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.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a scanner, and more particularly to a multi-mode scanner capable of scanning one single side or both sides of an ordinary document and a bound document (or even any bent document).

2. Related Art

In general, when a bound document, such as a passport, book or the like, is to be scanned, the bound document cannot be transported past a sheet-fed scanner because the left and right sides of the bound document have different thicknesses, or due to the book back or binding mode. So, a flatbed scanner must be utilized to acquire the document image. However, the drawback of the flatbed scanner is that the flatbed scanner cannot scan both sides of the bound document at the same time. So, the user has to turn over the bound document to re-scan the document, and this is time-consuming and not user friendly.

On the other hand, credentials, such as passports and identification cards, often have to be scanned at the government organization, such as customhouse, for the immigration registration. If the flatbed scanner for scanning the passport is used to scan both sides of the credential, two scan operations have to be performed. If the sheet-fed scanner is to be purchased in order to scan the credential quickly, the cost is high and the sheet-fed scanner occupies an additional space, which is disadvantageous to the limited office environment.

Furthermore, if many diversified authentication functions corresponding to fingerprint, chip and radio frequency identification can be integrated into the scanner, then the scanner can operate in more modes to satisfy more requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been proposed to solve the problems of the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-mode scanner capable of performing a simplex scan or even a duplex scan on a bound document (or even any other angled document) and an ordinary document to establish a convenient, rapid and user friendly scan environment, save the cost for purchasing different types of scanners, save the cost and provide multiple functions.

To achieve the above-identified object, the invention provides a multi-mode scanner comprising a first body, a second body and a scanning module. The first body has a first side and a second side connected together. The second body is connected to the first body. A passageway for accommodating a first portion of a bent document is formed between the first body and the second body. A second portion of the bent document is connected to the first portion of the bent document and is supported by the second side of the first body. The first body and the second body 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 the first side. The scanning module is disposed in one or both of the first body and the second body and performs an image scan operation on the first portion of the bent document in the passageway to obtain an image signal or image signals.

The multi-mode scanner may further comprise a radio frequency identification reader, a fingerprint sensor and a card reader for providing the security function, the identification function and the data storage function.

With the multi-mode scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the frequently seen flatbed scanner and sheet-fed scanner, either the bent document or the ordinary document can be automatically transported and scanned (simplex and duplex scans can be performed). So, the operation becomes easy, timesaving, laborsaving and user friendly. In addition, the fingerprint identification, radio frequency identification and chip card reading functions are obtained. Furthermore, the cost of purchasing different types of electronic devices can be saved, the space can be saved, and the objects of the multi-mode operation, the security function, the identification and the data storage can be achieved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The multi-mode scanner according to each embodiment of the present invention may be a flatbed scanner, a sheet-fed scanner or a combination of the flatbed scanner and the sheet-fed scanner. In addition, the multi-mode scanner may be a simplex scanner or a duplex scanner. Furthermore, the multi-mode scanner may be a visible light scanner, an ultra-violet light scanner, an infrared scanner or a combination thereof. Thus, various elements described in the following can be applied to the embodiments when no conflict occurs.

FIG. 1shows a pictorial view of a multi-mode scanner100according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIGS. 2 and 3show pictorial views of a using state and a maintaining state of the multi-mode scanner100according to the first embodiment of the present invention, whereinFIG. 2shows coordinate axes X, Y and Z.FIG. 4shows a schematic side view of the multi-mode scanner100according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 1 to 4, the multi-mode scanner100of this embodiment comprises a first body10, a second body20and a scanning module50. In addition, the multi-mode scanner100may further comprise a transporting mechanism60, a width-adjustable guide plate70, a thickness adjusting mechanism80and a pivotally connecting mechanism90.

