Face-Up Document Scanning with Multi-Element Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional scanning systems require documents to be placed upside down, leading to inconvenient and potentially damaging use, especially when dealing with thick volumes, and often involve costly motion components that increase maintenance and initial costs.
Innovation Solution
An opto-mechanical imaging system employing multiple imaging elements in conjunction with image processing algorithms allows for scanning of upward-facing documents, using CCD or CMOS imagers and adjustable illumination to capture and correct images for ideal clarity and resolution, enabling easy use and high-quality scanning of bound books and other non-flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional scanning systems are used, then documents can be scanned, but the document must be placed upside down and motion components are required, making the system complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional scanning approach by allowing documents to be scanned face-up instead of requiring them to be placed upside down on a transparent platform. This inversion eliminates the need for complex motion components and makes the scanning process more intuitive and convenient for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical motion components with an optical imaging system using multiple imaging elements (such as cameras or scanners) that can capture document images without requiring physical movement of the document or scanning mechanism. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining scanning functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional scanning systems are used, then documents can be scanned, but the system requires special illumination systems and is difficult to use with thick volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning system into multiple independent imaging elements (such as multiple cameras or scanner units) that can simultaneously capture different portions of the document. This segmentation allows the system to handle thick volumes and non-flat surfaces more effectively while maintaining high scanning quality without requiring special illumination systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the scanning approach by using multiple imaging elements arranged in three-dimensional space to capture documents from different angles and positions. This dimensional change enables the system to accommodate thick volumes and non-flat surfaces while maintaining scanning reliability and user convenience.
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging elements are used, then image quality and resolution are improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging elements into a unified scanning system that processes images from all elements simultaneously. By combining the data from multiple imaging elements, the system achieves high image resolution and quality while managing complexity through integrated processing rather than separate independent systems.
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 system provides a user-friendly, high-performance, and cost-effective method for scanning documents face-up, reducing distortion and defocus, and enhancing image quality without the need for complex motion components, thus improving the scanning experience and maintaining equipment efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
imagers or light sensors capture the reflected light to form an undistorted and balanced image of the document
Implementation Method 2
an illumination system to provide adequate uniform illumination of the document to be imaged
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning or copying system can include imaging elements and one or more system processors that are programmed or adapted to perform image processing methods and algorithms on image data, and in some instances, to enhance the image. Image data is acquired using imaging elements. Some imaging elements may have overlapping or rotated fields of view or employ differing resolutions. For each imaging element, its output is recombined together with the output of one or more other imaging elements. To perform the recombination, the system can extract features in an overlapping region and match these features in multiple images. In some instances, the features matched can be edges. Alternatively, the recombination can be performed by positioning each subimage with respect to a larger image through image matching and location techniques. Parameters from the recombined image can be extracted and these parameters can be used to correct for geometrical and spatial distortions and thereby enhance the image.