63, and 64 shown in Figure 12.

[0013] Specifically, at each pixel position, the red intensity values ​​of the pixels in image 40 and image 42 are compared using comparison block 62, and the lower intensity value is used for the corresponding pixel in composite image 45. The green intensity values ​​of the pixels in image 40 and image 42 are compared using comparison block 63, and the lower intensity value is used for the corresponding pixel in composite image 45. The blue intensity values ​​of the pixels in image 40 and image 42 are compared using comparison block 64, and the lower intensity value is used for the corresponding pixel in composite image 45.

[0014] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the process of removing bright areas from an image using spatial filtering and synthesis. In Figure 13, image 71, which has bright areas 72, represents an image captured by camera 22 (shown in Figure 4) with light source 24 on and light source 23 off. Image 73, which has bright areas 74, represents an image captured by camera 22 (shown in Figure 4) with light source 24 off and light source 23 on.

[0015] Graph 75 shows the luminance levels along row 82 of image 71. Graph 76 shows the luminance levels along row 83 of image 73. For example, the luminance values ​​for each color are within the range of [0 to 255], and the average luminance level excluding the bright areas is 120.

[0016] Graph 77 shows an example of a filter function F used to filter image 71 before combining it with image 73. Along row 82 of image 71, up to position 84 in row 82, all luminance levels of image 71 are not filtered. From position 85 in row 82 to its end, the luminance levels of image 71 are completely filtered. Between position 84 and position 85 in row 82, the filter level attenuates, for example, in a linear slope.

[0017] Graph 78 shows an example of a filter function C used to filter image 73 before combining it with image 71. Along row 83 of image 73, the luminance levels of image 73 are completely filtered up to position 86 in row 83, and from position 87 in row 83 to its end, all luminance levels of image 73 are not filtered. Between position 86 and position 87 in row 83, the filter level is amplified, for example, in a linear slope. As seen in graphs 77 and 78, the filter function C shown in graph 78 is a complement to the filter function F shown in graph 77, and the relationship C = 1 - F exists.

[0018] Graph 79 shows the filtered luminance levels obtained by applying the filter shown in Graph 77 to the luminance levels of pixels along row 82 of image 71. Along row 82 of image 71, all luminance levels are not filtered up to position 84, and from position 85 to the end of row 82 of image 71, the luminance levels are completely filtered. Between position 84 and position 85 in row 82, the filtered level attenuates in a linear slope.

[0019] Graph 80 shows the filtered luminance levels obtained by applying the filter shown in Graph 78 to the luminance levels of pixels along row 83 of image 73. Along row 83 of image 73, the luminance levels of image 73 are completely filtered up to position 86, and from position 87 in row 83 to its end, all luminance levels are left unfiltered. Between position 86 and position 87 in row 83, the filtered levels are amplified in a linear slope.

[0020] As is clear from the graph in Figure 13, in the first region represented by 0 to M1, the pixels of image 71 are used to generate the first corresponding region, thereby obtaining the composite image of this region. In the second region represented by M2 to W, the pixels of image 73 are used to generate the second corresponding region, thereby obtaining the composite image of this region. In the third region represented by M1 to M2, the brightness of the pixels in image 71 is filtered using filter function F, and the brightness of the pixels in image 73 is filtered using filter function C. Here, filter function C is an interpolation of filter function F, and the relationship C = 1 - F exists. The brightness levels obtained from each pixel in the third region of image 71 and image 73 are added together to generate the corresponding region, thereby obtaining the composite image of this region.

[0021] Figure 14 shows a flowchart that uses a spatial filter to remove the bright regions 72 of image 71 and 74 of image 73, thereby forming an output image that does not include these bright regions. In block 90, the process is started. In block 91, the process is initialized at the top edge (row R=1) of images 71 and 73. In block 92, row R of image 71 is obtained. In the parallel block 95, row R of image 73 is obtained.

[0022] In block 93, each pixel of image 71 in row R is multiplied by the corresponding image position value of the filter function applied through image 71. In the parallel block 96, each pixel of image 73 in row R is multiplied by the corresponding image position value of the filter function applied through image 73. In block 94, the filtered luminance value of row R of image 71 is saved. In the parallel block 97, the filtered luminance value of row R of image 73 is saved.

[0023] In block 98, the saved filtered luminance value of each pixel in image 71 is added to the saved filtered luminance value of the corresponding pixel in image 73. In block 99, the result of this addition is used to generate the corresponding row for the output image.

[0024] In block 100, it is determined and decided whether row R is the last row of image 71 and image 73. If it is not the last row, in block 101, the row number is incremented (R = R + 1), and the process returns to blocks 92 and 95. If it is determined in block 101 that row R is the last row of image 71 and image 73, the process is completed in block 102.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a capture image configuration. Camera housing 110 includes a camera 112 that captures an image of card 111. Illumination is provided by light sources 113 and 114. For example, each of light sources 113 and 114 is an extended light source that can generate an elongated bright region.

[0026] The illumination configuration shown in FIG. 15 can be effectively used to capture an image of a card having a non-glossy surface, such as a business card and other similar cards, printed on a non-reflective card stock material.

[0027] FIG. 16 shows elongated bright regions that may appear on an image of a card having a glossy surface when the illumination configuration shown in FIG. 15 is used. In particular, the optical path from light source 113 can create a bright region 116 within card image 115 of card 111 captured by camera 112 as shown in FIG. 16. Similarly, the optical path from light source 114 can create a bright region 117 within card image 115 of card 111 captured by camera 112.

[0028] Different illumination configurations can also be used. For example, FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a capture image configuration. Camera housing 120 includes a camera 121 used to capture an image of a card. Illumination is provided by light sources 123 and 124 at diagonal corners of camera housing 120. For example, each of light sources 123 and 124 is composed of one or more selectively arranged LEDs.

[0029] As another example, as shown in FIG. 18, the camera housing 125 includes a camera 126 used to capture an image of a card. Illumination is provided by light sources 127, 128, and 129 disposed at different positions within the camera housing 125. For example, each of the light sources 127, 128, and 129 is composed of one or more selectively arranged LEDs.

