Multi-mode Scanning Camera Illumination Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed document scanners are costly and limited in their versatility, as they are typically designed for specific types of document scanning, such as IR or color, which restricts their use to single applications and reduces their usability over time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode document scanning system that includes a scanning bed, a scanning camera with interchangeable illumination sources (RGB, IR, UV, and white light) and a processor-controlled illumination source switching assembly, allowing for selection of appropriate wavelengths based on the document type, enabling scanning of various document types, including test scoring sheets and security-marked documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanner is designed for a specific document type (e.g., IR or color), then it achieves high scanning speed and quality for that type, but it loses versatility and can only be used for single applications
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is designed with multiple illumination sources (white light, IR, UV) that can be selectively activated based on document type. The camera sensor can detect multiple wavelengths, allowing the same hardware to scan diverse document types including color documents, IR-marked test sheets, and UV-fluorescent security documents, thus achieving multi-functionality without sacrificing scanning quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different illumination sources and detection modes based on the scanned document type. The controller selectively activates appropriate illumination elements and adjusts camera sensitivity to match the document being scanned, enabling the system to adapt its characteristics in real-time while maintaining optimal scanning performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination sources are integrated into one scanner, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple illumination sources (white light LEDs, IR LEDs, UV LEDs) are integrated into a single illumination bank structure, sharing common optical paths, control circuitry, and camera sensors. This merging approach allows the system to achieve multi-functionality while reducing overall complexity compared to having separate scanners for each document type
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination bank is segmented into distinct wavelength zones (white light, IR, UV) that can be independently controlled. The camera sensor is also segmented into regions sensitive to different wavelengths. This segmentation allows selective activation of only the necessary illumination and detection components for each scanning task, managing complexity through modular control
3Productivity
If a scanner is designed for high-speed scanning, then productivity is improved, but the cost of acquisition and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single high-speed scanner is designed to handle multiple document types through integrated multi-wavelength illumination and detection capabilities. This eliminates the need to purchase and operate multiple separate high-speed scanners for different applications (color scanning, IR test sheet grading, UV security document verification), thereby reducing total system cost while maintaining high productivity across all document types
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner utilizes LED illumination sources that offer high efficiency and long operational life, reducing operating costs. The system changes operational parameters (illumination wavelength, camera sensitivity) dynamically based on document type, allowing one high-speed scanner to replace multiple specialized scanners, thus reducing acquisition costs while maintaining high scanning speed
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 system enhances the utilization of expensive scanning devices by allowing them to scan multiple document types, including pencil-marked test sheets and security-marked documents, while maintaining high-quality scanning capabilities, thus increasing the scanners' usability and extending their operational life.
Implementation Method 1
At least one illumination bank includes a plurality of illumination elements of at least two different light wavelengths interspersed on at least one illumination bank
Implementation Method 2
A scanning camera is configured to image the documents
Implementation Method 3
a UV light source, where a corresponding UV illumination of the documents causes a visible light detectable by the scanning camera
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode document scanning system includes a scanning bed configured to transport a plurality of documents through a scanning area. A scanning camera is configured to image the documents. At least one illumination bank includes a plurality of illumination elements of at least two different light wavelengths interspersed on at least one illumination bank. An illumination source switching assembly controls at last some elements of one wavelength. A selection process selects a wavelength appropriate to a document to be scanned, and instructs a processor operatively coupled to the illumination source switching assembly to illuminate elements of that wavelength. A multi-mode scanning method of document scanning is also described.