Linear Array Imaging Sensor for High-Speed Document Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed document processing devices face limitations in image capture frequency and opportunity due to the physical and functional constraints of traditional high-speed cameras, which are not well-suited for condensed areas and require fixed depth and optical imaging techniques, limiting throughput and scanning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of linear array imaging sensors without optical transmission media, positioned perpendicular to the transport path, enabling full line scan data capture and image construction at continuous production speeds, with illumination and image processing to assess production quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional high-speed cameras are used for image capture during document transport, then image quality and resolution can be maintained, but the device size and complexity increase, limiting placement flexibility in condensed areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical transmission medium (lenses, mirrors, filters) from the imaging system, retaining only the linear array sensor element. This eliminates bulky optical components while maintaining image capture capability, directly resolving the contradiction between image quality and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system (cameras with lenses and mirrors) with a direct sensor contact system. The linear array sensor element makes direct contact with or comes extremely close to the document surface, eliminating the need for complex optical transmission paths.
2Measurement precision
If traditional high-speed cameras are positioned at fixed depths with optical imaging techniques, then effective image capture is enabled, but the frequency and flexibility of image capture points are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic positioning of the linear array sensor along the transport path without fixed depth constraints. The sensor can be placed at multiple locations including points of contact with transport belts, printer outputs, and collating stations, allowing flexible image capture at various stages of document processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from fixed-depth optical imaging to a contact-based linear array sensor that operates in a different spatial dimension. Instead of requiring offset distances for optical focus, the sensor element contacts or approaches the document surface directly, enabling placement in previously inaccessible locations.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cameras are used with required offset distances and optical components, then two-dimensional image capture is enabled, but throughput and scanning speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By removing optical transmission media and offset requirements, the system eliminates the time delay associated with optical path traversal. The linear array sensor captures images directly at the document surface, enabling continuous high-speed operation without the throughput reductions imposed by fixed-depth optical imaging.
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
This approach allows for increased image capture frequency and flexibility within document processing devices, enhancing throughput and quality assessment without the need for reconfiguration or optical components, facilitating effective scanning and evaluation of documents at high speeds.
Implementation Method 1
capturing, by a linear array imaging sensor, full line scan data for the article as a face of the article is transported
Implementation Method 2
linear array imaging sensor... having a form factor that facilitates placement along the mechanical transport path
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter presented herein relates to a method, system and program product for performing image capture of items. In particular the image capture occurs during transport of the items by a high-speed transport device. The image is captured by a linear array imaging sensor as a face of the item is transported at a continuous production speed in near proximity to the linear array imaging sensor.