[0030] FIGS. 19 and 20 show the use of spatial filtering corresponding to two light sources disposed at diagonal corners of the camera housing as shown in FIG. 17. In FIG. 19, the area 161 of the card representation 131 is outlined, which shows the case where the image captured by the camera 121 (shown in FIG. 17) with the light source 122 on and the light source 123 off has a bright area. Also, the area 162 of the card representation 131 is outlined, which shows the case where the image captured by the camera 121 (shown in FIG. 17) with the light source 122 off and the light source 123 on has a bright area.

[0031] When the image is captured by the camera 121 (shown in FIG. 17) with the light source 122 on and the light source 123 off, the filter function to be used completely filters the image from the left end of the card representation 131 to the diagonal line 167, does not apply the filter from the diagonal line 166 to the right end, and partially filters between the diagonal lines 167 and 166, for example, using a ramp filter for partial filtering.

[0032] When the image is captured by the camera 1 (shown in FIG. 17) with the light source 122 off and the light source 123 on, the filter function to be used completely filters the image from the right end of the card representation 131 to the diagonal line 166, does not apply the filter from the diagonal line 167 to the left end, and partially filters between the diagonal lines 166 and 167, for example, using a ramp filter for partial filtering.

[0033] Regarding the aforementioned filter function, Graph 132 shows an example of a filter function used for row 163 of the card representation 131 in an image taken with camera 121 (shown in Figure 17) with light source 122 on and light source 123 off. This filter function completely filters the image from the left edge of the card representation 131 to position 168 where the diagonal 167 intersects with row 163, and does not apply the filter from position 170 where the diagonal 166 intersects with row 163 to the right edge of the card representation 131. Between position 168 and position 170, the image is partially filtered, for example, by using a ramp filter.

[0034] Regarding the aforementioned filter function, Graph 133 shows an example of a filter function used for row 164 of card representation 131 in an image taken with camera 121 (shown in Figure 17) with light source 122 on and light source 123 off. This filter function completely filters the image from the left edge of card representation 131 to position 169 where the diagonal 167 intersects row 164, does not apply a filter from position 172 where the diagonal 166 intersects row 164 to the right edge of card representation 131, and partially filters between position 169 and position 172, for example, by using a ramp filter.

[0035] Regarding the aforementioned filter function, Graph 134 shows an example of a filter function used for row 165 of the card representation 131 in an image taken with camera 121 (shown in Figure 17) with light source 122 on and light source 123 off. This filter function completely filters the image from the left edge of the card representation 131 to position 171 where the diagonal line 167 intersects with row 165, and partially filters from position 171 to the right edge of the card representation 131, for example, by using a ramp filter.

[0036] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the use of a spatial filter to remove bright areas using the spatial filter function shown in Figure 19. The process starts in block 140. In block 141, the process is initialized to the top edge (row R=1) of the card representation 131. In block 142, row R of the first image (IM1) is obtained by turning on light source 122 and turning off light source 123. In the parallel block 145, row R of the second image (IM2) is obtained by turning off light source 122 and turning on light source 123.

[0037] In block 153, we obtain the first filter function used to filter row R of the first image. In the parallel block 154, we obtain the second filter function used to filter row R of the second image.

[0038] In block 143, each pixel in row R of the first image is multiplied by the value of the first filter function at the corresponding position in row R. In the parallel block 146, each pixel in row R of the second image is multiplied by the value of the second filter function at the corresponding image position in row R. In block 144, the filtered luminance value of row R of the first image is saved. In the parallel block 147, the filtered luminance value of row R of the second image is saved.

[0039] In block 148, the filtered luminance value stored for each pixel of the first image is added to the filtered luminance value stored for the corresponding pixel of the second image. In block 149, the result of this addition is used to generate the corresponding row for the output image.

[0040] In block 150, it is determined whether row R is the last row of the first and second images. If it is not the last row, the row number is incremented in block 151 (R=R+1), and the process returns to blocks 142 and 145. If row R is the last row of the first and second images in block 151, the process is completed in block 152.

[0041] Figure 21 illustrates the use of spatial filtering corresponding to two light sources that produce bright regions at different vertical positions in the captured image. In Figure 21, region 171 of card representation 170 is shown by an outline, representing the case where an image captured by the camera with the first light source on and the second light source off has a bright region. Region 173 of card representation 170 is also shown by an outline, representing the case where an image captured by camera 121 (shown in Figure 17) with the first light source off and the second light source on has a bright region. Region 172 is located between region 171 and region 173.

[0042] The filter function used when taking an image with a camera with the first light source on and the second light source off completely filters the image from the top edge of the card representation 170 to the horizontal line 177, does not apply a filter from the horizontal line 176 to the bottom edge, and partially filters the image between the horizontal line 177 and the horizontal line 176, for example, by using a ramp filter.

[0043] The filter function used when taking an image with a camera with the first light source off and the second light source on completely filters the image from the bottom edge of card representation 170 to the horizontal line 176, does not apply a filter from the horizontal line 177 to the top edge, and partially filters the image between the horizontal line 176 and the horizontal line 177, for example, by using a ramp filter.

[0044] Figure 22 is a simplified diagram of another capture image configuration illustrating a method for reducing reflection using an opaque lightbox. The camera housing 180 includes a camera 182 that captures an image of a card 181. Illumination is provided by light sources 183, 184, 186, and 187, each being, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The opaque box structure 185 reduces reflection from light sources 183 and 184. The opaque box structure 188 reduces reflection from light sources 186 and 187. By using an opaque lightbox, the light from the LEDs is limited, and the amount of reflection from the back of the camera housing is significantly reduced. Each opaque box structure uses, for example, two LEDs to facilitate better illumination across the entire width of the card. The LEDs are limited in their illumination range. The first LED is oriented straight towards the front area of ​​the lightbox. The second LED is oriented towards the far end of the card. This promotes good illumination across the entire surface of the card.

