Patent ID: 12210926

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1is a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner10that uses a single camera11. A card14is positioned between a mirror12and a mirror13oriented as shown. Camera11captures an image that includes both sides of card14, as illustrated by dashed lines15that represent an image capture of a first side of card14reflected from mirror12and by dashed lines16that represent an image capture of a second side of card14reflected from mirror13. The shown implementation of duplex card scanner10facilitates simultaneous image capture of both sides of card14. For example, mirror12and mirror13are each front surface mirrors. For example, camera11is high resolution camera that captures at least eight million pixels allowing image capture resolution of at least 300 dots per inch (dpi).

FIG.2shows an image17captured by single camera11that includes an image capture18of the first side of card14and an image capture19of the second side of card14when card14is in a portrait orientation. Image17is cropped as required for processing of imaged captures from each side of card14.

FIG.3shows an image31captured by single camera11that includes an image capture32of the first side of card14and an image capture33of the second side of card14when card14is in a horizontal orientation. Image31is cropped as required for processing of imaged captures from each side of card14.

FIG.4is a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner20that uses a camera21and a camera27. A card24is positioned between a mirror22and a mirror23oriented as shown. Camera21captures an image that includes a first side of card24, as illustrated by dashed lines25that represent an image capture of a first side of card24reflected from mirror22. Camera27captures an image that includes a second side of card24as illustrated by dashed lines26that represent an image capture of a second side of card24reflected from mirror23. The shown implementation of duplex card scanner20facilitates simultaneous image capture of both sides of card24using two cameras. For example, camera21and camera27are high resolution cameras that capture at least five million pixels allowing image capture resolution of at least 300 dpi for image capture of each side.

FIG.5shows an image36captured by camera21that includes an image capture37of the first side of card24.FIG.5also shows an image38captured by camera21that includes an image capture39of the second side of card24. Image37and image38are cropped as required for processing of imaged captures from each side of card14.

FIG.6illustrates operation of a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A card guide63helps position a card65that enters a card scanner. The card after entry rests on a card base61. A card clamp64positions card65against a card stop62. For example card base61and/or card stop62can be part of the housing of the duplex card scanner.

FIG.7shows a top view of card guide63and card stop62. A slot66in card guide63helps position card65as card65enters the duplex card scanner.

FIG.8shows a top view of card clamp64and card stop62. After card65enters the duplex card scanner and rests on card base61, card clamp64positions card65against card stop62

FIG.9shows seven stages that illustrate operation of the card support mechanism illustrated inFIG.6. In a stage91, card65is positioned to enter the duplex card scanner. A reference line90is shown to provide a reverence for movement of positions card guide63and card clamp64. In a stage92, card65has entered the duplex card scanner and rests on card base61and is held within slot66of card guide63.

In a stage93, card clamp64has positioned card65against card stop62. In a stage94, card guide63moves away from card65so that an unobstructed image can be made of both sides of card65.

After an unobstructed image can be made of both sides of card65, stage95shows card guide63moved back in position so that card guide63is positioned for removal of card65from the duplex card scanner. Stage96show card clamp64withdrawn from card65to facilitate removal of card65from the duplex card scanner.

Stage97shows card65in the process of being removed from the duplex card scanner. Stage98shows the duplex card scanner empty and ready for a new card to be entered.

FIG.10is a flow chart that further illustrates operation of the card support mechanism shown inFIG.6. After a start block101, in a block102a card guide is extended and a card clamp is retracted. In a block103, the card support mechanism waits for a card to be inserted. In a block104, a check is made to monitor when a card is inserted.

When a card has been inserted, in a block105, the card clamp is extended. In a block106, the card guide is retracted. In a block107an image of one or both sides of the card is captured. In a block108the card guide is extended. In a block109the card clamp is retracted. In a block110the card is removed from the card support mechanism. In a block111, a check is made to determine if more card images are to be captured. If so, in block103, the card support mechanism waits for a card to be inserted. If no more card images are to be captured, in a block103, the process is stopped.

