Optical Code Scanner Document Image Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low resolution image capture devices in optical code scanners struggle to capture large documents like checks, as they can only capture a portion of the document at a time, limiting their ability to read optical codes efficiently without increasing failure rates.
Innovation Solution
An optical code scanner uses a low-cost image capture device to capture multiple partial images of a document, with overlapping edges, which are then processed to create a single image of the entire document, allowing for effective reading of optical codes and document imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a low resolution image capture device is used, then the cost of the device is reduced, but the width of image field is reduced which limits the ability to capture images of large documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the document imaging task into multiple partial images captured by the low-resolution device. Each image captures a portion of the document, and these partial images are then processed and combined to form a complete document image. This segmentation approach allows the use of cheaper low-resolution devices while still achieving full document coverage.
2Ease of manufacture
If a low resolution image capture device is used, then the device cost is reduced, but the ability to capture complete document images is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The document is divided into multiple sections that are captured in separate partial images. The system captures multiple images at different positions and combines them through image processing to create a complete document image, thereby achieving full document coverage with a low-resolution device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of time and positional variation by capturing multiple images at different positions and combining them. This multi-dimensional approach allows the low-resolution device to achieve complete document coverage that would be impossible in a single static capture.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple partial images are captured and combined, then complete document imaging is achieved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments both the document into multiple regions and the processing task into distinct steps: capturing multiple partial images, identifying their spatial relationships, and combining them. This systematic segmentation of the processing workflow makes the complex task more manageable and automatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image processing algorithms as an intermediary between the captured partial images and the final combined image. This intermediary processing layer automatically handles the complex tasks of aligning, matching, and merging multiple partial images, reducing the perceived complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical code scanner is presented for assembling an image of a document from multiple images captured by the optical code scanner. A document is presented to the optical code scanner which captures multiple images where each image includes only a portion of the document. Once every part of the document has been captured in at least one image, the optical code scanner processes the images to generate a single image of the entire document.