Abstract:
A method of scanning a document uses a document scanning device having a case which defines a cavity and has a docking location on a first side and a document platform on a second opposed side. The method includes steps of inserting an electronic image capturing device into the docking location, inserting a document to be scanned onto the document platform, activating a camera on the electronic image capturing device, and capturing an image of the document. Once the document image has been captured, the method may also include a further step of transmitting the image to another location, using a communications network.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the filing date of Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/538,452, entitled Vessel for Scanning Documents, filed on Sep. 23, 2011, and also claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of the filing date of Provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/587,109, entitled Vessel for Scanning Documents, filed on Jan. 16, 2012. Both of these provisional applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Frequently, during the course of modern business, it is necessary to scan documents for electronic transmittal and/or storage. Document scanners are well known for this purpose, but they are not particularly portable. Therefore, it would be advantageous to be able to effectively use portable camera technology, such as that available in modern smart phones and tablet-style personal computers (tablet p.c.), to reliably and quickly scan documents. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention addresses the foregoing concerns by providing, in one particular arrangement, a collapsible document scanning device which comprises a docking location for receiving and docking an image capturing device. The device further comprises a document platform spaced from the docking location for receiving a document to be scanned. A structure is provided for supporting each of the docking location and the document platform in spaced relationship to one another in an expanded, operable configuration, wherein the structure comprises a plurality of members which are movable to re-configure the structure from the expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration, in order to render the device inoperable and conveniently transportable or storable. A support plate adjacent to the docking location may be provided for supporting the image capturing device which has been inserted into the docking location. 
         [0004]    The docking location comprises an aperture having a suitable size and shape for receiving the image capturing device. In some embodiments, the docking location comprises a detachable faceplate, wherein the detachable faceplate is adapted for ready attachment and detachment from the device. The detachable faceplate is particularly adapted for accommodation of a particularly configured image capturing device and is interchangeable with a differently configured detachable faceplate in the event a differently configured image capturing device is to be used. 
         [0005]    The image capturing device may be any suitable such device, either now available or which might be available in the future. Typically, the device might comprise a tablet personal computer (p.c.). It could also comprise a smart phone, for example. Preferably, the image capturing device is capable of accessing a network for transmitting the images remotely, such as a phone network or a wi-fi network. 
         [0006]    In certain embodiments, the structure of the document scanning device comprises a box or case having a front surface panel, a rear surface panel, a left surface panel, a right surface panel, a top surface panel, and a bottom surface panel, wherein the movable members comprise portions of some of the panels. In other embodiments, the structure is constructed to be open in the expanded configuration and the document platform comprises one of the movable members. In some of the open embodiments, the device further comprises movable support pillars for supporting the docking location in spaced relationship to the document platform in the expanded configuration. In others, hinges having stop points eliminate the need for such support pillars. 
         [0007]    In the case of the collapsible embodiments, a handle may be provided for transporting the device when it is in its collapsed configuration, the handle becoming a support member in the expanded configuration for supporting the document platform. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a document scanning device which comprises a case comprising a plurality of side panels which define an interior cavity. A docking location is disposed on a first portion of the case, for receiving and docking an image capturing device. A document platform is disposed on a second portion of the case, spaced from the first portion, for receiving a document to be scanned by an image capturing device disposed in the docking location. In some embodiments, the document platform comprises a document insertion slot for receiving a document therein into the interior cavity, and further comprises a view plate adjacent to the document insertion slot for supporting a document inserted into the slot. 
         [0009]    A support plate may be disposed adjacent to the docking location for supporting the image capturing device which has been inserted into the docking location. The docking location comprises an aperture having a suitable size and shape for receiving the image capturing device. 
         [0010]    For the enclosed embodiments, artificial lighting may be provided in the interior cavity for enhancing the scanning function. 
         [0011]    In still another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of scanning a document using a document scanning device comprising a case which defines a cavity and has a docking location on a first side and a document platform on a second opposed side thereof. The inventive method comprises steps of inserting an electronic image capturing device into the docking location, inserting a document to be scanned onto the document platform, activating a camera on the electronic image capturing device, and capturing an image of the document. If an enclosed embodiment is being utilized, the inventive method may further comprise a step of lighting the cavity to improve the image quality. Once the document image has been captured, the method may also comprise a further step of transmitting the image to another location, using a communications network. 