FIG.11shows an example configuration of motors that can be used to implement a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A motor125positions a card guide127via a pinion126of motor125in contact with a rack128of card guide127. A motor130positions a card clamp132via a pinion131of motor130in contact with a rack133of card clamp132. A card base guide123helps position a card that enters a card scanner. The card after entry rests on a card base121. Card clamp132positions the card against a card stop122.

FIG.12shows a simplified three-dimensional view of card base guide123and card base121. Card base121is shown to have a groove135to receive and position a card.

FIG.13shows a simplified three-dimensional view of card stop122. Card stop122is shown to have a groove136to receive and position a card. The grove shape ensures that the card is optimally place in the center of card stop122for image capture. It also ensures that the card will not easily slip out of position when a slight pressure is applied by card clamp132to secure the card against the card stop122.

FIG.14illustrates an alternative embodiment of a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A card guide147helps position a card that enters a card scanner. The card after entry rests on a card base141. A card clamp144positions the card against a card stop142. For example card base141and/or card stop142can be part of the housing of the duplex card scanner. A reference line145is shown to provide a reference for movement of positions card guide147and card clamp144. Reference line146is also shown.

FIG.15illustrates another alternative embodiment of a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A card guide152and a card guide153help position a card156that enters a card scanner. The card after entry rests on a card base151. A card clamp154and a card clamp155position the card. After card clamp154and a card clamp155position the card, card guide152and card guide153move away from the card so that an unobstructed image can be made of both sides of the card.

FIG.16illustrates another alternative embodiment of a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A swivel mount165is used to position a card guide164. A swivel mount167positions a card clamp166. A rod168connects swivel mount167to card clamp166. A card base guide163helps position a card170that enters the card scanner. Card170after entry rests on a card base161. Card clamp166positions card170against a card stop162.

FIG.17shows a top view of card guide164, card clamp166, card170and card stop162. A slot169in card guide164helps position card170as card170enters the duplex card scanner. Slot169is long enough so that as card clamp166swivels around swivel mount167, rod168is able to enter slot169.

FIG.18shows card clamp166rotated around swivel mount so as to position card170against card stop162. Card guide164has been rotated around swivel mount165so that an unobstructed image can be made of both sides of card170.

FIG.19shows a top view of card guide164, card clamp166, card170and card stop162in the rotation orientation shown inFIG.18. In this position, rod168is within slot169.

FIG.20shows an example configuration of motors that can be used to implement a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A motor174controls swivel mount165via a pinion173of motor174in contact with a swivel pinion172around an axle171of swivel mount165. A motor178controls swivel mount167via a pinion177of motor178in contact with a swivel pinion176around an axle179of swivel mount167.

FIG.21andFIG.22illustrate housing configuration allowing manual extraction of cards from a duplex card scanner. A card guide187helps position a card189that enters a card scanner. A card base guide183helps position card189as it enters the card scanner. Card189after entry rests on a card base181. A card clamp188positions card189against a card stop182. For example card base181and/or card stop182can be part of the housing of the duplex card scanner.

Upper scanner housing184includes a left auxiliary card guide185and a right auxiliary card guide186that help guide card189into the card scanner. A cut out area180provides room for a thumb and forefinger to grasp card189and remove card189from the card scanner after card189has been scanned.

FIG.22is a top view that shows cut out area180being sized to allow room for a thumb and forefinger to grasp card189and remove card189from the card scanner.

FIG.23illustrates housing configuration that uses a movable base section191to remove a card199from a duplex card scanner. A card base guide190helps position a card199that enters a card scanner. Card199after entry rests on card base section191, a card base section192and a card base section193. For example, a card stop194can be used for aligning card199for scanning.

When a user is ready to remove card199from the card scanner, the user can depress a lever198attached to a semi-rigid cable196. Semi-rigid cable travels through a cable sleeve197that is anchored, for example to the card scanner housing. As the user presses lever198, semi-rigid cable196pushes up on card base section191so that card base section pushes191the top portion of card199out of the card scanner so that the card can be easily grasped and removed from the card scanner. When the user releases pressure on lever198a spring195pulls card base section191back down to its position, ready for entry of a new card into the card scanner.