[0045] Even with multiple LEDs, uniform illumination of the document surface is difficult. Uneven illumination of the document surface results in bright and dark areas in the captured image. This can be compensated for by post-processing of the captured image. An example of such calibration method is shown below.

[0046] First, capture an image of a white card and use it as a reference image for calibration. The reference image will include both light and dark areas due to the uneven lighting on the document surface.

[0047] Secondly, select the target brightness level (BT). For an 8-bit pixel image, the BT value can typically be any value between 200 and 255. Alternatively, you can set the BT value to the average brightness value of the reference image.

[0048] Thirdly, for each pixel position in the reference image, the multiplier factor (MF) used to convert the pixel value of the reference image to the BT value is MF = (BT / pixel value). Each pixel position has its own unique multiplier value. In the case of a color image, there are three multiplier values ​​for each pixel, corresponding to the red, green, and blue pixel values.

[0049] Fourth, an array of MF values ​​for each pixel position is used as a calibration template and saved.

[0050] Fifth, when capturing an unprocessed (raw) image of the document, each pixel in the raw image is multiplied by the corresponding MF value in the saved calibration template. Pixel values ​​exceeding the maximum value of 255 are truncated to 255. This results in a calibrated image.

[0051] Figure 23 is a simplified front view of a card reader 200, including a camera 213, a mirror 212, a document insertion tray 211, a card reader housing 203, and a document sensor 201. The document 210 is placed on the document insertion tray 211 so that the camera 213 can capture an image of the upward-facing surface of the document 210. For example, the document 210 is in the form of a card, such as a business card, driver's license, insurance card, or other identification card. The document 210 may be laminated or otherwise coated to protect the information displayed on the document 210.

[0052] For example, mirror 212 is a front mirror (also called a first-face mirror) that reflects light on the front of the mirror glass rather than on the back of the glass. For example, mirror 212 has a silver coating on its front surface so that it reflects light on the front of the mirror glass. The position and orientation of camera 213 are selected so that the light reflected by mirror 212 can be captured, as shown in document 210.

[0053] For example, light sources 204 and 205 are positioned within the card reader housing to directly illuminate the document 210. The positions of light sources 204 and 205 are selected so that the bright areas resulting from each light source occur at different locations on the document 210. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0054] Figure 24 is a simplified front view of the card reader 600, and Figure 25 is a simplified side view of the card reader 600. The card reader 600 comprises a camera 613, a mirror 612, a document insertion tray 611, a card reader housing 603, and a document sensor 601. The document 610 is placed on the document insertion tray 611 so that the camera 613 can capture an image of the upward-facing surface of the document 610. For example, the document 610 may be in the form of a business card, driver's license, insurance card, or other identification card. The document 610 may be laminated or otherwise coated to protect the information contained in the document 610.

[0055] For example, mirror 612 is a front mirror (also called a first-face mirror) that reflects light on the front of the mirror glass rather than on the back of the glass. For example, mirror 612 has a silver coating on its front surface so that it reflects light on the front of the mirror glass. The position and orientation of camera 613 are selected so that the light reflected by mirror 612 can be captured, as shown in document 610.

[0056] For example, light sources 604 and 605 are positioned within the card reader housing so that the light reflected by the mirror 612 illuminates the document 610. The positions of light sources 604 and 605 are selected so that the bright areas resulting from the reflection by the mirror 612 originate from each light source 604 and 605 and occur at different locations on the document 610. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0057] In the embodiments shown in Figures 24 and 25, light sources 604 and 605 can be replaced with lightboxes, as shown in Figure 26. Figure 26 is a simplified front view of a card reader 220, including a camera 233, a mirror 232, a document insertion tray 231, a card reader housing 223, and a document sensor 221. The document 230 is placed on the document insertion tray 231 so that the camera 233 can capture an image of the upward-facing surface of the document 230. For example, the document 230 may be in the form of a business card, driver's license, insurance card, or other identification card. The document 230 may be laminated or otherwise coated to protect the information contained in the document 230.

[0058] For example, mirror 232 is a front mirror (also called a first-face mirror) that reflects light on the front of the mirror glass rather than on the back of the glass. For example, mirror 232 has a silver coating on its front surface so that it reflects light on the front of the mirror glass. The position and orientation of camera 233 are selected so that the light reflected by mirror 232 can be captured, as shown in document 230.

[0059] For example, light sources 224 and 225 are positioned within the card reader housing so that light reflected by mirror 232 illuminates document 230. The positions of light sources 224 and 225 are configured such that the bright areas originating from each light source 224 and 225 occur at different locations on document 230. This makes it easy to activate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above. For example, light source 224 is a lightbox containing LEDs 226 and 227. Light source 225 is a lightbox containing LEDs 228 and 229.

[0060] Figure 27 is a simplified front view of the card reader 240, including the camera 253, mirror 252, and card reader housing 254. The glass top 251 is used to isolate the camera 253 and mirror 252 from external elements such as dirt and dust. For example, the glass top 251 is made of glass with an anti-reflective coating on one or both of its surfaces that reduces the amount of surface reflection that can cause glare on the captured image.

[0061] For example, light sources 244 and 245 are positioned in predetermined locations within the card reader housing to directly illuminate the document 250, thereby creating bright areas originating from each light source 244 and 245 at different locations on the document 250. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0062] The flat lid 241 is attached by hinges 242 and 243. Hinges 242 and 243 are configured to allow documents to be received on the glass top 251 by opening and closing the lid 241. The lid 241 serves to reduce ambient and background light.

[0063] Figure 28 shows a simplified front view of the card reader 260, and Figure 29 shows a simplified side view thereof. The card reader 260 comprises a camera 273, a mirror 272, and a card reader housing 274. A glass top 271 is used to isolate the camera 273 and the mirror 272 from external elements such as dirt and dust. For example, the glass top 271 is made of glass with an anti-reflective coating on one or both of its surfaces to reduce glare (reflected light) that may occur on the captured image.

