Compact ID Card Scanner with Linear Flowpath and Single Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional document scanners are bulky and expensive, struggling to efficiently scan both sides of stiff ID cards like driver's licenses, which are not well-suited for serpentine paths, and often require multiple digital imaging chips, doubling costs and calibration needs. Additionally, they slow down identification verification processes and are not well-adapted for use in space-constrained areas like airports or bars.
Innovation Solution
A compact document scanner with a unique short and inline flowpath using sequential light spectrum illumination and a single optical sensor, combined with a magnetic strip reader, to capture images of both sides of ID cards under various light spectrums, reducing costs and calibration requirements while enabling fast and accurate authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional serpentine path scanning is used, then both sides of ID cards can be scanned, but the device becomes bulky and expensive requiring multiple digital imaging chips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple digital imaging chips into a single integrated imaging sensor that captures both sides of the ID card simultaneously through a linear path, eliminating the need for separate imaging systems for each side and reducing overall device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a serpentine (curved) scanning path to a linear (straight) scanning path, fundamentally changing the dimensional approach to card traversal and enabling concurrent imaging of both card sides through optimized optical positioning
2Measurement precision
If multiple digital imaging chips are used to scan both sides, then imaging capability is improved, but calibration requirements and costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging functions into a single digital imaging chip that can capture both sides of the ID card, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures for multiple chips and reducing calibration complexity while maintaining comprehensive imaging capability
3Measurement precision
If conventional scanners are used, then ID cards can be scanned, but verification process slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous scanning along a linear path without the stop-and-go motion required by serpentine paths, allowing uninterrupted capture of both card sides and significantly reducing the time required for complete authentication
4Adaptability or versatility
If serpentine path scanning is used, then both sides of documents can be imaged, but stiff ID cards are not well-suited for curved paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the curved serpentine path with a straight linear scanning path that is naturally compatible with rigid ID cards, eliminating the mechanical conflict between card stiffness and path curvature while maintaining the ability to scan both card sides
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
The solution allows for concurrent imaging and authentication of ID cards with reduced device size and cost, enhancing verification speed and accuracy, and is suitable for use in limited spaces, effectively addressing the challenges of conventional scanners.
Implementation Method 1
sequential light spectrum illumination and a single optical sensor, to capture images of both sides of ID cards under various light spectrums
Data Source
AI summary
An improved document scanner for imaging documents and decoding coded indicia such as bar codes and magnetic strips is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner incorporates a set of emergency exit instructions so that a user can always retrieve sensitive documents at a moment's notice. These instructions include receiving an emergency exit command from a jamming sensor or from the user, and then attempting mechanical translation toward a first exit and further subsequent translation toward a second exit. If the document is not successfully retrieved, the scanner prepares for manual document extraction as detailed herein.