FIG.24illustrates another housing configuration that uses a movable base section201to remove a card from a duplex card scanner. For example, a card stop205can be used for aligning the card.

When a user is ready to remove the card from the card scanner, the user can depress a lever214attached to a cable212and to a cable213. Cable213travels over a pulley211and a pulley210to connect to a card extension base204. Cable212travels over pulley211a pulley209, a pulley208and a pulley207to connect to a card base extension203. As the user presses lever214, cable212pulls up on card base extension203and cable213pulls up on card base extension204. This raises up card base section201so that card base section pushes the top portion of the card out of the card scanner so that the card can be easily grasped and removed from the card scanner. When the user releases pressure on lever214a spring202pulls card base section201back down to its position, ready for entry of a new card into the card scanner.

FIG.25shows a side view of card stop205that makes visible a cut-out slot206. Cut out slot206is sized so that card base extension204can freely move up and down without being obstructed by card stop205.

FIG.26shows how a motor223with a cable reel224can connect to a cable221and a cable222to replace manual lever214shown inFIG.24.

FIG.27andFIG.28illustrate another housing configuration that uses a movable base section235to remove a card238from a duplex card scanner. A glass pillar support233and a glass pillar support232support a sheet of antireflective glass234and a sheet of antireflective glass239. A base extender237and a base extender236are connected to card base235. When a user is ready to remove card238from the card scanner, base extender236and base extender237are used to raise card base section235so that the top portion of card238is pushed out of the card scanner so that card238can be easily grasped and removed from the card scanner.

FIG.28shows a top view where the relative position of sheet of antireflective glass234, sheet of antireflective glass239, card238and card base section235can be better ascertained. A slot within glass pillar support232allows card base extender237to freely move up and down. Likewise, a slot within glass pillar support233allows card base extender236to freely move up and down.

For example, space between card base section235and sheet of antireflective glass239and space between card base section235and sheet of antireflective glass234is kept to a minimum to avoid card238from slipping off card base section235as card base section235is moved between sheet of antireflective glass239and sheet of antireflective glass234.

For example, sheet of antireflective glass239and sheet of antireflective glass234are composed of anti-reflective coated glass. Alternatively, another transparent material such has clear glass or plexiglass can be used.

In an alternative embodiment, glass pillar support233and glass pillar support232support are omitted so that sheet of antireflective glass234and sheet of antireflective glass239are supported instead by the scanner housing.

This dual antireflective glass embodiment is suitable for two-sided image capture of a card. A simplified version of this embodiment can be implemented with only one sheet of antireflective glass to capture an image from a single side of the card. In this embodiment, for example, one sheet of antireflective glass and one sheet of a solid opaque panel or vertical support bars can be used.

Antireflective glass sheets can be used to enhance other embodiments. For example, the embodiment shown inFIG.23can be modified to use sheets of antireflective glass by removing card stop194, and using glass pillar supports and sheets of antireflective glass as in the embodiment shown inFIG.27andFIG.28. Likewise, the embodiment shown inFIG.24can be modified to use sheets of antireflective glass by removing card stop205, and using glass pillar supports and sheets of antireflective glass as in the embodiment shown inFIG.27andFIG.28. Alternatively, the glass pillar supports can be omitted and the sheets of antireflective glass can be supported by scanner housing.

FIG.29shows a side view andFIG.30shows a top view of scanner housing240having an auxiliary card guide242and a card input slot243. Dashed lines241outlines a card support mechanism.

FIG.31shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner269that uses a camera260and a camera261. A card252is positioned between a mirror253and a mirror254oriented as shown. Camera260captures an image that includes a first side of card252. Camera261captures an image that includes a second side of card252. A card support mechanism is represented by dashed lines251. Illumination is provided by an LED258and an LED259. A light shield256protects against direct light from LED258reaching mirror253or card252. A light shield257protects against direct light from LED259reaching mirror254or card252. Arrows262represent light emitted from LED258being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of housing250. Arrows263represent light emitted from LED259being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of housing250.