[0064] For example, light sources 264 and 265 are positioned in predetermined locations within the card reader housing, and are configured such that bright areas resulting from the light reflected by the mirror 272 from each light source 264 and 265 occur at different locations on the document 270. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0065] The lid 261, attached by hinge 262, covers the glass top area and serves to reduce ambient and background light. Instead of a flat lid, an umbrella-shaped curved canopy can be used to block light from above the scanner and background light. This canopy is fixed to one side of the scanner housing, for example, on the hinge position 262 side. The other side of the canopy is open, allowing cards to be inserted and removed from the glass top. This is illustrated in the embodiment shown in Figure 55 below.

[0066] Similar card readers can also be configured without a cover. This is because the document is illuminated internally, and the entire surface of the glass can be considered the area of ​​the captured image. If the card surface has contrast with the image background (with or without a cover), edge detection methods can be used to further separate the card portion from the captured image.

[0067] Figure 30 shows a simplified front view of a card reader 280 comprising a camera 293, a mirror 292, and a card reader housing 294. A glass top 291 is used to isolate the camera 293 and mirror 292 from external elements such as dirt and dust. For example, the glass top 291 is made of glass with an anti-reflective coating on one or both of its surfaces to reduce the amount of surface reflection, i.e., the glare that may occur on the captured image.

[0068] For example, light sources 284 and 285 are positioned in predetermined locations within the card reader housing, and are configured such that bright areas resulting from light reflected by mirror 292 from each light source 284 and 285 occur at different locations on the document 290. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0069] For example, light source 284 is a lightbox containing LEDs 286 and 287. Also, for example, light source 285 is a lightbox containing LEDs 288 and 289.

[0070] Figure 31 shows a simplified top view of the duplex card scanner 299, and Figure 32 shows a simplified side view thereof. The duplex card scanner 299 includes cameras 301 and 302 within a scanner housing 300. The card 298 is positioned between mirrors 303 and 304, which are arranged as shown in the figure. Camera 301 captures an image including the first side of the card 298. Camera 302 captures an image including the second side of the card 298. Illumination of the first side of the card 298 is provided by direct illumination from light sources 305 and 306. For example, light sources 305 and 306 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 300 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the first side of the card 298. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0071] Illumination of the second surface of card 298 is provided by direct illumination from light sources 307 and 308. For example, light sources 307 and 308 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 300 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the second surface of card 298. This makes it easy to activate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0072] Figure 33 shows a simplified top view of the duplex card scanner 499, and Figure 34 shows a simplified side view thereof. The duplex card scanner 499 uses a camera system comprising cameras 501 and 502 within a scanner housing 500. The card 498 is positioned between mirrors 503 and 504, which are arranged as shown in the figure. Camera 501 captures an image including the first side of the card 498. Camera 502 captures an image including the second side of the card 498. Illumination of the first side of the card 498 is provided by light from light sources 505 and 506 reflected by mirror 503. For example, light sources 505 and 506 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 500 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the first side of the card 498. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0073] Illumination of the second surface of card 498 is provided by light from light sources 507 and 508 reflected through mirror 504. For example, light sources 507 and 508 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 500 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the second surface of card 498. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0074] Figure 35 shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner 319 that uses a camera system including a camera 311 within a scanner housing 310. The card 312 is positioned between mirrors 313 and 314, which are arranged as shown. The camera 311 captures an image including both the first and second sides of the card 312. The image is then cropped to produce a captured image of the first side of the card 312 and a captured image of the second side. The captured images of the first and second sides of the card 312 are processed independently, enabling duplex capture, handling, and reproduction of the card 312.

[0075] Illumination of the first surface of card 312 is provided by direct illumination from light sources 315 and 316. For example, light sources 315 and 316 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 310 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the first surface of card 312. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0076] Illumination of the second surface of card 312 is provided by direct illumination from light sources 317 and 318. For example, light sources 317 and 318 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 310 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the second surface of card 312. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0077] Figure 36 shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner 329 using a camera 321 within a scanner housing 320. The card 322 is positioned between mirrors 323 and 324, which are arranged as shown in the figure. The camera 321 captures an image including both the first and second sides of the card 322. The image is cropped to produce captured images of the first and second sides of the card 322. The captured images of the first and second sides of the card 322 can be processed independently, enabling duplex capture, handling, and reproduction of the card 322.

[0078] Illumination of the first surface of card 322 is provided by light from light sources 325 and 326 reflected by mirror 323. For example, light sources 325 and 326 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 320 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the first surface of card 322. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0079] Illumination of the second surface of card 322 is provided by light from light sources 327 and 328 reflected by mirror 324. For example, light sources 327 and 328 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 320 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the second surface of card 322. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0080] Figures 37 and 38 show a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner 339 using a camera 331 within a scanner housing 330. The card 332 is positioned between mirrors 333 and 334, which are arranged as shown. The camera 331 is rotatable around a pivot axis 340. When the camera 331 is swiveled to the position shown in Figure 37, the camera 331 rotates to capture an image of the first surface of the card 332. Illumination of the first surface of the card 332 is provided by light from light sources 335 and 336 reflected by mirror 333. For example, light sources 335 and 336 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 330 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the first surface of the card 332. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0081] When camera 331 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 38, camera 331 rotates to capture an image of the second side of card 332. Illumination of the second side of card 332 is provided by light from light sources 337 and 338 reflected by mirror 334. For example, light sources 337 and 338 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 330 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the second side of card 332. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0082] Figure 39 is a simplified side view showing the implementation of a swivel in a double-sided card scanner 359 using a camera 351 within a scanner housing 350, and Figure 40 is a further simplified top view thereof. The card 352 is positioned between mirrors 353 and 354 arranged as shown. The camera 351 is mounted on a camera post 360. A motor 363 rotates the camera post via a pinion 362 and gear 361 so that the camera 351 captures an image of the first or second surface of the card 352, as described above. For example, illumination of the second surface of the card 352 is provided by light from light sources 367 and 368 reflected by mirror 354. For example, light sources 367 and 368 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 350 and configured so that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the second surface of the card 352. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above. Also, the optical emitter 364 and sensor 365 shown in Figure 40 are used to detect whether the card 352 is present inside the scanner housing 350. For example, the optical emitter 364 is an infrared light emitter, and the sensor 365 is an infrared photodetector. Light from the optical emitter 364 is reflected by mirrors 354 and 353 before reaching the infrared photodetector 365. If the card 352 is present, the light from the optical emitter 364 does not reach the sensor 365.