         [0012]    Additionally, in certain embodiments, the inventive method may also comprise a step of detaching a first docking location having a first configuration for accommodating an image capturing device having a first particular configuration, and then attaching a second docking location having a second configuration for accommodating an image capturing device having a second particular configuration. By providing a variety of differently configured detachable docking locations, customized to different available image capturing devices, the inventive system may be effectively utilized with most or all of those devices, in an optimal way. 
         [0013]    The invention, together with additional features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative drawing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a document scanning system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a left-side view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a right-side view of the device shown in  FIGS. 1-6 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a document scanning system in accordance with a second modified embodiment of the present invention, wherein the embodiment is in an expanded orientation; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 8 , showing the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed orientation. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 10   a - 10   f  illustrate a sequence wherein the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 and 9  is expanded from its collapsed orientation to its fully expanded orientation; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is an isometric sequence showing the expansion of the  FIGS. 8 and 9  embodiment from its collapsed orientation to its fully expanded orientation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is an isometric sequence similar to  FIG. 11 , but showing the collapse of the  FIGS. 8 and 9  embodiment from its fully expanded orientation to its collapsed orientation; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of another modified embodiment of the present invention, in its expanded orientation; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13  in its collapsed orientation; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is an isometric sequence showing the expansion of the  FIGS. 13 and 14  embodiment from its collapsed orientation to its fully expanded orientation; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is an isometric sequence similar to  FIG. 15 , but showing the collapse of the  FIGS. 13 and 14  embodiment from its fully expanded orientation to its collapsed orientation; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is an isometric sequence similar to  FIG. 15 , shown from a slightly different perspective; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is an isometric sequence similar to  FIG. 16 , but shown from the perspective of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of yet another modified embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is an isometric sequence showing the embodiment of  FIG. 19  being collapsed from an expanded orientation to a collapsed orientation; 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is an isometric sequence similar to  FIG. 19 , but showing the embodiment of  FIG. 12  being expanded from a collapsed orientation to an expanded orientation; 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is an isometric view of still another modified embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  is a view similar to  FIG. 22  of the  FIG. 22  embodiment, which has been modified slightly to eliminate support members; 
           [0037]      FIG. 24  is an isometric view of the  FIG. 23  embodiment from a different orientation; 
           [0038]      FIG. 25  is an isometric view of the  FIG. 23  embodiment from yet another orientation; 
           [0039]      FIG. 26  is an isometric view of the  FIG. 23  embodiment from still another orientation; 
           [0040]      FIG. 27  is an isometric view of the  FIG. 22  embodiment from a different orientation; 
           [0041]      FIG. 28  is an isometric view of the  FIG. 22  embodiment from yet another orientation; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 29  is an isometric view of the  FIG. 22  embodiment from still another orientation. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0043]    Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-7  a representative embodiment of a document scanning device  10  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The device  10  comprises a box or case, having a front surface panel  12 , a rear surface panel  14 , a left surface panel  16 , a right surface panel  18 , a top surface panel  20 , and a bottom surface panel  22 . 
         [0044]    In the front side  12  of the device  10  is disposed a docking location or aperture  24 , for docking an electronic imaging device, such as a tablet personal computer (p.c.), smart phone, or similar device. Behind the docking location  24  is a support plate  26  for supporting the back surface panel of the tablet p.c. or other similar device when docked within the docking location  24 . The tablet docking location is structured to ensure proper functionality of the rear scanning camera on the tablet device. 
         [0045]    Other features on the front surface panel  12  of the device include a front-facing camera cut-out  28 , which allows for additional photography or scanning or video conferencing using the front-facing camera of the tablet device, as well as a sound/speaker diverter  30 , for increasing the effectiveness of the rear-facing speakers, and a multi-purpose cut-out  32 . The multi-purpose cut-out  32  is adapted to allow access to the power button on the back side of the tablet, the portal for speaker sounds, and access to volume control buttons on the tablet device. A tablet accessory cut-out  34  is also disposed on the front surface panel  12 , which may be useful for providing access to the tablet device&#39;s accessory jacks, transformer, power supply, and charger connection, as well as the microphone. Within the tablet accessory cut-out  34  may be positioned a cavity wall plate  36 , for restricting access to electrical connections and the transformer/charger/power supply. A power supply/charger cord access port  38  may be provided at a lower edge of the cavity wall plate  36 , as shown. Optionally, different interchangeable front surface panels may be provided for accommodating various tablet devices. In some embodiments, a top slot  39  ( FIG. 1 ) may be provided through which the tablet device may be inserted and withdrawn. 
