Single camera-based duplex optical imaging apparatus for extracting identy data from one or more identifcation documents

An imaging apparatus for imaging and extracting data of at least one side of an identification document, such as an identity document, having a first side and a second side, the apparatus including a processor and memory coupled to operate with the processor, an activation unit, a camera unit mounted inside an imaging-optical-chamber at a preconfigured spatial location and inclination, wherein the camera unit includes an image sensor configured to receive the respective images of both the first (upper) side and the second (lower) side of the identification document. Upon activating the activation unit, the processor facilitates a computerized method that includes acquiring an image of both the upper and lower sides of the document, by the image sensor, substantially simultaneously and extract data thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to imaging apparatuses and computerized methods for imaging and extracting identity data and more particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for optically acquiring, in one take, digital image frames of both sides of an identify document such as driver's licenses, and other similar identification documents so as to extract identify data automatically with machine vision tools. Imaging both sides of a document in one take is facilitated by subdividing the physical image sensor of the camera into two sections, one for each side of the document.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exist in today's market imaging devices capable of imaging documents such as IDs, driver's license, business identifying documents, passports, medical identifying documents and the like. In imaging devices that include an imaging sensor array, based on technologies such as CMOS, it is required to illuminate the imaged document. It is desired for the illumination to be of high intensity and substantially uniform, in order to obtain a substantially true image of the imaged document.

The document is typical place on the surface of a substantially flat and substantially non-opaque panel, typically, with no limitation, made of glass (herein, also referred to as “glass-window”). But the glass surface and the imaged document are also a reflective surface, returning a portion of the incident light rays colliding with the non-opaque glass surface. Thereby, the image frame acquired from the imaged document is distorted. An internal light source that directly illuminates the glass-window bring are reflected from the glass surface, thereby forming “hotspots” that distort the uniformity of the illumination of the imaged document, and thereby causing the image of the imaged document not to be a substantially true image of the imaged document.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,911,655 and US patent application 20110128360, by Hatzav et al., provide apparatuses for acquiring digital image frames of one (or both sides, when using two cameras) of identification documents, having an illumination system configuration that reduces the hotspot problem, by disposing the light sources outside the field of view (FOV) of the camera. However, it requires two cameras to image both sides of a document, in one take.

The hotspot problem is also addressed by Hatzav et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 8,830,328, provides a dual cameras based duplex imaging apparatus for acquiring digital image frames of one or both sides of identification documents such as driver's licenses, and other identity or identifying documents so as to extract data automatically with machine vision tools. The apparatus of the present does not require an ejection mechanism for removing the document from the apparatus.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,830,328 does address the need for imaging both sides of a document, such as an identification document but the solution provided requires at least one camera for each side of the document. However, it would be advantageous to be able to acquire an image of both sides of the document with a single camera, and further advantageous to be able to acquire that image in one take, that is, a single exposure.

In prior art imaging device for imaging documents that facilitates imaging both sides of the document (also referred to as a “duplex imaging device” or a “duplex imaging apparatus”), substantially simultaneously, an ejection mechanism is required for removing the document from the duplex imaging device, since the whole document is typically inserted in a slot between two glass windows. The ejection mechanism is typically complex, cumbersome and burdensome the duplex imaging device as a whole.

Thus, there is a need for, and it would be advantageous to have a duplex imaging apparatus that facilitates acquiring digital images of both sides of a document, in one take.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the limitations now presented in the prior art, the present invention provides a new, simple and useful duplex imaging, optical apparatus for imaging identifying documents that in effect, facilitates imaging both sides of one or more documents in one take. This is facilitated by subdividing the physical image sensor of the imaging camera into two sections, one for each side of the identifying document.

In effect, the present invention facilitates optically acquiring, in one take, two digital image frames: eighter both sides of a single document such as driver's licenses, and other similar documents; or selected one side of two documents, placed back-to-back and extracting data thereof.