[0083] Figure 41 shows how light sources 372 and 373 can be mounted on post 370 together with camera 371. Light sources 372 and 373 can be used to illuminate both sides of the card. Light sources 372 and 373 are positioned such that bright areas originating from each light source are located at different positions on both sides of the card. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0084] Figure 42 is a simplified side view showing the implementation of a swivel in a double-sided card scanner 389 using a camera 381 within a scanner housing 380. The card 382 is positioned between two mirrors, one of which mirrors 384 is shown in Figure 42. The camera 381 is mounted on a camera post 390 connected to a gear 391, which rotates the camera post 390, allowing the camera 381 to capture an image of the first or second side of the card 382. Light sources 392 and 393 are also mounted on the post 390 together with the camera 381. Light sources 392 and 393 are used to illuminate both sides of the card 382. Light sources 392 and 393 are positioned such that bright areas originating from each light source are located at different positions on both sides of the card 382. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above. For example, light source 392 is a lightbox containing LEDs 385 and 386. Also, light source 393 is a lightbox containing LEDs 387 and 388.

[0085] Figure 43 shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner 409 using a camera 401 within a scanner housing 400, and Figure 44 shows a simplified side view thereof. The card 402 is positioned between mirrors 403 and 404, which are arranged as shown in the figure. The camera 401 is rotatable around a pivot axis. When the camera 401 is rotated to a first position, the camera 401 rotates to capture an image of the first surface of the card 402. Illumination of the first surface of the card 402 is provided by direct illumination from light sources 405, 406, 415, and 416. For example, light sources 405, 406, 415, and 416 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 400 and configured such that bright areas originating from each light source occur at different locations on the first surface of the card 402. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0086] When the camera 401 is rotated to capture an image of the second side of the card 402, illumination of the second side of the card 402 is provided by direct illumination from light sources 407, 408, 417, and 418. For example, light sources 407, 408, 417, and 418 are positioned in predetermined locations within the scanner housing 400 and configured such that bright areas occur at different locations on the second side of the card 402. This makes it easy to activate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above.

[0087] Figure 45 shows a simplified diagram of a scanner housing 420 including a card support mechanism implemented using an anti-reflective glass holder 419. The anti-reflective glass holder 419 has two anti-reflective glass sheets held between an upper glass support 423 and a lower glass support 428. Anti-reflective glass is preferred, but ordinary uncoated glass sheets may be used. When a card 422 is placed between the two anti-reflective glass sheets, the lower end of the card 422 rests on the card base 421. A lever 424 rotates around a pivot axis 425, which moves the card base support 426 up and down within the card base support guide 427, allowing the user to control the position of the card base 421. A spring 429 attached to the card base support 426 returns the card base 421 to a predetermined position when the user does not apply force to the lever 424. For example, that predetermined position is the lower position.

[0088] Figure 46 shows a simplified diagram of a scanner housing 430 including a card support mechanism implemented with an anti-reflective glass holder 432. The anti-reflective glass holder 432 has two anti-reflective glass sheets held between an upper glass support 433 and a lower glass support 438. When a card is placed between the two anti-reflective glass sheets, the lower end of the card rests on the card base 431. A lever 434 is connected to a cable 440, which rotates around a pulley 435, causing the card base support 436 to move up and down within a card base support guide 437, allowing the user to control the position of the card base 431. A spring 439 attached to the card base support 436 returns the card base 431 to a predetermined position when the user does not apply force to the lever 434. For example, that predetermined position is the lower position.

[0089] Figure 47 shows a simplified diagram of a scanner housing 450 including a card support mechanism implemented using an anti-reflective glass holder 452. The anti-reflective glass holder 452 has two anti-reflective glass sheets held between an upper glass support 453 and a lower glass support 458. When a card is placed between the two anti-reflective glass sheets, the lower end of the card rests on the card base 451. A pinion 455 is attached to a motor 459, which meshes with a rack 454 that forms part of the card base support 456, thereby moving the card base support 456 up and down within the card base support guide 457. This allows the user to control the position of the card base 451.

[0090] Figures 48, 49, and 50 show a simplified diagram of a scanner housing 475 including a card support mechanism implemented with an anti-reflective glass holder 469. The anti-reflective glass holder 469 has two anti-reflective glass sheets held between an upper glass support 473 and a lower glass support 478. Figure 48 shows the scanner housing 475 ready to accept a card.

[0091] Figure 49 shows a card 472 placed within an anti-reflective glass holder 469 located between two anti-reflective glass sheets. When the card 472 is placed between the two anti-reflective glass sheets, the lower end of the card 472 rests on the lower fixed base portion 461, the upper fixed base portion 467, and the movable base portion 470. These are tilted by the inclined support base 468. The inclined support base 468 is a support structure that can be integrated with the card reader housing. The movable base portion 470 is in contact with the lower stopper 462. The inclined support base portion 468 causes the anti-reflective glass holder 469 to be inclined, ensuring that the card 472 slides into the alignment corner 460, thereby ensuring that the card 472 is positioned in a consistent and predictable location within the anti-reflective glass holder 469. The swing arm 463 is connected to the movable base portion 470 and the gear 464.

[0092] When the card is ready for ejection, the motor 466 rotates the pinion 465, which in turn rotates the gear 464, and thus rotates the connected swing arm 463 and movable base 470 (see Figure 50). The upper stopper 472 prevents the movable base 470 from over-rotating. As the movable base 470 rotates, it pushes the card 472 up, dislodging a portion of the card 472 from the anti-reflective glass holder 469, allowing the user to easily remove the card 472 from the scanner housing 475. After the card 472 is removed, the motor 466 rotates the pinion 465 in the reverse direction, thereby rotating the gear 464, swing arm 463, and movable base 470, so that the movable base 470 contacts the lower stopper 462 again, preparing to place the next card in the anti-reflective glass holder 469.

