Hemispherical Imaging Apparatus for Reproducible Document Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image recording devices for identity documents lack efficient and reproducible image capture conditions, particularly in terms of lighting and camera positioning, which are crucial for authentic verification and feature identification.

Innovation Solution

An image capture device and method that allows the lighting and camera to be displaced in hemispherical movements relative to the document, with position data storage for reproducible settings, enabling flexible and consistent image recording conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the lighting device and camera device are fixed in position, then the image capture conditions are stable and reproducible, but the flexibility to capture images from different angles and positions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to capture images from different anglesVSAvoidreproducibility of image capture conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting device and camera device are made movable within hemispherical movement spheres centered on the document. The lighting device can be positioned at different locations on the hemisphere surface, and the camera can be independently positioned on another hemisphere surface, allowing flexible adjustment of lighting angles and camera positions while maintaining reproducible conditions through stored position data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores position data representing the spatial coordinates of the lighting device and camera device. This stored position data can be used to reproduce identical image capture conditions by repositioning the devices to the same recorded locations, enabling replication of capture settings without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lighting device and camera device are made movable to provide flexible positioning, then image capture versatility is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of lighting and camera positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning and movement mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement spheres for the lighting device and camera device are defined as hemispherical surfaces centered on the document. This spherical geometry provides intuitive angular positioning (similar to latitude and longitude coordinates) and allows smooth movement along curved paths, simplifying the mechanical design compared to Cartesian coordinate systems while enabling comprehensive coverage of different lighting and viewing angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting device serves multiple functions: it holds the document in a fixed position, provides movable mounting for the lighting device on a hemispherical surface, and provides movable mounting for the camera device on another hemispherical surface. This multi-functional design consolidates several positioning systems into a single integrated structure, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If position data is stored for reproducible settings, then image capture reproducibility is improved, but the requirements for data storage and management increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereproducibility of image capture conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of data storage and management systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and stores only the essential position data (spatial coordinates) of the lighting device and camera device that are necessary for reproducing image capture conditions. By isolating and storing only the critical positioning parameters rather than complete system states, the data storage requirements are minimized while maintaining reproducibility capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3540507B1Imaging apparatus and method for taking an image of a document and use thereof
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3540507B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3540507B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3540507B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an image recording device for taking an image of a document, comprising: a support device (1) configured to hold a document (2) in a fixed position for taking an image of a feature of the identity document; a lighting device (8) comprising a light source for illuminating the document (2) for image recording when it is placed on the support device (1), and which is displaceable relative to the document (2) in a first sphere of movement, which extends in a substantially hemispherical shape relative to a center (6) of the placed document (2);a camera device (4) configured to capture an image of the document (2) when the document is placed on the support device (1), and which is movable relative to the document (2) and the lighting device (8) in a second sphere of movement, which extends substantially hemispherically towards the center (6) of the placed document (2); and a storage device configured to store first position data associated with the image capture, indicating the position of the lighting device (8) in the first sphere of movement when the image is captured, and second position data indicating the position of the camera device (4) in the second sphere of movement when the image is captured. Furthermore, a method for capturing an image of a document is provided.