The second body20is disposed on the first body10. A first passageway30and a second passageway40, which are for accommodating a first portion D1and a second portion D2of an angled document D, respectively, are formed between the first body10and the second body20. The first passageway30and the second passageway40are disposed on a first plane P1and a second plane P2, respectively. An included angle between the first plane P1and the second plane P2ranges from 10 to 180 degrees. In this non-restrictive embodiment, the included angle is about 90 degrees, the first plane P1is parallel to the XY plane, and the second plane P2is parallel to the YZ plane. The included angle ranges from 10 to 170 degrees in another example, and ranges from 20 to 160 degrees in still another example.

The angled document D is transported past the scanning module50in the Y direction, and the main to-be-scanned surface (the surface with texts or patterns) of the angled document D faces upwards. The first passageway30positions the angled document D, and the second passageway40allows the angled document D to partially accommodate therein or allows the angled document D to move therein, or even can assist in positioning the angled document D. The angled document D comprises, without limitation to, a bound document, a bent card, or the like.

In this embodiment, the scanning module50is disposed in the second body20. However, it is to be noted that in another embodiment of the present invention, the scanning module50may be disposed in the second body20and the first body10, or may be solely disposed in the first body10. Therefore, the scanning module50is disposed in the first body10and/or the second body20, and performs an image scan operation on the first portion D1of the angled document D in the first passageway30to obtain an image signal. In this embodiment, the scanning module50is disposed in the second body20and downwardly scans the first portion D1of the angled document D. Furthermore, the scanning module50may be configured as a cantilever-arm type floating structure capable of floating up and down relatively to the second body20or the first body10to adaptively adjust the height of the first passageway30corresponding to the thickness of the first portion D1of the angled document D. In the design of the cantilever-arm type floating structure, a spring may be used to push the scanning module50downwards, and the weight of the scanning module50may cause the scanning module50to press against the document. The scanning module50may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) type image sensor scanning module, or a contact image sensor (CIS) scanning module.

The first body10is usually a base or a casing, in which the necessary mechanisms, driving members, electrical elements and the like are disposed. For example, a button96is disposed on the first body10, and the user can press the button96to perform the scan operation. In another example, a touch screen (not shown) is disposed on the first body10to provide display and input functions for the user.

In this embodiment, the first body10comprises a first portion11and a second portion12. The first portion11and the second portion12are retractable relative to each other. The thickness adjusting mechanism80is connected to the first portion11and the second portion12of the first body10, and can adjust the thickness of the second passageway40to fit with the thickness of the second portion D2of the angled document D.

The transporting mechanism60is disposed in the first body10and the second body20, and is for transporting the angled document D past the first passageway30. In this embodiment, rollers61,62,63and64function as the transporting mechanism60.

The width-adjustable guide plate70is connected to the first passageway30and pushes the first portion D1of the angled document D toward the second passageway40to prevent the skew of the angled document D.

The pivotally connecting mechanism90pivotally connects the second body20to the first body10. The scanning module50is disposed in the second body20. Thus, as shown inFIG. 3, when the second body20is lifted up, the scanning module50is also lifted up therewith, and the user can perform the clean or maintenance operations on the scanning module50advantageously. Moreover, the user can replace the scanning module50with another scanning module for a different scan requirement, such as the high resolution scan, low resolution scan, monochromatic scan, color scan or the like.

FIG. 5shows a schematic from view of a multi-mode scanner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 5, the scanning module50comprises a first scanning unit51, a second scanning unit52and a third scanning unit56. The first scanning unit51and the second scanning unit52are disposed in the second body20and the first body10, and downwardly and upwardly scan the front side and the back side of the first portion D1of the angled document D, respectively. The first scanning unit51and the second scanning unit52are visible light scanning units. The third scanning unit56is an infrared or ultra-violet light scanning unit. The first scanning unit51and the third scanning unit56downwardly scan the first portion D1of the angled document D to obtain a visible light image and an infrared or ultra-violet light image.