[0093] Figure 51 shows a simplified block diagram of the scanner 485, including the scanner housing 480, card tray 481, camera 482, mirror 483, and mirror housing 484. Other scanner components have been omitted to avoid complexity in the drawing. The mirror 483 may accumulate dirt over time, potentially reducing the clarity of the image captured by the camera 482. Therefore, it is desirable to allow the user to access and clean the mirror 483.

[0094] The card tray 481 is inclined with respect to a plane located midway between the horizontal and vertical directions. Therefore, due to gravity, cards placed on the card tray 481 slide down and self-align with the lowest corner of the card tray 481, enabling image capture. The input tray may be removable or may be attached as part of the scanner housing 480. As shown in the figure, a support structure is integrally provided within the card reader housing 480 to allow the card tray 481 to have an inclination angle.

[0095] Figure 56 shows that the card tray 481 has a cutout area 488 so that the user can easily remove the card 487 inside the card tray 481 with their thumb and fingers.

[0096] For example, the scanner shown in Figure 51 can be implemented in the same way as the card reader 600 shown in Figures 24 and 25. In this case, the card reader 600 is mounted rotated so that the input tray is tilted from the horizontal plane.

[0097] For example, Figure 52 shows a simplified block diagram of a scanner 492 including a scanner housing 490, a card tray 491, a mirror 493, and a mirror housing section 494. The mirror housing section 494 is attached to the scanner housing 490 via a pivot shaft 495, and the mirror housing section 494 can be rotated around the pivot shaft 495 to move to the open position (shown in Figure 52). This allows the user to access and clean the mirror 493. When in use, the mirror housing section 494 is returned to the closed position and positioned so that it contacts a stopper 496 inside the scanner housing 490. As shown in the figure, a support structure is integrally provided inside the scanner housing 490 so that the card input tray 491 is positioned at an inclined angle.

[0098] As another embodiment, Figure 53 shows a simplified block diagram of a scanner 512 including a scanner housing 510, a card tray 511, a mirror 513, and a mirror housing 514. Removing the mirror housing 514 from the housing 510 allows the user to access and clean the mirror 513. Removing the mirror housing 514 from the housing 520 allows the user to access and clean the mirror 513. After cleaning is complete, the mirror housing 514 is returned to the closed position and secured to the stepped portion 515 in the housing 510 with a screw 517, and to the stepped portion 516 in the housing 510 with a screw 518. Alternatively, a catch, clip, or other fastening device may be used instead of screws 517 and 518.

[0099] As another embodiment, Figure 54 shows a simplified block diagram of a scanner 522 including a scanner housing 520, a card tray 521, a mirror 523, and a mirror housing 524. When the mirror housing 524 is removed from the housing 520, the user can access and clean the mirror 523. After cleaning is complete, the mirror housing 524 is returned to the closed position and slid into the groove 525 in the housing 520. The mirror housing 524 is secured in the groove 525 using a screw 526. Alternatively, a catch, clip, or other fastening device may be used instead of the screw 526.

[0100] Figure 55 shows a simplified side view of a card reader 660, which includes a camera 673, a mirror 672, and a card reader housing 674. A glass top 671 is used to isolate the camera 673 and mirror 672 from external elements such as dirt and dust. For example, the glass top 671 is made of glass with an anti-reflective coating on one or both sides to reduce surface reflections that may cause glare in the captured image.

[0101] For example, light source 665 and other light sources (not shown) are arranged within the card reader housing and configured such that the light reflected by mirror 672 causes bright areas from each light source to appear at different locations on the document 670. This makes it easy to operate one light source at a time to capture an image, and then remove the bright areas using, for example, pixel comparison processing, spatial filtering processing, or other filtering processing as described above. The document 670 is placed on the glass 671 and under the canopy cover 676. The canopy cover 676 prevents ambient light from interfering with the image capture process. The canopy cover 676 is open on one side, providing enough space for the user to insert the document 670 onto the glass top 671 or remove it from the glass top 671, as shown by arrow 675. For example, the document 670 is a card. Some embodiments of the present invention are described in the following sections [1]-

[10] .

