Handheld Document Scanner Using Sensor Array Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices, such as smartphones, are limited in their ability to scan documents effectively due to the hardware constraints, resulting in low-quality images when photographing documents and dependency on ambient lighting conditions.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held device equipped with an array of CCD sensors and LED flash devices, along with position sensors or gyroscopes, samples pixel data while moving over a document to capture high-resolution images efficiently, interpolating values to improve resolution and reduce aliasing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CMOS image sensor is used to capture document images, then the device can take photographs, but the resolution and quality are insufficient for high-quality document scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple segments by using an array of sensors instead of a single CMOS sensor. Each sensor captures a portion of the document, and the system processes these segmented measurements to reconstruct a high-resolution image, thereby achieving superior measurement precision without requiring a single complex high-resolution sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image capture by a single sensor to a multi-dimensional measurement approach by positioning multiple sensors at different locations and orientations. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture document features from multiple perspectives simultaneously, achieving high resolution through spatial diversity rather than sensor complexity
2Measurement precision
If photographs are taken from sufficient distance to capture the entire document, then the full document extent is captured, but the resolution is insufficient to generate high-quality reproductions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the document capture task across multiple sensor positions. Instead of attempting to capture the entire document at once from a distance, the system captures segmented portions from multiple locations and synthesizes them into a high-resolution reproduction, achieving both full document coverage and high quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the capture process by positioning sensors at multiple locations across the document surface. This multi-dimensional sampling approach allows the system to achieve high resolution without requiring large capture distance, as the spatial distribution of sensors provides comprehensive coverage through geometric diversity
3Reliability
If ambient lighting conditions are used for document photography, then no additional lighting hardware is needed, but the photograph quality is heavily dependent on lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service lighting by integrating LED flash devices that automatically illuminate the document during capture. The system serves its own lighting needs without external dependencies, ensuring consistent image quality regardless of ambient lighting conditions while maintaining device portability and operational simplicity
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
Enables high-quality document scanning with improved resolution and reduced dependency on ambient lighting, allowing for efficient generation of digital images with enhanced pixel data capture.
Implementation Method 1
An array of sensors (e.g., CCD sensors) located on the back surface of the device may be used to sample pixel data
Implementation Method 2
A hand-held device equipped with an array of CCD sensors and LED flash devices
Data Source
AI summary
A system, process, and computer program product are provided for scanning a document with a hand-held device. An approach for scanning the document includes the steps of sampling one or more values from an array of sensors integrated into a hand-held device, determining whether the device has moved at least a threshold distance, and sampling one or more additional values from the array of sensors.