In addition, the multi-mode scanner100further comprises a control module75, which is electrically connected to the first scanning unit51, the second scanning unit52, the third scanning unit56and the transporting mechanism60, and controls the first scanning unit51and the third scanning unit56to scan the front side of the first portion D1of the angled document D concurrently or in a scan pass. Thus, the visible light image and the infrared or ultra-violet light image may be obtained, so that the truth or false determination can be performed according to the infrared or ultra-violet light image. In another embodiment, the control module75controls the transporting mechanism60to transport the angled document D from a first side (near the user) to a second side (away from the user), and controls the first scanning unit51to scan the first portion D1of the angled document D with the visible light, and then the control module75controls the transporting mechanism60to transport the angled document D from the second side to the first side, and controls the third scanning unit56to scan the first portion D1of the angled document D with the infrared or ultra-violet light. The order of the visible light scan and the infrared/ultra-violet light scan can be modified according to the requirement. Thus, the interference, caused by the visible light and infrared/ultra-violet light working concurrently, can be avoided, and the signal processing may also become easier. That is, the control module75controls the visible light scanning unit51and the infrared or ultra-violet light scanning unit56to scan the first portion D1of the angled document D, transported by the transporting mechanism60in reverse directions, respectively. In this embodiment, the user needs not to stretch his/her hand to the second side, and can easily obtain the scan image and take back the angled document D by only placing the angled document D at the closest first side. In addition, the multi-mode scanner100may further comprise a wireless transceiver module76, electrically connected to the control module75, for transmitting the scan image signal to a server or a cloud database. Furthermore, the multi-mode scanner100may further comprise a document detector68, disposed beside the first passageway30and electrically connected to the control module75. Upon detection of the angled document D, the control module75enables the transporting mechanism60to automatically feed the angled document D into the first passageway30so that the scan can be performed.

It is to be noted that the multi-mode scanner of the present invention is not restricted to only the scan of the angled document. An ordinary document with a suitable size may also be placed on the first plane P1and scanned by the multi-mode scanner of the present invention. The user can adjust the width-adjustable guide plate70to a suitable width so that the documents with different sizes can be placed and scanned.

FIG. 6shows a schematic side view of a multi-mode scanner according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that rollers65and66for transporting the second portion D2of the angled document D are also disposed on the second passageway40. Thus, the angled document can be transported more stably. It is to be noted that the rollers61to64may also be omitted in this embodiment, and the effect of transporting the angled document D still can be obtained.

FIG. 7shows a schematic side view of a multi-mode scanner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 7, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the first scanning unit51and the second scanning unit52for scanning the first portion D1and the second portion D2of the angled document D, respectively, are disposed in the second body20. Thus, two pages of the angled document D can be scanned at the same time rapidly.

FIG. 8shows a schematic side view of a multi-mode scanner according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the included angle between the first passageway30and the second passageway40is greater than 90 degrees. Thus, the effect the same as the first embodiment may also be obtained.

FIG. 9shows a schematic side view of a multi-mode scanner according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 9, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the included angle between the first passageway30and the second passageway40is smaller than 90 degrees. Thus, the effect the same as the first embodiment may also be obtained. In addition, it is more convenient to scan the angled document, which cannot be easily opened to have an included angle of 90 degrees.

FIG. 10shows a schematic side view of a multi-mode scanner according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 10, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the multi-mode scanner of this embodiment is a flatbed scanner, wherein the multi-mode scanner further comprises a driving mechanism95, which is connected to the scanning module50and drives the scanning module50to move back and forth to scan the first portion D1of the angled document D. In addition, the first scanning unit51and the second scanning unit52of the scanning module50are disposed in the second body20and the first body10, respectively, to downwardly and upwardly scan the front side and the back side of the first portion D1of the angled document D, respectively.