The present invention is an improved duplex imaging apparatus for imaging identifying documents, wherein each side of the document is illuminated by a respective light source. Each light source illuminates one document, and at a preconfigured angle and spatial position with respect to the document and with respect to the spatial position of the respective image sensor section. Both the first and second light sources are spatially positioned such that each illuminate the respective surface of the document in a preconfigured angle, such that the imaged light sources themselves fall outside the field of view (FOV) of the image sensor.

According to the teachings of the present invention, there is provided a duplex imaging apparatus for imaging at least one side of a document, such as an identity document, having a first side and a second side, the apparatus including a processor and memory coupled to operate with the processor, an activation unit, a camera unit mounted inside an imaging-optical-chamber at a preconfigured spatial location and inclination, wherein the camera unit includes an image sensor configured to receive the respective images of both a first (upper) side and a second (lower) side of the document.

Typically, with no limitations, the first side of the document is the upper and the second sides of the document is the lower side of the document.

The duplex imaging apparatus further includes a substantially horizontal glass-window, wherein the document is operatively disposed on the external (typically the upper) surface of the glass-window, and wherein the second side of the document, is disposed adjacently to the external surface of the glass-window.

The duplex imaging apparatus further includes a first light-source configured to illuminate the upper side of the document placed on top of the glass-window, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance from the upper side of the document, at a preconfigured angle with respect to the upper surface of the document, configured to form an upper-side-image of the upper side of the document.

The duplex imaging apparatus further includes a first set of folding mirrors having at least one folding mirror, wherein each folding mirror is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from the upper side of the document, wherein the first set of folding mirrors is configured to forward the upper-side-image towards a first section of the image sensor.

The duplex imaging apparatus further includes a second light-source configured to illuminate the lower side of the document placed on top of the glass-window, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance from the lower side of the document, at a preconfigured angle with respect to the lower surface of the document, configured to form a lower-side-image of the lower side of the document.

The duplex imaging apparatus further includes a second set of folding mirrors having at least one folding mirror, wherein each folding mirror is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from the lower side of the document; wherein the second set of folding mirrors is configured to forward the lower-side-image towards a second section of the image sensor.

Upon activating the activation unit, the processor facilitates acquiring an image of both the upper and lower sides of the document, by the image sensor, substantially simultaneously and extracting identifying data thereof.

Either the first set of folding mirrors, the second set of folding mirrors or both, may include:(a) a first folding mirror that is situated at a preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from a first side of the document; and(b) a second folding mirror that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from the first folding mirror,
wherein the illuminated first side of the document forms a flow of the formed image of the first side of the document towards the first folding mirror; and from the first folding mirror towards the second folding mirror; and from the second folding mirror towards a preconfigured section of the image sensor.

Optionally, the first side of the document is the upper side of the document; and the second side of the document is the lower side of the document.

Either the first set of folding mirrors, the second set of folding mirrors or both, may include a third folding mirror that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from the respective surface of the document, and from the third folding mirror towards a preconfigured section of the image sensor. The illuminated respective side of the document forms a flow of the formed image of the respective side of the document towards the third folding mirror; and from the third folding mirror towards a respective preconfigured section of the image sensor.

Optionally, the activation unit is selected from a group including a physical button, a computerized software button, and a document motion detector.

Preferably, both the first and second light sources are spatially positioned such that each illuminates the respective surface of the document in a preconfigured angle, such that the imaged light sources themselves fall outside the field of view (FOV) of the image sensor.

Optionally, the folding mirrors are spatially situated at a preconfigured spatial position and inclination to direct the flow of the respective imaged surface to the respective section of the image sensor.

Optionally, each individual light source of the light source configuration is selected from the group of light sources type, including infra-red (IR), ultra violate (UV) and visible light (VL) or any type of light that can affect the camera sensor.

Optionally, each individual light source of the light source configuration is selected from the group including LED, halogen light sources and fluorescence image.

Optionally, the glass-window is down sloped towards a preferred imaging region of the glass-window.

