Check Processor Bi-Directional Drive Single Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current check-processing machines are costly due to the high proportion of digital image-capture devices, particularly contact image scanners, which are necessary for capturing both sides of a check, and there is a need for a compact, low-cost solution that can efficiently process financial documents at a faster rate for decentralized processing.
Innovation Solution
A compact desktop document processor with a bi-directional drive mechanism and a one-way gate allows a single image camera or printing mechanism to capture or print both sides of a document by reversing its orientation within a document track, reducing the need for multiple image-capture or printing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two digital image-capture devices are used to capture both sides of a check, then image capture completeness is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two separate image-capture devices into a single device by implementing a bidirectional transport mechanism that presents both sides of the check to one camera alternately, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining complete image capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic bidirectional transport of the check through the use of reversible drive rollers and a one-way gate mechanism, allowing the single image-capture device to capture images of both sides of the check by changing the transport direction, thus eliminating the need for two static imaging devices
2Reliability
If two digital image-capture devices are used to capture both sides of a check, then image capture completeness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the imaging functions into a single device setup, reducing the bill of materials and manufacturing complexity associated with producing, assembling, and calibrating two separate image-capture devices, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost
3Productivity
If a compact desktop processor is used for decentralized check processing, then processing speed is improved, but the proportion of image-capture cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple imaging functions into a single image-capture device used alternately for both sides of the check, the patent reduces the overall image-capture system cost proportion in compact processors, making decentralized check processing more economically viable
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for capturing images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents includes a base unit including an input slot for receiving a document to be processed. A transport stage located within the base unit receives the document from the input slot. The transport stage includes a document track, a processing device located along the document track, and a one-way gate located along the document track after the processing device. The document track includes a second, return path extending from a location at the one-way gate to a location before the processing device. A bi-directional drive mechanism receives the document as the document passes through the one-way gate in the forward direction. The bi-directional drive mechanism then reverses direction to drive the document in the reverse direction. The one-way gate is arranged to divert the document traveling in the reverse direction into the second, return path and re-introduce the document to the processing device with the document now in a reverse orientation.