         [0046]    Within the box comprising the device  10  is positioned one or more lights  40  at optimal locations for aiding in achieving the best possible scan quality/image. The top surface panel  20  is preferably removable so that access to the interior of the device  10  is readily achieved, for servicing the light, view glass, and the like. Adjacent to the rear surface panel  14  is a document insertion slot or platform for receiving and aligning a document or photo to be scanned. Cut-out  44  is provided to permit access for ready removal of the document or photo once the scanning process has been completed. A glass or plastic transparent view plate is disposed within the box, at a location identified by reference numeral  46  for supporting the document or photo on the document platform while it is being scanned. Vents  48  are provided in the rear surface panel  14  for ventilating the device  10 . 
         [0047]    In operation, as shown in  FIGS. 2-7 , when it is desired to scan a document, a tablet p.c.  50  or other suitable portable electronic device having a camera and Internet and/or Wi-Fi access is placed into the docking location  24 , against the support plate  26 . As shown, the power cord  52  of the electronic device  50  may extend downwardly and through the power supply/charger cord access port  38  in the cavity wall plate  36 , so that it may be connected to a suitable power supply during the scanning operation. A document  54  to be scanned is placed into the document insertion slot or platform  42 , as shown, so that it is in the imaging path of the camera on the imaging device disposed in the docking slot/location. 
         [0048]    An image beam  56  is illustrated in  FIGS. 3 ,  6 , and  7 , extending from the edges of the document  54  back into the lens of the rear-facing camera on the imaging device. A focusing chamber  58  assists in sharply focusing the image of the document for the camera. 
         [0049]    Feet  60 , preferably adjustable, may be provided for supporting the device  10 , if desired. Additionally, as is illustrated particularly in  FIG. 2 , the front of the device  10  is preferably tilted back, to assist in viewing the tablet if placed on a surface or table. This feature aids in the proper scanning and alignment of documents. 
         [0050]    Once the scanning operation has been completed, by activation of the camera to record a photograph of the document to be scanned, the imaging device may be removed from the docking location and the scanned document, stored as a photo in the memory of the imaging device, may be suitably archived in the imaging device, or transmitted, using a communications network, such as a telephone or wi-fi connection, to another location for archiving. 
         [0051]    The device may be constructed to be collapsible, if desired, for easy portability and storage. In  FIGS. 8-12  there is shown another modified embodiment of a document scanning device  110  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. This document scanning device  110  is similar in all respects other than those specifically delineated herein to the document scanning device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-7 . The device  110  comprises a box or case, having a front surface panel  112 , a rear surface panel  114 , a left surface panel  116 , a right surface panel  118 , a top surface panel  120 , and a bottom surface panel  122 . 
         [0052]    In the front side  112  of the device  110  is disposed a docking location or aperture  124 , for docking an electronic imaging device, such as a tablet personal computer (p.c.), smart phone, or similar device. Behind the docking location or station  124  is a support plate  126  for supporting the back surface panel of the tablet p.c. or other similar device when docked within the docking location  124 . The tablet docking location is structured to ensure proper functionality of the rear scanning camera on the tablet device. 
         [0053]    Other auxiliary features, as are disclosed in the prior application, may also be included, but are not shown herein for the sake of simplicity. 
         [0054]    The primary difference between the embodiment of  FIG. 8  and the device disclosed in  FIG. 1  is that the device  110  is collapsible. Specifically, in  FIG. 8  the device  110  is shown in its fully expanded, usable configuration or orientation, while in  FIG. 9 , the device  110  is shown in its collapsed orientation, whereby it may be readily transported or stored. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 10   a - 10   f ,  11 , and  12  illustrate the steps required to collapse or expand the device  110 . More particularly,  FIG. 10   a  and the left-most figure in  FIG. 11  depict the device  110  in its collapsed configuration. To expand the device  110  to its operational, expanded configuration, a first step is to lift the flaps  128 ,  130  about hinge lines  132 ,  134 , respectively ( FIG. 10   b  and the second figure in  FIG. 11 ). The next step is to pivot flaps  136 ,  138  about respective hinge lines  140 ,  142  ( FIG. 10   c  and the third figure in  FIG. 11 ) to enclose the top of the device  110 . At this juncture, a front flap  144  is folded upwardly about a hinge line  146  ( FIG. 10   d  and the fourth figure in  FIG. 11 ), to form the front surface panel  112  and the docking location  124 . In  FIG. 10   e , a rear flap (not shown) is similarly folded upwardly to form the rear surface panel  114 , while in  FIG. 10   f , another flap is folded upwardly to form the support plate  126 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 12  illustrates the same process shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , but in reverse order, thereby collapsing the expanded device  110 , shown in the right-most figure, in steps, to the collapsed version shown in the left-most figure. 