Preferably, all walls of the optical chamber are opaque, except for the glass-window.

Preferably, all internal walls of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Optionally, the upper side of the document is illuminated via a folding mirror.

Optionally, the lower side of the document is illuminated via a folding mirror.

According to further teachings of the present invention, there is provided a computerized method including the steps of:(a) providing a duplex imaging apparatus including:i. a processor;ii. an activation unit;iii. a camera unit mounted inside an imaging-optical-chamber at a preconfigured spatial location and inclination, wherein the camera unit includes an image sensor configured to receive the respective images of both the first (upper) side and the second (lower) side of the document;iv. a substantially horizontal glass-window, wherein the document is operatively disposed on the external (upper) surface of the glass-window, wherein the second side of the document, is disposed adjacently to the external surface of the glass-window;v. a first light-source configured to illuminate the upper side of the document placed on top of the glass-window, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance from the upper side of the document, at a preconfigured angle with respect to the upper surface of the document, configured to form an upper-side-image of the upper side of the document;vi. a first set of folding mirrors having at least one folding mirror, wherein each folding mirror is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from the upper side of the document, wherein the first set of folding mirrors is configured to forward the upper-side-image towards a first section of the image sensor;vii. a second light-source configured to illuminate the lower side of the document placed on top of the glass-window, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance from the lower side of the document, at a preconfigured angle (with respect to the lower surface of the document, configured to form a lower-side-image of the lower side of the document; andviii. a second set of folding mirrors having at least one folding mirror, wherein each folding mirror is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance from the lower side of the document; wherein the second set of folding mirrors is configured to forward the lower-side-image towards a second section of the image sensor,wherein upon activating the activation unit, the processor facilitates acquiring an image of both the upper and lower sides of the document, by the image sensor, substantially simultaneously and extracting identifying data thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the host description or illustrated in the drawings. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of the invention belongs. Any methods and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Reference is now made toFIG.1, a side view illustration of a duplex imaging apparatus100having an enclosed imaging-optical-chamber105, according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein imaging-optical-chamber105is enclosed by an optically sealed frame120.

Preferably, all walls of frame walls120of optical chamber105are opaque, except for the glass-window. Preferably, all internal walls of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Duplex imaging apparatus100includes a computational unit110having a processor coupled with memory and a housing111, an imaging device (camera unit)170situated inside imaging-optical-chamber105, which imaging-optical chamber105further includes a first light source160, a second light source162, and a substantially horizontal glass-window130having preconfigured dimensions. Both sides of glass-window130are disposed in a preconfigured optical distance from the lens of camera unit170such that a document50, placed on top of glass-window130is situated within the focus of the image sensor172of camera unit170. Duplex imaging apparatus100further includes an activation unit (not shown) selected from a group including a physical button, a computerized software button, and a document motion detector.

Optionally, glass-window130is at least partially sloped towards a preferred imaging region, for example inwardly, such that a document, such as a plastic ID document, may translate thereon in order to be placed upon glass-window130in a preferred position. Optionally, for the same reason, glass-window130is at least partially tilted by tilting duplex imaging apparatus100itself.

The first light source160is configured to illuminate the upper side of document50, placed on top of glass-window130, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance d1from the upper side of document50, at a preconfigured angle α with respect to the upper surface of document50, as shown inFIGS.2and3, which are also side view illustrations of a duplex imaging apparatus100as shown inFIG.1.FIGS.2and3also outline the flow of the image of the upper side of document50towards the image sensor172of camera unit170. The image of the upper side of document50is reflected towards folding mirror132that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance d2from the upper side of document50.

From folding mirror132, the flow of the image of the upper side of document50proceeds towards another folding mirror134, which is situated at a preconfigured distance d3from folding mirror132, at a preconfigured spatial inclination with respect to folding mirror132. The image of the upper side of document50is then reflected from folding mirror134towards a first section172aof image sensor172of camera unit170, distant a distance d4from folding mirror134.

