Mobile Scanner Mirror Optics for Dual-Side Check Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile deposit services and scanners are inefficient for capturing multiple check images, requiring manual flipping and specific configurations, which are time-consuming and costly for individuals and small businesses.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device multi-feed scanner with mirrors to project both sides of a check onto a transparent surface, allowing simultaneous capture of front and back images using a conveyor mechanism and mechanized rollers, compatible with standard mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard mobile-based scanner is used to capture check images, then the device configuration is simple and compatible with standard mobile devices, but capturing both sides of multiple checks requires manual flipping which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner automatically feeds multiple checks through the imaging area using a conveyor mechanism with rollers, capturing images of both sides without requiring manual intervention for each check. The system serves itself by automatically advancing checks and triggering image capture sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner maintains continuous operation by automatically feeding checks through the imaging area, capturing images of both sides in sequence without interruption. The conveyor mechanism ensures uninterrupted flow of checks through the scanning process.
2Productivity
If a multi-sheet scanner is used to capture multiple checks automatically, then the scanning efficiency is improved, but the device requires specific configuration and additional software development time
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner uses a standard mobile device platform that can serve multiple functions: capturing images of single checks, multiple checks in sequence, and both sides of each check. The system is designed to work with standard mobile devices rather than requiring proprietary hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the mobile device to add multi-sheet scanning capability, the invention places the intelligence and control in the software application on the standard mobile device, while the hardware remains simple and universal. The complexity is inverted from hardware to software.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual picture taking is used for high volume checks, then no additional hardware is needed, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical action of picking up, flipping, and positioning each check is replaced by an automated conveyor mechanism with rollers that transport checks through the imaging area. The mechanical system performs the repetitive positioning task automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user placing checks in the tray and the camera capturing images. It automatically transports checks through the imaging area, mediating the process between input and output without requiring direct manual handling at each step.
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 efficient and cost-effective scanning of multiple checks by automating the capture of both sides of checks, reducing manual effort and software development time.
Implementation Method 1
The two mirrors which may be angled under the transparent surface of the platform may allow imaging of the reflection of the back of the check through the platform.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device provides a mobile device multi-feed scanner, which may utilize remote data capture for multi-sheet feed scanning by using mirrors to form a reflective path allowing the viewing of the reverse side of the check on a platform to capture the check image on a mobile device. A camera on the mobile device may either sequentially or simultaneously capture a picture of both the front and back sides of the check. The platform may include a transparent portion, which may be adjacent to a stage portion. The first and second mirrors may be positioned such as to allow imaging of a reverse side of an object through the transparent portion of the platform while the object rests on the stage portion.