         [0057]    A third modified embodiment of the document scanning device  210  of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-18 , wherein common elements to those in the second embodiment are identified by common reference numerals, preceded by the numeral “2”, rather than “1”. One difference between this embodiment and that of  FIGS. 8-12  is that the  FIGS. 8-12  embodiment is particularly suitable for low-light environments, because lighting may be provided within the device  110 . In the  FIGS. 13-18  embodiment, adequate ambient lighting is assumed, partially because of its open construction, so no artificial light source is provided. 
         [0058]    In  FIG. 13 , the device  210  is shown in its open, operational configuration. The device  210  includes a docking location  224  with a support plate  226  for accommodating a desired imaging device having a camera for imaging a document. The document to be imaged is placed on a document platform  248 . The device is arranged so that the docking location  224  is disposed above the document platform at an optimal distance and angle to achieve excellent high resolution imaging results. 
         [0059]      FIG. 14  shows the device  210  in its closed, inoperable configuration, suitable for easy transport or storage. In this configuration, the docking location and document platform are safely protected within a sturdy outside case  250 , formed by re-configuring the structural parts of the device  210 , as will be described below. A handle  252  is included for ready and convenient portability. 
         [0060]      FIGS. 15 and 17  illustrate, sequentially from two different perspectives, a process according to the invention for re-configuring the inventive document scanning device  210  from its closed to its open and operable configuration. Beginning with the closed configuration of the device  210  shown in each figure, a first step involves lifting a top cover  254  upwardly and pivotally about its hinge  256 , as shown in the next sequential drawing in each figure. At the same time, the handle  252  is pivoted upwardly about a separate hinge  258 . 
         [0061]    As shown in the next sequential drawing in each of  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the top cover  254  continues to be pivoted about the hinge  256  through an approximate 180 arc until it lies parallel to and extending from a surface  260  within an interior cavity defined by side panels of the case  250 . The handle  252  is pivoted about the hinge  258  to extend from the cover  254 , with the handle  252  contacting a table or counter surface  262  to support the entire structure  260 ,  254 . So, the handle  252  doubles as a supporting member for the document platform  248 , which in turn is the inside surface of the cover  254 . 
         [0062]    Now, referring to the next sequential drawing in each of  FIGS. 15 and 17 , the structure forming the docking location  224  and support plate  226  is now lifted up about yet another hinge  264 , which, as can be seen in the following sequential drawing, actually preferably comprises a triple hinge, having a second hinge  266  and a third hinge  267  to maximize the operator&#39;s ability to locate the docking station  224  at an optimal imaging orientation. Support pillars  268 ,  270  are then folded upwardly and latched into an upright position for supporting the docking location  224  in a desired orientation relative to the document platform  248 . Typically, one or more slots (not shown) may be provided on the docking location structure  224 , to receive the upper ends of each of the support pillars  268 ,  270 . These slots may be spaced along the surface of the docking location  224 , if desired, to customize the orientation of the docking location  224  relative to the document platform  248 . At this juncture, the document scanning system  210  is fully assembled and operational. 
         [0063]    When the scanning jobs have been completed, and it is desired to collapse the system  210  for storage or transport, the assembly steps are reversed, as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 . Advantageously, the carrying case  250  created by executing the illustrated collapsing steps can also store the tablet p.c. or other imaging device, within the docking station  224 , for convenience. 
         [0064]      FIGS. 19-23  illustrate yet another embodiment  310  of the present invention, which bears a similarity particularly to the embodiment of  FIGS. 13-18 . In this embodiment, common elements to those in the previous embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-18  are identified by common reference numerals, preceded by the numeral “3”. 