The multi-mode scanner of each of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention is different from frequently seen flatbed scanners and sheet-fed scanners, can transport the bound document having two page sides with different thicknesses and perform the simplex or even duplex scan on the bound document, and can perform the simplex/duplex scan on the ordinary document. The operation is simple, timesaving, laborsaving and user friendly, the cost of purchasing different types of scanners can be saved, the space can be saved, and the multiple purposes can be obtained. In addition, it is unnecessary to flatten the bound document or the angled document or even unnecessary to deform these documents in the scan operation. The user can perform the image scan using his/her single hand to place the document. Because the scanning module can be disposed as close to the second passageway as possible, the zero margin can be obtained so that the scan range is enlarged and the scan result near the angled portion is clear. Furthermore, the limit devices are provided on left and right sides of the document, so that the scanned document can be positioned more easily, and the usage is clear and simple. In addition, when the bound document, such as passport, is scanned, the passport stands in an L-shaped manner, and the rollers transport the passport to perform the scan. This is easier and more laborsaving than turning over and flattening the passport on the scan platen. In addition, when the multi-mode scanner is configured as a passport dedicated scanner, the overall size is smaller than that of the typical flatbed scanner, and the weight is also decreased, so that the scanner can be made portable.

FIGS. 11 to 13show a pictorial view, a front view of a first mode and a front view of a second mode of a multi-mode scanner200according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, respectively.FIG. 11shows coordinate axes X, Y and Z. Referring toFIGS. 11 to 13, the multi-mode scanner200of this embodiment comprises a first body210, a second body220and scanning modules240and241. In addition, the multi-mode scanner200may further comprise a transporting mechanism250, a control module260(seeFIG. 18), a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader270, a fingerprint sensor280, a display285and a card reader290.

The first body210has a first side211and a second side212connected together. Each of the first side211and the second side212may be constituted by one single flat surface/curved surface, or multiple flat surfaces/curved surfaces. The first body210is usually a base or a casing, in which the necessary mechanisms, drive members, electrical elements and the like are disposed.

Similarly, the second body220is usually a base or a casing, in which the necessary mechanisms, drive members, electrical elements and the like are disposed. For example, a button286is disposed on the second body220, and the booting operation and/or the scanning operation can be performed after the user presses the button286.

The second body220is connected to the first body210. A passageway230for accommodating a first portion D1of a bent document D is formed between the first body210and the second body220. A second portion D2of the bent document D is connected to the first portion D1of the bent document D, and supported by the second side212of the first body210. The first body210and second body220are arranged or configured such that a weight G of the bent document D (a gravity force exerted on the bent document D) makes the second portion D2be in flat surface contact with the second side212(FIG. 12), or makes the first portion D1be in flat surface contact with the first side211(FIG. 13).

In this embodiment, the scanning module240is disposed in the first body210, and the scanning module241is disposed in the second body220. The scanning module241is disposed in the second body220and scans the first portion D1of the bent document D. Thus, the scanning modules240and241are disposed in the second body220and the first body210, and scan a reverse side and a front side of the first portion D1of the bent document D, respectively. However, it is worth noting that in other embodiments of the present invention, the scanning module may be individually disposed in the first body210or the second body220.

Thus, the scanning modules240and241may be disposed in one or both of the first body210and the second body220, and performs image scan operations on the first portion D1of the bent document D in the passageway230to obtain an image signal. The scanning module may be a charge-coupled device (CCD) type image sensor scanning module, or a contact image sensor (CIS) scanning module. The scanning modules240and241may be visible light scanning modules, ultra-violet scanning modules or infrared scanning modules.

In a non-restrictive embodiment, an included angle between the first side211and the second side212is about 100 degrees. In another example, the included angle ranges from 10 to 170 degrees. In still another example, the included angle ranges from 20 to 160 degrees. In yet still another example, the included angle ranges from 30 to 150 degrees. Although the passageway230is disposed in an orientation parallel to the YZ plane. In another example, however, the passageway230may also be not parallel to the YZ plane.

The bent document D is transported past the scanning modules240and241in the Y direction motion, and the primary to-be-scanned surface (the surface with the texts or patterns) of the bent document D faces the negative X direction. The bent document D may also have a secondary to-be-scanned surface facing the positive X direction. The bent document D comprises, for example but without limitation to, a bound document, a bent card or the like.