The second light source162is configured to illuminate the lower side of document50, placed on top of glass-window130, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance d5from the lower side of document50, at a preconfigured angle β with respect to the lower surface of document50, as shown inFIGS.2and3.FIGS.2and3also outline the flow of the image of the lower surface of document50towards the image sensor172of camera unit170. The image of the lower side of document50is then reflected towards a folding mirror136, which is situated at a preconfigured distance de from the lower surface of document50. The image of the lower side of document50then reflects from folding mirror136towards the second section172bof image sensor172of camera unit170, distant distance d7from folding mirror136. It should be appreciated that both sides of document50can be imaged substantially simultaneously, in one take.

Image sensor172of camera unit170has now imaged both sides of document50.

It should be appreciated that the spatial positioning of both the first and second light sources (160,162), as well as the positioning and inclination of the folding mirrors (132,134and136) are engineered such that the imaged light sources are outside the field of view (FOV) image sensor172of camera unit170, and as such, do not reach image sensor172.

Optionally, each individual light source (160,162) is selected from the group of light sources type, including infra-red (IR), ultra violate (UV) and VL or any type of light that can affect the camera sensor.

Optionally, each individual light source (160,162) is selected from the group including LED, halogen light sources and fluorescence image.

Preferably, all walls120of the optical chamber are opaque, except for the glass-window.

Preferably, all internal walls120of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Optionally, a duplex imaging apparatus such as, with no limitations, duplex imaging apparatus100, can be designed to image one side of two different documents of different dimensions, such as a driver's license and another identifying document, substantially simultaneously in one take. Reference is now made toFIG.4that illustrates an asymmetric duplex imaging apparatus101that is configured to image one side of a driver's licenses50and identifying document52(e.g., passport).

FIG.4is a side view illustration of an asymmetric duplex imaging apparatus101having an enclosed imaging-optical-chamber105, according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein imaging-optical-chamber105is enclosed by an optically sealed frame120. Duplex imaging apparatus101includes a computational unit110having a processor coupled with memory and a housing111, an imaging device (camera unit)171situated inside imaging-optical-chamber105, which imaging-optical chamber105further includes a camera unit171, a first light source161, a second light source163, and a substantially horizontal glass-window131having preconfigured dimensions. Both sides of glass-window130are disposed in a preconfigured optical distance from the lens of camera unit171such that a document50, placed on top of glass-window131is situated within the focus of the image sensor173of camera unit171.

As shown, by way of example, inFIG.4, the imaged face of a document52is substantially larger than that of driver's licenses50. Since the two documents may have different dimensions, the FOV173of camera unit171is pre-set such that image sensor173is subdivided directly proportional to the respective dimensions of the two documents.

Reference is now also made toFIG.5, a side view illustration of another example optional embodiment of a duplex imaging apparatus200having an enclosed imaging-optical-chamber205, according to other embodiments of the present invention, wherein imaging-optical-chamber205is enclosed by an optically sealed frame220. Preferably, all walls of frame walls220of optical chamber205are opaque, except for the glass-window. Preferably, all internal walls of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Duplex imaging apparatus200includes a computational unit210having a processor coupled with memory and a housing211, an imaging device (camera unit)270situated inside imaging-optical-chamber205, which imaging-optical chamber205further includes a first light source260, a second light source262, and a substantially horizontal glass-window230having preconfigured dimensions. Both sides of glass-window230are disposed in a preconfigured optical distance from the lens of camera unit270such that a document50, placed on top of glass-window230is situated within the focus of the image sensor272of camera unit270.

Optionally, glass-window230is at least partially sloped towards a preferred imaging region, for example inwardly, such that a document, such as a plastic ID document, may translate thereon in order to be placed upon glass-window230in a preferred position. Optionally, for the same reason, glass-window230is at least partially tilted by tilting duplex imaging apparatus200itself.

