Document Capture Stand With Variable Beam Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image capture methods for documents require complex adjustments and the use of rulers to ensure proper alignment and focus, leading to laborious processes and potential loss of information, especially for inexperienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A document capture stand with a visible target of predetermined size is used in conjunction with an imaging reader that adjusts its aiming light beam size to match the target, allowing for easy alignment and focus without manual distance adjustments, enabling the capture of entire documents in full frame and focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex position controls and rulers are used to adjust working distance, then image focus and full frame capture are improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically adjusting the imaging reader's position and focus based on the document's location and size. The processor controls the positioning mechanisms to ensure the document is correctly framed and focused without requiring manual intervention or external tools, thereby eliminating the need for complex position controls and rulers while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as working distance, focus position, and reader orientation based on detected document characteristics. By automatically adjusting these parameters according to the document's size and location, the system achieves proper image capture without requiring manual parameter adjustment, thus simplifying operation while maintaining precision
2Measurement precision
If manual distance setting with rulers is required, then correct working distance is achieved, but laborious operations and potential errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems (rulers and physical distance adjustment) with an automated optical and electronic measurement system. The processor uses optical sensors and image analysis to detect document position and size, then automatically calculates and adjusts the working distance, eliminating the need for manual ruler-based measurement and reducing setup time while maintaining or improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and calculation of document parameters before actual image capture. By pre-determining the correct working distance and positioning requirements through optical detection and processing, the system eliminates the need for manual distance setting during operation, thereby reducing setup time and potential errors while ensuring accurate measurement
3Loss of information
If the entire document must be captured in full frame, then information completeness is improved, but alignment and focus difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the image capture process and uses feedback from optical sensors and processed image data to adjust positioning and focus parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that the entire document is captured in full frame by automatically correcting alignment and focus issues, thereby maintaining information completeness while reducing the complexity of manual alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging reader is designed with multi-functional capabilities that include automatic positioning, focus adjustment, and full-frame capture in a single integrated system. By combining these functions into one device controlled by the processor, the system eliminates the need for separate alignment and focus adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while ensuring complete document capture
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
This method simplifies the image capture process by allowing operators to align and focus documents quickly and accurately, ensuring that the entire image is captured in full frame and focus without the need for rulers or complex adjustments, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a symbol/document being imaged
Implementation Method 2
The imaging reader has a one- or two-dimensional array of photocells or light sensors (also known as pixels), and an imaging lens assembly for capturing return light scattered and/or reflected from a symbol/document
Implementation Method 3
The imaging reader advantageously includes an aiming light assembly for projecting a visible aiming light beam whose cross-section has a pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A visible target having a predetermined target size is fixed on a document capture stand. A visible aiming light beam is directed along an aiming axis away from an imaging reader. The beam has a beam size in cross-section that changes along the aiming axis. The reader is moved relative to the stand along the aiming axis until the beam size visually matches the target size at a predetermined distance between the reader and the stand. An image of a document supported by the stand is captured at the predetermined distance.