ID Document Imaging Apparatus with Direct Illumination and Paperweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to capture high-quality images of ID documents in open environments due to random ambient light sources causing hot spots and shadows, and they often fail to keep booklet-type documents flat and facing up for proper imaging.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a direct illumination system and a document holding mechanism featuring a rounded paperweight to maintain documents flat, using clusters of light sources operated in a preconfigured sequence to illuminate the document from multiple angles, and a processor to synchronize image acquisition with light source activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If imaging devices operate in open environment with ambient light sources, then the device can be used in more locations and conditions, but random illumination causes hot spots and shadows that deteriorate image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful ambient light from the imaging environment by using a closed chamber design that blocks external light sources. The imaging occurs in a controlled internal environment where only the intended document is illuminated, eliminating hot spots and shadows caused by random ambient illumination while maintaining the ability to operate in various locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements localized illumination by positioning light sources within the closed chamber to illuminate only the document area. This creates a controlled lighting zone with uniform illumination on the document while the surrounding chamber remains dark, ensuring high image quality without the interference of ambient light from external sources.
2Ease of operation
If booklet-type documents are placed on a flat surface for imaging, then the document can be positioned for scanning, but the pages tend to rise and fail to lie flat, requiring forcing the page flat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning weights on the flat surface that exert downward force on booklet pages before imaging occurs. These weights are strategically placed to keep the pages lying flat and prevent them from rising during the imaging process, eliminating the need to manually force the pages flat and ensuring consistent document positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If closed chambers are used to block ambient light, then image quality is improved by eliminating hot spots and shadows, but the device complexity increases due to enclosed structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging system into a closed chamber portion and an external portion. The closed chamber is designed as a self-contained module with integrated lighting and weighting mechanisms, separating the light-blocking function from the overall device structure. This modular approach manages complexity by creating a distinct controlled environment zone while maintaining ease of operation through automated internal mechanisms.
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 image acquisition of ID documents in both open and closed environments, ensuring uniform illumination and keeping booklet-type documents flat, thus improving image clarity and data extraction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
When activated, the cluster of light sources directly illuminates at least a portion of the imaged document, at a preconfigured illuminating angle
Implementation Method 2
a document holding mechanism having at least one paperweight. Preferably, at least the lower portion of the at least one paperweight is rounded
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus for imaging a document in an open environment or a closed environment including processor, memory, an imaging device having at least one image sensor and a direct light-source, a bench having an upper surface and a document holding mechanism having at least one paperweight. The paperweights are disposed in respective fitted hollow columns formed in the document holding mechanism, extending generally perpendicular, upwardly from the upper surface of the bench, wherein the respective fitted hollow column facilitates free up and down motion of the paperweight inside, and wherein the document may be pushed underneath said paperweight to thereby flatten the document.