         [0065]    In this embodiment  310 , there are provided a lower portion  372  and an upper portion  374 , shown in its collapsed orientation, whereby the upper portion  374  is folded to lie atop the lower portion  372  about a hinge  376 . The docking location  324  and support plate  326  are disposed in the upper portion  374 . A tablet accessory cut-out  327 , like tablet accessory cut-out  34  of  FIG. 1 , is also provided. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 20 , when the device  310  is in an expanded configuration (left-most figure), the upper portion  374  is oriented toward the vertical direction, pivoted about the hinge  376 , so that it is spaced from the lower portion  372 . In this open orientation, a document platform  348  is disposed on part of the lower portion  372 . In this expanded, operational orientation, the lower portion  372  lies flat on a table or other suitable horizontal surface. Operation of this embodiment is similar to that described in the prior embodiments. In particular, operation of this embodiment is very similar to that of the embodiment of  FIGS. 13-18 . 
         [0067]    When operation is complete, and it is desired to collapse the unit  310  for storage or transport, it may be collapsed as shown in the two sequenced figures to the right of the left-most figure. As shown in the first of these two figures, a first step is to fold the document platform  348  over the remaining part of the lower device portion  372 , about a hinge  378 . By completing this folding step, the lower portion  372  is now equal in size to the upper portion  374 . Then, as shown in the right-most figure, the upper portion  374  is folded over about the hinge  376 , to close over the lower portion  372 . A latch or other closure device may be used to secure the device  10  in this collapsed orientation. 
         [0068]      FIG. 21  shows a process sequentially, from left-to-right, whereby the device is expanded from its collapsed orientation (left-most figure) to its expanded orientation (right-most figure). This sequence is the same as shown in  FIG. 20 , but in reverse order. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 22-29  illustrate still another embodiment  410  of the present invention, wherein common elements to those in the previous embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-21 , and particularly the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 19-21 , are identified by common reference numerals, preceded by the numeral “4”. This embodiment is illustrated in two slightly different versions. The version shown in FIGS.  22  and  27 - 29  is a version that does not utilize support members, while the version of  FIGS. 23-26  does. Otherwise, the two versions are substantially identical, and will be discussed as a single embodiment  410 . This embodiment  410  is an open embodiment, as are the embodiments  210  and  310 , relying on ambient light to image the document. 
         [0070]    More particularly, as in the embodiment  310 , the document scanning device  410  comprises an outside case  450  having an upper portion  474  and a top cover  454 , when it is in its closed configuration (not illustrated), with a handle  452  provided for portability. Other elements in common with the embodiment  310  include a tablet accessory cut-out  427 , document platform  448  on the top cover, a bottom surface  460  for the outside case  450 , a hinge  476  for moving the upper portion  474  between its open and closed positions, and a hinge  478  for moving the top cover  454  between its open and closed positions. In this embodiment, a second hinge  480 , spaced from the first hinge  478 , also assists in opening and closing the top cover  454  relative to the case  450  as a whole, while also creating a side panel  482  for the case when closed. 
         [0071]    As mentioned above, the embodiment  410  is illustrated in two slightly different versions. FIGS.  22  and  27 - 29  illustrate the embodiment  410  having no support members to hold the document platform  448  and upper portion  474  in place in the open and operational orientation. The support members can be eliminated because, in this version, the hinges  476  and  480  include stop points which function to support the document platform  448  and the upper portion  474  in their desired operational positions.  FIGS. 23-26  illustrate an alternative version including support members or pillars  468  and  470  for supporting the upper portion  474  in its desired operational position and support members  484  and  486  for supporting the document platform  448  in its desired operational position. 
         [0072]    A significant feature of the embodiment  410  is that the docking location  424  for accommodating a tablet personal computer/imaging device  488  having a camera  490  comprises a detachable faceplate, rather than a built-in fixed member as in the other embodiments. In this embodiment, a plurality of such detachable faceplates  424  are available, each customized to accommodate a particular brand or model of tablet p.c. or imaging device  488  and its unique camera location and orientation, to ensure an optimal viewing angle between the camera  490  and the document platform  448 . It is noted that each of the prior embodiments  110 ,  210 ,  310  could similarly be modified to incorporate a detachable faceplate, customized to optimize imaging from a particular imaging device, if desired. 
         [0073]    It should be noted that an auto-document feeder may optionally be included in all embodiments, if desired. 
         [0074]    In all of the foregoing embodiments having hinges, the described hinges may be of any known type, including a simple crease which permits folding of the material about it, depending upon the constructional materials used, and other factors such as designed application. 
         [0075]    Accordingly, although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that all the terms used herein are descriptive rather than limiting, and that many changes, modifications, and substitutions may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.