Double Side Image Scanner with Tracking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image scanners are inefficient and prone to errors when scanning both sides of a medium, such as magnetic cards, due to design constraints that limit scanning speed and accuracy, and fail to handle size deviations and deformations, leading to distortion and jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
A double side image scanner with a guide track, roll feeds, image sensors, and a tracking mechanism that allows simultaneous scanning of both surfaces with enhanced accuracy and reliability, featuring a pressing structure to compensate for deformations and a magnetic stripe reader for data reading, enabling rectilinear loading and minimizing distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional image scanners scan one surface at a time sequentially, then image data can be captured, but scanning time is significantly increased and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two scanning operations into a single pass by positioning two image sensors to capture both surfaces of the medium simultaneously. The first image sensor captures the first surface while the second image sensor captures the second surface during the same loading operation, effectively merging sequential scanning into parallel scanning and doubling the productivity without increasing total scanning time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential scanning (one surface after another) to two-dimensional simultaneous scanning by adding a second scanning path. The dual sensor arrangement creates an additional scanning dimension, allowing both surfaces to be processed in parallel during a single medium passage, thereby resolving the time-loss contradiction
2Adaptability or versatility
If roll feed rollers are spaced apart to accommodate deformed magnetic cards, then deformation can be handled, but friction is reduced causing slipping and jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functions of the two roll feeds: the first roll feed maintains a standard configuration for normal operation, while the second roll feed is specifically configured with increased spacing to handle deformed cards. This localized adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability in the first roll feed while gaining adaptability through the second roll feed's deformation-tolerant design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of roller spacing in the second roll feed to accommodate deformed magnetic cards. By increasing the distance between the feed roller and idle roller in the second roll feed, the system can accept cards with bends or crushes while maintaining sufficient friction contact through the pressing force, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
3Device complexity
If magnetic cards are loaded without a tracking mechanism, then loading is simpler, but size deviation causes tracking errors and distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tracking mechanism as an intermediary element between the medium and the image sensors. This tracking mechanism includes reference loading lines and positioning features that guide the medium through the scanning process, ensuring that size deviations in magnetic cards do not cause tracking errors. The intermediary tracking system compensates for manufacturing variations while maintaining relatively simple loading procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If feed rollers are positioned to accommodate size variation, then more cards can be loaded, but spacing loss occurs between cards and magnetic stripe reader
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading function into two independent systems: the first roll feed handles card loading and positioning with adaptability to size variations, while the magnetic stripe reader operates independently with its own tracking and reading mechanism. The second roll feed provides an alternative loading path that compensates for spacing issues, ensuring that cards are properly positioned for reading without compromising the magnetic stripe reader's precision
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 scanner achieves increased image quality and reliability by allowing simultaneous scanning of both sides with improved accuracy and convenience, preventing loading errors and jamming, while maintaining high image quality and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a first image sensor provided on the guide track between the first feed roller and the second feed roller for scanning one surface of the medium to acquire image data; and a second image sensor provided between the first idle roller and the second idle roller for scanning the other surface of the medium to acquire image data
Data Source
AI summary
A double side image scanner includes a case having a medium guide track with a reference loading line, a main frame mounted inside the case, a first roll feed including a first feed roller mounted on a front side of the guide track and a first idle roller disposed above the first feed roller for cooperating with the first feed roller to load the medium, a second roll feed including a second feed roller mounted on a rear side of the guide track and a second idle roller disposed above the second feed roller for cooperating with the second feed roller to load the medium, a drive device for rotating the first feed roller and the second feed roller, first and second image sensors for scanning opposite surfaces of the medium to acquire image data, and a tracking device for biasing the medium toward the reference loading line.