Area-Array Sensor Form Processing Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image processing systems using area-array sensors face challenges in accurately processing markings on forms without precise positioning, leading to inefficiencies and the need for costly mechanical devices or stands to maintain form alignment.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system employing an area-array image sensor with integrated light sources to project alignment patterns, allowing users to position forms freely in space, ensuring accurate image capture and processing regardless of tilt or position within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an area-array image sensor is used to simultaneously obtain images of numerous lines of markings, then the productivity is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to form position and tilt variations
Solution Approach 1:
A pattern generator creates reference alignment patterns that serve as intermediaries between the form and the area-array sensor. These patterns provide a stable reference framework that compensates for form position and tilt variations, enabling accurate marking position measurement even when the form is not precisely positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of having a fixed sensor position to allowing sensor and form relative movement within a range, while using software-based alignment pattern recognition to maintain measurement precision. This parameter change enables free-space positioning while preserving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If electro-mechanical devices are used to precisely position the form, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning devices with an optical-computational system. Instead of using electro-mechanical devices to physically position the form, the system uses area-array imaging combined with software-based alignment pattern recognition to achieve precise measurement, thereby eliminating complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment patterns serve as intermediaries that enable precise measurement without mechanical positioning. These patterns are recognized by the image sensor and used to computationally determine the form's position and orientation, replacing the need for electro-mechanical positioning systems.
3Measurement precision
If stands are used to position the form in a predetermined manner, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical stands and mechanical positioning structures with a software-based alignment system. The area-array sensor captures images of alignment patterns on the form, and software algorithms determine the form's position and orientation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical stands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from mechanical stands and relocates it to the image processing software. By separating the alignment function from physical structures and implementing it computationally, the system eliminates bulky stands while maintaining positioning accuracy.
4Measurement precision
If linear image sensors are used to obtain images of non-uniform lines, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the productivity deteriorates due to tedious manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple linear sensor readings into a single area-array image capture. Instead of sequentially scanning each line with a linear sensor, the system captures all lines simultaneously using an area-array sensor, combining the functionality of multiple linear sensors into one device to improve productivity while maintaining precision through alignment pattern recognition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate processing of form markings without the need for mechanical positioning devices or stands, improving user convenience and reducing costs by allowing forms to be imaged and processed in free-space with minimal distortion.
Implementation Method 1
sensed light reflected by a lottery playslip
Implementation Method 2
LEDs to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
In a system and method for processing a form comprising a plurality of entry markings, an area-array image sensor may capture an image of the form in free-space without requiring relative movement of the sensor and the form. A processor may interpret the captured image to determine at least a first entry selection based, at least in part, on the position of at least one of the plurality of entry markings with respect to at least one other marking in the image.