Optical Tracking Media Scanner Reducing Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media handling devices, such as ATMs, face challenges in reducing their physical footprint due to the complexity and bulkiness of mechanisms required for precise check scanning, which also increases costs and risks of media jams and image quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A valuable media scanner system that includes a printed circuit board with a microcontroller, optical tracking sensors, and contact image sensors, which dynamically assemble front and back images of a media item by tracking its movement and calculating lateral displacement and angles, eliminating the need for electromechanical components to control the media item's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromechanical components are used to control precise movements of media items, then imaging precision is improved, but device complexity and physical footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical components that control media movement with an optical tracking system. Instead of using motors and mechanical actuators to precisely position media, the system uses optical sensors to track media position and software algorithms to compensate for movement, thereby eliminating complex mechanical subsystems while maintaining imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of media position and orientation by tracking optical markers or features on the media item. This virtual representation is then used to guide the imaging process and reconstruct accurate images without requiring physical mechanical control of the media.
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical components are used to control precise movements of media items, then imaging precision is improved, but the risk of media jams increases
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing electromechanical media control systems with an optical tracking and software-based positioning system, the patent eliminates mechanical failure points that cause media jams. The system allows media to move freely while tracking its position optically, removing the risk of mechanical obstructions.
3Measurement precision
If electromechanical components are used to control precise movements of media items, then imaging precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive electromechanical components with more cost-effective optical sensors and processing electronics. The elimination of motors, precision mechanical stages, and associated control systems reduces component costs and simplifies manufacturing while achieving comparable or superior imaging precision through software-based methods.
4Measurement precision
If electromechanical components are used to control precise movements of media items, then imaging precision is improved, but physical footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for large electromechanical assemblies by using compact optical tracking sensors and electronic processing. The optical tracking system requires minimal space compared to mechanical positioning systems, allowing the device to achieve high imaging precision in a compact form factor.
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
The solution reduces the physical footprint and cost of media handling devices while improving image quality and reducing the risk of media jams, as it allows for precise tracking and imaging of media items without the need for complex mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
optical tracking sensors to track the position and movement of a media item
Implementation Method 2
contact image sensors to capture images of the media item
Data Source
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AI summary
A valuable media item scanner is provided. The scanner includes a printed circuit board (PCB), an infeed slot, connected to a tube, and the tube further connected to an outfeed slot. The PCB is connected to optical tracking sensors situated along the tube and two contact image sensors (CISs) opposing one another on opposite sides of the tube. The PCB further includes a processor that executes firmware causing the processor to perform operations to dynamically assemble a final front surface image and a final back surface image of the media item as the media item is passed through the infeed slot into the tube and out the outfeed slot by using movement data provided by the optical tracking sensors and using image frames provided by the CISs.