The transporting mechanism250is disposed in the first body210and the second body220, and transports the bent document D past the passageway230with the document D being kept bent. In this embodiment, rollers function as the transporting mechanism.

The RFID reader270disposed in the first body210reads RFID information of the bent document D to provide the security function. In other examples, the RFID reader270may also be disposed in the second body220, or disposed in both the first body210and the second body220. The fingerprint sensor280disposed on the first body210or the second body220reads a fingerprint. The card reader290disposed on the first body210or the second body220reads a chip card or a memory card.

In addition, the scanner200may further comprise buffer pads291and292, which are disposed on two neighboring sides201and202of the scanner, and support the weight of the scanner in two modes, respectively. That is, the buffer pad292inFIG. 12supports the weight of the scanner200in an upright mode; and the buffer pad291inFIG. 13supports the weight of the scanner200in a lying mode. The buffer pads291and292may be integrated with the two sides201and202to keep the beauty.

FIG. 14shows a pictorial view of a first body210of the multi-mode scanner ofFIG. 11.FIG. 15shows a pictorial view of a second body220of the multi-mode scanner ofFIG. 11. Referring toFIGS. 14 and 15, a mounting surface223of the second body220is mounted on a mounting surface213of the first body210, and a mounting surface224of the second body220is mounted on a mounting surface217of the first body210. The first body210is constituted by a main body214and a base215, both of which may be separated or integrally formed jointly with each other. When the multi-mode scanner200scans the non-bent document DD, the non-bent document DD may rest against a stopper wall216of the first body210and is thus positioned. The non-bent document DD may be scanned vertically (FIG. 12) or horizontally (FIG. 13).

FIG. 16shows a pictorial view of a maintenance state of the multi-mode scanner according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 15 and 16, the second body220comprises a base221and a cover222. The base221is connected to the first body210. The cover222is pivotally connected to the base221. The scanning modules240and241and the transporting mechanism250are disposed on the cover222of the second body220. The cover222may be opened so that the user can perform cleaning or maintaining works.

FIG. 17shows a top view of the multi-mode scanner according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 18shows a functional block diagram of the multi-mode scanner according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 12, 17 and 18, the control module260is electrically connected to the scanning modules240and241, the transporting mechanism250, the control module260, the RFID reader270, the fingerprint sensor280, the display285and the card reader290.

In one example, the control module260controls the scanning modules240and241to scan the first portion D1of the bent document D concurrently or in one scan operation. The scan timing may be the timing when the bent document D is transported in the positive or negative Y direction.

In another example, the control module260controls the scanning modules240and241to scan the front side and the reverse side of the first portion D1of the bent document D transported by the transporting mechanism250in the opposite directions. For example, when the bent document D is transported in the positive Y direction, the scanning module240scans the front side of the first portion D1; and when the bent document D is transported in the negative Y direction, the scanning module240scans the reverse side of the first portion D1.

In still another example, the control module260controls the scanning modules240and241to perform the image scan operation(s) when the fingerprint sensor280successfully reads the fingerprint. The image signals obtained by the scanning modules240and241may be stored in the chip card or the memory card through the card reader290. Alternatively, the control module260compares the read fingerprint with the information or RFID information stored in the chip card, the memory card or the RFID reader270, and then controls the scanning module to perform the scan operation after the comparison passes.

With the multi-mode scanner according to the embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the frequently seen flatbed scanner and sheet-fed scanner, either the bent document or the ordinary document can be automatically transported and scanned (simplex and duplex scans can be performed). So, the operation becomes easy, timesaving, laborsaving and user friendly. In addition, the fingerprint identification, RFID and chip card reading functions are obtained. Furthermore, the cost of purchasing different types of electronic devices can be saved, the space can be saved, and the objects of the multi-mode operation, the security function, the identification and the data storage can be achieved.