Multi-mode scanner with dual-body passageway for bound documents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scanners are inefficient for scanning bound documents, requiring multiple operations and additional equipment, and lack integrated authentication and data storage functions, making them costly and space-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode scanner with a dual-body design and scanning module that allows for simplex or duplex scanning of angled documents, incorporating fingerprint sensors, RFID readers, and card readers, enabling automatic document transport and reducing the need for multiple scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flatbed scanner is used to scan bound documents, then the document can be scanned, but both sides cannot be scanned simultaneously requiring multiple operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two scanning surfaces (first and second bodies) into a single device, allowing both sides of a bound document to be scanned simultaneously. The scanning module can scan the first surface through the first body and the second surface through the second body in one operation, eliminating the need for separate scan operations required by traditional flatbed scanners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dual-body structure where the scanning module operates in multiple spatial dimensions. By positioning scanning surfaces on opposite sides of the document holder and enabling the scanning module to access both sides simultaneously, the system transitions from sequential single-side scanning to parallel multi-side scanning, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space.
2Productivity
If a sheet-fed scanner is purchased to scan credentials quickly, then scanning speed improves, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional scanner that can handle both bound documents and credentials (such as passports and identification cards) within a single device. The document holder can accommodate different document types, and the scanning module can perform both simplex and duplex scanning operations, eliminating the need to purchase separate scanners for different document types and usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a movable scanning module that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation. The scanning module can move between scanning the first surface through the first body and scanning the second surface through the second body, allowing the single device to adapt to different scanning requirements and document types, thereby replacing multiple specialized scanners.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple authentication functions are integrated into the scanner, then functionality increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple authentication functions (fingerprint sensor, RFID reader, card reader) with the scanning functionality into a single integrated device. These authentication components are positioned to work in conjunction with the scanning module, allowing the system to perform document scanning, fingerprint verification, RFID card reading, and chip card reading all within one unified platform, reducing the need for separate authentication devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode scanner comprises a first body, a second body and a scanning module. The first body connected to the second body has connected first and second sides. A passageway accommodating a first portion of a bent document is formed between the first and second bodies. A second portion of the bent document is connected to the first portion of the bent document and supported by a second side of the first body. The first and second bodies are configured such that a weight of the bent document makes the second portion be in flat surface contact with the second side, or makes the first portion be in flat surface contact with first side. The scanning module disposed in one or both of the first and second bodies performs an image scan operation on the first portion of the bent document in the passageway to obtain an image signal.