The first light source260is configured to illuminate the upper side of document50, placed on top of glass-window230, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance du from the upper side of document50, at a preconfigured angle γ with respect to the upper surface of document50, as shown inFIG.5. The flow of the image of the upper side of document50towards the image sensor272of camera unit270reflects towards folding mirror232that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance d12from the upper side of document50.

From folding mirror232, the flow of the image of the upper side of document50proceeds towards another folding mirror234, which is situated at a preconfigured distance d13from folding mirror232, at a preconfigured spatial inclination with respect to folding mirror232. The image of the upper side of document50is then reflected from folding mirror234towards a first section272aof image sensor272of camera unit270, distant a distance d14from folding mirror234.

The second light source262is configured to illuminate the lower side of document50, placed on top of glass-window230, from a preconfigured spatial position, situated at a preconfigured distance dis from the lower side of document50, at a preconfigured angle δ with respect to the lower surface of document50. The image of the lower surface of document50is configured to flow towards image sensor272of camera unit270. The image of the lower side of document50is reflected towards a folding mirror236, which is situated at a preconfigured distance d16from the lower surface of document50. From folding mirror236, the flow of the image of the lower side of document50proceeds towards folding mirror234, which is situated at a preconfigured distance d17from folding mirror236, at a preconfigured spatial inclination with respect to folding mirror236.

The image of the lower side of document50is then reflected from folding mirror234towards the second section272bof image sensor272of camera unit270, distant distance d18from folding mirror234. It should be appreciated that both sides of document50can be imaged substantially simultaneously, in one take.

Image sensor272of camera unit270has now been imaged with the images of both sides of document50.

It should be appreciated that the spatial positioning of both the first and second light sources (260,262), as well as the positioning and inclination of the folding mirrors (232,234and236) are engineered such that the imaged light sources are outside the FOV image sensor272of camera unit270, and as such, do not reach image sensor272.

Optionally, each individual light source (260,262) is selected from the group of light sources type, including infra-red (IR), ultra violate (UV) and VL or any type of light that can affect the camera sensor.

Optionally, each individual light source (260,262) is selected from the group including LED, halogen light sources and fluorescence image.

Preferably, all walls220of the optical chamber are opaque, except for the glass-window.

Preferably, all internal walls220of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Optionally, a duplex imaging apparatus such as, with no limitations, duplex imaging apparatus200, can be designed to image one side of two different documents of different dimensions, such as a driver's license and another identifying document, substantially simultaneously in one take.

It should be appreciated that numerous geometrical configurations among the light sources, the respective folding mirrors and the camera positions are possible, such that image sensor272of camera unit270receives the images of both the upper and lower sides of document50, wherein both the first and second light sources (260,262) are spatially positioned such that each illuminate the respective surface of the document in a preconfigured angle, such that the imaged light sources are fall outside the FOV image sensor272.

FIG.6is a side view illustration of another embodiment of a duplex imaging apparatus300having an enclosed imaging-optical-chamber305, according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein imaging-optical-chamber305is enclosed by an optically sealed frame320. Preferably, all walls of optical chamber305are opaque, except for the glass-window. Preferably, all internal walls of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Duplex imaging apparatus300includes a computational unit310having a processor coupled with memory and a housing311, an imaging device (camera unit)370situated inside imaging-optical-chamber305, which imaging-optical chamber305further includes a first light source360, a second light source362, and a substantially horizontal glass-window330having preconfigured dimensions. Both sides of glass-window330are disposed in a preconfigured optical distance from the lens of camera unit370such that a document50, placed on top of glass-window330is situated within the focus of the image sensor372of camera unit370. Duplex imaging apparatus300further includes an activation unit (not shown) selected from a group including a physical button, a computerized software button, and a document motion detector.

Optionally, glass-window330is at least partially sloped towards a preferred imaging region, for example inwardly, such that a document, such as a plastic ID document, may translate thereon in order to be placed upon glass-window330in a preferred position. Optionally, for the same reason, glass-window330is at least partially tilted by tilting duplex imaging apparatus300itself.