[0102] " [Item 1] It is a card scanner, A card support mechanism that accepts cards, First camera and, A first light source is positioned such that a first image of the first surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, and so that a first bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the first light source lies within a first position on the first surface of the card. A second light source is positioned such that a second image of the first surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, thereby creating a second bright region on the first surface of the card, which is formed by the reflection of light originating from the second light source, within a second position on the first surface of the card, and the first and second positions do not overlap. An image processor comprising: an image processor that combines the first image on the first surface of the card with the second image on the first surface of the card to generate a first composite image in which the first bright region and the second bright region are filtered by the image processor; Card scanner. [Item 2] The card scanner according to item 1, wherein the image processor performs a pixel-by-pixel comparison between the first image and the second image, filters the first bright region and the second bright region from the first composite image, and for each pixel, selects the pixel with the lowest brightness from the first image and the second image and includes it in the first composite image. [Item 3] The card scanner according to item 1, wherein the image processor filters the first bright region and the second bright region from the first composite image by performing a pixel-by-pixel comparison between the first image and the second image, and for each pixel, selects the pixel with the lowest brightness from the first image and the second image and includes it in the first composite image, and furthermore, the pixel-by-pixel comparison is performed for each color pixel at each pixel position in the first image and the second image. [Item 4] The image processor is Based on the following, The first image on the first side of the card and the second image on the first side of the card are combined to generate the first combined image. Using the pixels of the first region in the first image that does not include the first bright region, a first corresponding region is generated in the first composite image; Using the pixels of the second region in the second image that does not include the second bright region, a second corresponding region in the first composite image is generated; The brightness of the pixels in the third region of the first image is filtered by the first filter function to generate the first filtered pixels; A step of generating second filtered pixels by filtering the brightness of the pixels in the third corresponding region of the second image with a second filter function, wherein the second filter function is a complementary filter function to the first filter function; and The corresponding pixel values ​​of the first filtered pixel and the second filtered pixel are added together to generate each pixel in the third corresponding region of the first composite image. Here, the first region, the second region, and the third region do not overlap with each other. The card scanner described in item 1. [Item 5] The card scanner further includes a mirror, The first light source and the second light source are each configured to directly illuminate the first surface of the card. The first camera captures the first image and the second image reflected by the mirror. The card scanner described in item 1. [Item 6] Furthermore, including mirrors, The first light source and the second light source are each configured to illuminate the first side of the card. The first camera captures the first image and the second image reflected by the mirror. The card scanner described in item 1. [Item 7] The second camera, A third light source is positioned such that the third image of the second side of the card, captured by the second camera, is visible to the second camera, and so that the third bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the third light source is located within the third position on the second side of the card. A fourth light source is positioned such that a fourth image of the second face of the card, captured by the second camera, is visible to the second camera, thereby causing a fourth bright area on the second face of the card, created by the reflection of light originating from the fourth light source, to be within a fourth position on the second face of the card, where the third and fourth positions do not overlap. The image processor combines the third image on the second side of the card with the fourth image on the second side of the card to generate a second composite image in which the third and fourth bright regions are filtered by the image processor. The card scanner described in item 1. [Item 8] A third light source is positioned such that the third image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, and so that a third bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the third light source is located within a third position on the second surface of the card. A fourth light source is positioned such that a fourth image of the second face of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, thereby causing a fourth bright region on the second face of the card, created by the reflection of light originating from the fourth light source, to be within a fourth position on the second face of the card, such that the third and fourth positions do not overlap. The image processor combines the third image on the second side of the card with the fourth image on the second side of the card to generate a second composite image in which the third bright region and the fourth bright region are filtered by the image processor. The card scanner described in item 1. [Item 9] The camera, the first light source, and the post to which the second light source is attached, First mirror and, The second mirror, and further, The first camera rotates to a first position and captures the first image and the second image reflected in the first mirror. The first camera rotates to the second position to capture the third image of the second side of the card and the fourth image of the second side of the card reflected in the second mirror. The first light source is positioned such that the third image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, thereby causing the third bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the first light source to be located within the third position on the second surface of the card. The second light source is positioned such that the fourth image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, thereby ensuring that the fourth bright area created by the reflection of light originating from the second light source is located within the fourth position on the second surface of the card. The third position and the fourth position do not overlap, The image processor combines the third image on the second side of the card with the fourth image on the second side of the card to generate a second composite image in which the third bright region and the fourth bright region are filtered by the image processor. The card scanner described in item 1. [Item 10] A card scanning method, A process of receiving the card by a card support mechanism, A step of illuminating the first side of the card with a first light source, A step of capturing a first image of the first surface of the card with the camera, wherein the first image includes a first bright region created on the first surface of the card by light originating from the first light source. A step of illuminating the first side of the card with a second light source, and A step of capturing a second image of the first surface of the card with the camera, wherein the second image includes a second bright region created on the first surface of the card by light originating from the second light source, and wherein the positions of the first bright region and the second bright region do not overlap. Furthermore, the image processor includes an image processor which combines the first image on the first surface of the card with the second image on the first surface of the card to generate a first composite image in which the first bright region and the second bright region are filtered by the image processor. How to scan a card. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0103] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the captured image. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the bright areas that appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface when using the lighting configuration shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the bright areas that appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface when using the lighting configuration shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows how the position of bright areas that may appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface can change by changing the position of the light source. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows how the position of bright areas that may appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface can change by changing the position of the light source. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows how the position of bright areas that may appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface can change by varying the vertical distance of the light source. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows how the position of bright areas that may appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface can change by varying the vertical distance of the light source. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the process of capturing images by turning on light sources one at a time, and then removing bright areas using pixel comparison processing. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the process of capturing images by turning on light sources one at a time, and then removing bright areas using pixel comparison processing. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows the process of capturing images by turning on light sources one by one, and then removing bright areas using pixel comparison processing. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of a pixel comparison processor that removes bright areas. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of how different intensity values ​​for red, green, and blue at each pixel location can be considered. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the process of removing bright areas from an image using spatial filtering and synthesis. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the process of removing bright areas from an image using spatial filtering and synthesis. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the captured image. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an elongated bright region that may appear on an image of a card with a glossy surface when using the lighting configuration shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a simplified diagram showing the configuration of the captured image. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a simplified diagram showing a different capture image configuration. [Figure 19] Figure 19 illustrates an example of spatial filtering in which two light sources are placed at opposite corners on the diagonal of the camera housing, as shown in Figure 17. [Figure 20] Figure 20 illustrates an example of spatial filtering in which two light sources are placed at opposite corners on the diagonal of the camera housing, as shown in Figure 17. [Figure 21] Figure 21 illustrates an example of using spatial filtering to produce bright areas at different vertical positions in the captured image, corresponding to two light sources. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a simplified diagram showing another capture image configuration that illustrates how reflections can be reduced using an opaque lightbox. [Figure 23]Figure 23 is a simplified front view of the card reader. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows various simplified diagrams of other card readers. [Figure 25] Figure 25 shows various simplified diagrams of other card readers. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a simplified front view of the card reader. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a simplified front view of the card reader. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a simplified front view of the card reader. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a simplified side view of the card reader. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a simplified front view of the card reader. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a simplified side view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a simplified side view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 37] Figure 37 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a simplified side view showing a swivel mounted inside a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a simplified top view showing a swivel mounted inside a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 41] Figure 41 shows a configuration in which a light source is mounted on the post along with the camera. [Figure 42]Figure 42 is a simplified side view showing a swivel mounted inside a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a simplified top view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a simplified side view of a double-sided card scanner. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a simplified diagram showing the card support mechanism. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a simplified diagram showing the card support mechanism. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a simplified diagram showing the card support mechanism. [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a simplified diagram showing the card support mechanism. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a simplified diagram showing the card support mechanism. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a simplified diagram showing the card support mechanism. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is a simplified diagram showing different scanner configurations that allow for mirror cleaning by opening or removing the mirror housing of each scanner. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a simplified diagram showing different scanner configurations that allow for mirror cleaning by opening or removing the mirror housing of each scanner. [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a simplified diagram showing different scanner configurations that allow for mirror cleaning by opening or removing the mirror housing of each scanner. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a simplified diagram showing different scanner configurations that allow for mirror cleaning by opening or removing the mirror housing of each scanner. [Figure 55] Figure 55 shows a simplified side view of the card reader. [Figure 56] Figure 56 shows a card insertion tray having a notch to make it easier for the user to remove the card.

