Dual-Sided ID Card Imaging via Single CCD and Inline Flowpath
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-sided document imaging devices are bulky, expensive, and inefficient for scanning stiff identification cards like driver's licenses, requiring a serpentine path and multiple imaging components, which increases costs and calibration requirements, and slows down the identification process.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a short, inline flowpath and unique optics uses sequential light spectrums and a single CCD imager to capture both sides of a document, employing a motorized mechanism and LED lighting for concurrent imaging under various wavelengths, reducing the need for multiple imaging components and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional serpentine path imaging is used for two-sided documents, then both sides can be imaged, but the device becomes bulky and the process slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a serpentine path (one-dimensional linear path with curves) to a two-dimensional planar arrangement where the imager moves perpendicular to the document flow direction, enabling simultaneous capture of both sides without requiring the document to follow a complex curved path
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic timing control where the imager is activated at specific moments during the document's transit through the device, capturing both sides concurrently through coordinated illumination and sensing rather than requiring static multiple imaging stations
2Reliability
If multiple imaging components are used to capture both sides, then imaging coverage is complete, but cost and calibration requirements double
Solution Approach 1:
A single imager is designed to perform multiple functions by capturing images of both the front and back sides of the document during a single pass, eliminating the need for separate imaging components for each side and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the imaging function for both document sides into a single imager unit, combining what would traditionally require two separate imaging systems into one integrated component that sequentially captures both surfaces
3Ease of operation
If stiff identification cards are scanned through serpentine paths, then both sides can be imaged, but the cards cannot properly follow the curved path
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the flowpath geometry from a curved serpentine path to a straight linear path, allowing stiff identification cards to pass through easily without requiring them to bend or follow curves, while still enabling both-sided imaging through perpendicular imager movement
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 device efficiently and cost-effectively captures high-quality images of both sides of identification cards, enhancing authentication and validation processes by reducing the device's footprint, speeding up the identification process, and allowing for accurate detection of hidden security features.
Implementation Method 1
employing five different light sources sequentially including UV (365 nm) Blue (470 nm) Green (525 nm) Red (625 nm) and IR (850 nm) LED's
Implementation Method 2
This enables the system not only to read visible informational indica such as barcode and texts and photos, but also allows the device to discern hidden authentication indica
Implementation Method 3
employing five different light sources sequentially including UV (365 nm) Blue (470 nm) Green (525 nm) Red (625 nm) and IR (850 nm) LED's to provide for a means to easily image and ascertain the existence of hidden indicia and security features
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for imaging dual sided documents for authentification of the document. A document such as a driver's license traverses a linear flowpath into and out of a housing having a darkened interior. The document is segmentally imaged under a plurality of different light spectrums during travel along the flowpath. A data processor and software engaged to an imager capturing the segmented images assembles complete images of the document under one or a plurality of the light spectrums employed to yield a viewable rendition of both sides of the document to ascertain the presence of proper indica to validate the document. Also provided are a magnetic strip reader and bar code reader engaged to the data processor wherein data may be extracted therefrom for comparison to the images reviewed.