The first light source360is configured to illuminate the upper side of document50, placed on top of glass-window330, from a preconfigured spatial position, and situated at a preconfigured distance md21from a folding mirror332that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance d21from the upper side of document50.

Folding mirror332, that is distant d21from the upper side of document50, is also situated at a preconfigured angle & with respect to the upper surface of document50, as shown inFIG.6.FIG.6also outlines the flow of a reflected image of the upper side of document50towards folding mirror332that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance d21from the upper side of document50.

From folding mirror332, the flow of the reflected image of the upper side of document50proceeds towards another folding mirror334, which is situated at a preconfigured distance d23from folding mirror332, at a preconfigured spatial inclination with respect to folding mirror332. The image of the upper side of document50is then reflected from folding mirror334towards a first section372aof image sensor372of camera unit370, distant a distance d24from folding mirror334.

It should be appreciated that folding mirror332serves both to forward the illumination light of first light source360towards the upper side of document50; and to forward the image of the upper side of document50towards first section372aof image sensor372of camera unit370.

The second light source362is configured to illuminate the lower side of document50, placed on top of glass-window330, from a preconfigured spatial position and situated at a preconfigured distance md22from a folding mirror336that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance d25from the lower side of document50.

Folding mirror336that is distant d25from the lower side of document50, is also situated at a preconfigured angle n with respect to the lower surface of document50, as shown inFIG.6.FIG.6also outlines the flow of the image of the lower surface of document50towards folding mirror336that is situated at preconfigured spatial position and inclination, and at a preconfigured distance d26from the lower side of document50.

From folding mirror336, the flow of the reflected image of the lower side of document50proceeds towards another folding mirror338, which is situated at a preconfigured distance d27from folding mirror336, at a preconfigured spatial inclination with respect to folding mirror336. The image of the lower side of document50is then reflected from folding mirror338towards a second section372bof image sensor372of camera unit370, distant distance d27from folding mirror336.

It should be appreciated that folding mirror336serves both to forward the illumination light of second light source362towards the lower side of document50, and to forward the image of the lower side of document50towards first section372bof image sensor372of camera unit370.

It should be appreciated that both sides of document50can be imaged substantially simultaneously, in one take.

Image sensor372of camera unit370has now imaged both sides of document50.

It should be appreciated that the spatial positioning of both the first and second light sources (360,362), as well as the positioning and inclination of the folding mirrors (332,334,336and338) are engineered such that the imaged light sources are outside the field of view (FOV) image sensor372of camera unit370, and as such, do not reach image sensor372

Optionally, each individual light source (360,362) is selected from the group of light sources type, including infra-red (IR), ultra violate (UV) and VL or any type of light that can affect the camera sensor.

Optionally, each individual light source (360,362) is selected from the group including LED, halogen light sources and fluorescence image.

Preferably, all walls320of the optical chamber are opaque, except for the glass-window.

Preferably, all internal walls320of the optical-chambers, except for the glass-windows, are painted black.

Optionally, a duplex imaging apparatus such as, with no limitations, duplex imaging apparatus300, can be designed to image one side of two different documents of different dimensions, such as a driver's license and another identifying document, substantially simultaneously in one take.

Reference is now made toFIGS.7aand7bthat illustrate the images formed on the respective image sensor.FIG.7aillustrates the image sections72aand72bformed on the respective symmetric imaged sections172a(or272a, or372a, respectively), and172bof image sensor172(or272, or372, respectively), of duplex imaging apparatus100(or200, or300, respectively); whileFIG.7billustrates the image sections73aand73bformed on the respective asymmetric imaged sections173aand173bof image sensor173of duplex imaging apparatus101, wherein imaged sections173ais configured to image the upper side of driver's license50(smaller size) and imaged sections173bis configured to image the lower side of document52(larger size).