Claims

1. It is a card scanner, A card support mechanism that accepts cards, First camera and, A first light source is positioned such that a first image of the first surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, and so that a first bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the first light source is located at a first position on the first surface of the card. A second light source is positioned such that the second image of the first surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, and so that the second bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the second light source on the first surface of the card is within a second position on the first surface of the card, and the first position and the second position do not overlap. An image processor comprising: an image processor that combines the first image on the first surface of the card and the second image on the first surface of the card to generate a first composite image in which the first bright region and the second bright region are filtered by the image processor; Card scanner.

2. The card scanner according to claim 1, wherein the image processor performs a pixel-by-pixel comparison between the first image and the second image, filters the first bright region and the second bright region from the first composite image, and for each pixel, selects the pixel with the lowest brightness from the first image and the second image and includes it in the first composite image.

3. The card scanner according to claim 1, wherein the image processor filters the first bright region and the second bright region from the first composite image by performing a pixel-by-pixel comparison between the first image and the second image, and for each pixel, selects the pixel with the lowest brightness from the first image and the second image and includes it in the first composite image, and furthermore, the pixel-by-pixel comparison is performed for each color pixel at each pixel position in the first image and the second image.

4. The image processor generates the first composite image by combining the first image of the first surface of the card and the second image of the first surface of the card, based on the following: Using the pixels of the first region in the first image that does not include the first bright region, a first corresponding region is generated in the first composite image; Using the pixels of the second region in the second image that does not include the second bright region, a second corresponding region is generated in the first composite image; The brightness of the pixels in the third region of the first image is filtered by the first filter function to generate the first filtered pixels; A step of generating second filtered pixels by filtering the brightness of the pixels in the third corresponding region of the second image with a second filter function, wherein the second filter function is a complementary filter function to the first filter function; and The corresponding pixel values ​​of the first filtered pixel and the second filtered pixel are added together to generate each pixel in the third corresponding region of the first composite image. Here, the first region, the second region, and the third region do not overlap with each other. The card scanner according to claim 1.

5. The card scanner further includes a mirror, The first light source and the second light source are each configured to directly illuminate the first surface of the card. The first camera captures the first image and the second image reflected by the mirror. The card scanner according to claim 1.

6. Furthermore, including mirrors, The first light source and the second light source are each configured to illuminate the first side of the card. The first camera captures the first image and the second image reflected by the mirror. The card scanner according to claim 1.

7. The second camera, A third light source is positioned such that the third image of the second surface of the card, captured by the second camera, is visible to the second camera, and so that the third bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the third light source is located within the third position on the second surface of the card. A fourth light source is positioned such that the fourth image of the second surface of the card, captured by the second camera, is visible to the second camera, thereby causing the fourth bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the fourth light source on the second surface of the card to be within the fourth position on the second surface of the card, with the third position and the fourth position not overlapping. The image processor combines the third image on the second side of the card with the fourth image on the second side of the card to generate a second composite image in which the third bright region and the fourth bright region are filtered. The card scanner according to claim 1.

8. A third light source is positioned such that the third image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, and so that the third bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the third light source is located within the third position on the second surface of the card. A fourth light source is positioned such that the fourth image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, and so that the fourth bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the fourth light source on the second surface of the card is within the fourth position on the second surface of the card, and the third position and the fourth position do not overlap. The image processor combines the third image on the second surface of the card with the fourth image on the second surface of the card to generate a second composite image in which the third bright region and the fourth bright region are filtered by the image processor. The card scanner according to claim 1.

9. The camera, the first light source, and the second light source are attached to a post, First mirror and, The second mirror, and further, The first camera rotates to the first position and captures the first image and the second image reflected in the first mirror. The first camera rotates to the second position to capture the third image of the second side of the card and the fourth image of the second side of the card reflected in the second mirror. The first light source is positioned such that the third image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, thereby ensuring that the third bright region created by the reflection of light originating from the first light source is located within the third position on the second surface of the card. The second light source is positioned such that the fourth image of the second surface of the card, captured by the first camera, is visible to the first camera, thereby causing the fourth bright area created by the reflection of light originating from the second light source to be located within the fourth position on the second surface of the card. The third position and the fourth position do not overlap, The image processor combines the third image on the second surface of the card with the fourth image on the second surface of the card to generate a second composite image in which the third bright region and the fourth bright region are filtered by the image processor. The card scanner according to claim 1.

10. A card scanning method, A step of receiving the card by a card support mechanism, A step of illuminating the first side of the card with a first light source, A step of capturing a first image of the first surface of the card with the camera, wherein the first image includes a first bright region created on the first surface of the card by light originating from the first light source, A step of illuminating the first surface of the card with a second light source, and A step of capturing a second image of the first surface of the card with the camera, wherein the second image includes a second bright region created on the first surface of the card by light originating from the second light source, and the positions of the first bright region and the second bright region do not overlap. Furthermore, the image processor includes an image processor which combines the first image on the first surface of the card and the second image on the first surface of the card to generate a first composite image in which the first bright region and the second bright region are filtered by the image processor. How to scan a card.

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