FIG.32shows a simplified side view of a card scanner289that uses a camera280. For a duplex card scanner a second camera may be used. A card support mechanism supports a card272entering card scanner289through an auxiliary card guide286. Illumination is provided by an LED278and an LED279. A light shield276protects against direct light from LED279reaching card271. A light shield277protects against direct light from LED278reaching card271. Light emitted from LED278is reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of housing270. Likewise, light emitted from LED279is reflected by the light colored matte inner surface of housing270.

FIG.33shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner309that uses a camera303. A card292is positioned between a mirror293and a mirror294oriented as shown. Camera303captures an image that includes both sides of card292. A card support mechanism is represented by dashed lines291. Illumination is provided by an LED298and an LED299. A light shield296protects against direct light from LED298reaching mirror293or card292. A light shield297protects against direct light from LED299reaching mirror294or card292. Arrows304represent light emitted from LED298being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of housing290. Arrows303represent light emitted from LED299being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of scanner housing290.

FIG.34shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner319that uses a camera315and a camera316. A card311is positioned between a mirror313and a mirror314oriented as shown. Camera315captures an image that includes a first side of card311. Camera316captures an image that includes a second side of card311. Illumination is provided by a diffused light panel317and a diffused light panel318as shown.

FIG.35shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner349that uses a camera335and a camera336. A card331is positioned between a mirror333and a mirror334oriented as shown. Camera335captures an image that includes a first side of card331. Camera336captures an image that includes a second side of card331. Illumination is provided by LEDs339and LEDs340. A light diffuser panel337diffuses light from LEDs339. A light diffuser panel338diffuses light from LEDs340.

FIG.36shows a simplified top view of a duplex card scanner369that uses a camera360and a camera361. A card351is positioned between a mirror353and a mirror354oriented as shown. Camera360captures an image that includes a first side of card351. Camera361captures an image that includes a second side of card351. Illumination is provided an LED359and an LED358. A light shield357protects against direct light from LED359reaching mirror354or card351. A light shield356protects against direct light from LED358reaching mirror353or card351. A reflective light diffuser panel362reflects and diffuses light from LEDs358. A reflective light diffuser panel363reflects and diffuses light from LEDs359.

FIG.37shows a simplified top view of a simplex card scanner379that uses a camera375. A card371is positioned adjacent to a mirror373oriented as shown. Camera375captures an image that includes a first side of card371. Camera375captures an image of one side of card371. A card support mechanism is represented by dashed lines372. Illumination is provided by an LED378. A light shield376protects against direct light from LED378reaching mirror373or card371. Arrows374represent light emitted from LED378being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of scanner housing370.

FIG.38illustrates another alternative embodiment of a card support mechanism of a duplex card scanner. A swivel mount465is used to position a card guide464. A swivel mount467positions a card clamp466. A rod468connects swivel mount467to card clamp466. A card base guide463helps position a card470that enters the card scanner. Card470after entry rests on a card base461. Card clamp466positions card470against a card stop462.

FIG.39shows a simplified front view andFIG.40shows a simplified side view of a duplex card scanner509that uses a camera503. A card492is positioned between a mirror493and a mirror494oriented as shown. Camera503captures an image that includes both sides of card492. A card support mechanism is represented by dashed lines491and includes anti-reflective glass505and anti-reflective glass506configured as shown. A card input510includes a card input slot511and an auxiliary card guide512. Illumination is provided by an LED498and an LED499. A light shield496protects against direct light from LED498reaching mirror493or card492. A light shield497protects against direct light from LED499reaching mirror494or card492. Arrows504represent light emitted from LED498being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of housing490. Arrows502represent light emitted from LED499being reflected by a light colored matte inner surface of scanner housing490. To increase clarity, the side view shown inFIG.40does not include LED lights and light shields, etc.

The configuration shown inFIG.38andFIG.39, can be varied, for example my replacing camera503with a two camera system similar to the use of two cameras as described in the discussion ofFIG.4above. Additionally, alternative methods of providing indirect light can be used, including, for example the use of LED lights with transmissive or reflective diffusers or for example the use of diffused light panels. Such methods of providing indirect light are described, for example, in the discussion ofFIG.31throughFIG.37, above

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.