Document scanning system with dockable platen flatbed providing sheet fed and platen scanning functions

This invention is related generally to a modular document scanning system and particularly to a modular scanner supporting both sheet fed and platen scanning of documents. More particularly, the invention relates to a modular scanning system with a detachable platen element for single sheet scanning.

Document scanners have become a popular computing accessory both in the home and the office. Essentially, document scanners (or simply “scanners”) come in three distinct varieties: sheet fed scanners, platen scanners and combination sheet fed with platen capability scanners. With respect to sheet fed scanners, an image forming subsystem, such as a camera, typically a CCD or “charge couple device” and a lens in combination with an illumination source, scans an image by moving a sheet of paper past the camera, which sits in a stationary position. Individual raster lines are imaged by the camera and then pieced together to create a 2D image representation of the original document. With sheet fed scanners, the camera is basically looking at one sliver of the document many times as the document is moved across a lens. The paper motion supplies one dimension of the document while the width is supplied by the camera. The in-paper travel direction and the width of the document is determined by the optics magnification and the charged couple device (CCD) within the image forming subsystem.

In some cases, the shape of the sheet fed scanners paper path is semi-circular. For example, some scanners have a semi-circular paper path where sheets can be fed from a tray on top and exit beneath (or vice versa). In other cases, the paper path is “straight through.”

With a platen scanner, a document is placed face down onto a stationary flat, usually glass surface, of the scanning unit and the image forming subsystem (camera and illumination source) moves underneath the fixed document to perform the scanning operation. In this case, the camera's motion is providing the length while the camera's optics provides the width of the scanned document.

Production scanners vary in speed, function and cost and are often used by businesses for scanning large quantities of documents. For example, scans of several hundred (100) to several hundred thousand (100,000) pages per job are typical for “production” scanners. One type of production scanner attempts to combine the functionality of a sheet fed scanner with that of a platen scanner. Essentially, with such combination production scanners, multiple sheets are fed from a stack past a stationary camera, thus eliminating the need for lifting a lid and placing document sheets face down one at a time. The platen capability is also employed to deal with documents that do not feed from a stack reliably. Production scanners of this type are manufactured as a single unit that combine the platen scanning functions with the sheet moving functions in a single box.

In one common configuration, a dual camera image forming subsystem is used with a paper path extending between the cameras and the scanner adapted to operate in two distinct scanning modes. In a sheet fed or straight-through scanning mode, documents are fed from a stack in between the cameras so that they are imaged on both the top and bottom during the same scanning operation. In a platen scanning mode, one of the cameras can be made to mimic the functionality of a platen scanner by placing a platen element adjacent to it and moving the camera beneath a stationary document placed on the platen. In this way, a stationary camera assumes the role of a platen image forming subsystem. Such combination production scanners are often known as platen scanners with autofeed capability. Essentially, this class of scanning devices utilizes a small paper path in combination with a camera that can operate in both a parked position for the auto-feed with subsequent movement of a document for sheet fed scanning as well as a moving operation for a stationary document during platen scanning.

With prior sheet fed, platen, or combination scanners, the user must select one type in favor of another. For those customers whose primary need is for a sheet fed scanner but who occasionally need the platen utility, they must purchase a combination device or two separate scanners (one sheet fed and one platen). Purchasing both types of scanning devices may be cost prohibitive or impossible and, in either case, impractical for applications where portability is desired. For example, service bureaus require the ability to pick up the scanner and host computer, which is attached to the scanner, in order to transport both systems to the jobsite. After the job is finished, the scanner and computer must be brought back to the service bureau headquarters or to the next jobsite. Thus, portability and the ability to reconfigure and perform multiple scanning functions are critical to people who buy scanners to scan documents as a service.

Other limitations of the prior art scanners are the relatively high cost and large size of the form factor associated with the combination production scanners that combine platen and sheet feeding functions in one unit. Since the form factor must be increased, the cost of manufacture is increased over the single function scanning device. Typically, such combination production scanners only come in one of various classes suitable for scanning a single size or style of document. For example, the platen portion of the combination scanner can be equipped to handle 8½×11 inch or European sized documents (also known as A4) or they can be equipped to handle 11 by 17 inch documents (also known as A3). Thus, the prior art combination production scanners may not be configured to scan the size of documents that the customer desires have scanned.

As such, a relatively low cost scanning device that can handle various paper sizes in a unit having a relative small footprint, and which combines the functionality of a platen scanner with that of a sheet fed scanner would provide numerous advantages.

The present invention provides a modular scanner with a detachable platen element for either single sheet and/or multiple page scanning which “docks” or attaches to a scanning unit providing sheet fed scanning. With the present invention, the end customer is given the functionality of a platen scanner and the ability to selectively mount or store the platen device. The space associated with the platen element can be saved on the desktop as well as the possibility to purchase the scanner with or without the platen accessory. In addition, the size of the platen element can vary to accommodate various sizes and documents.

Accordingly, disclosed in one embodiment is a scanning subsystem supporting platen and sheet fed scanning of documents. The scanning system comprises a first scanning unit with a first enclosure housing a first set of mechanisms for enabling full sheet fed scanning functions. The first scanning unit also includes a second set of mechanisms for enabling partial platen scanning functions and a docking interface defining an opening in the first enclosure. A second scanning unit with a second enclosure can be attached to the first scanning unit through the docking interface. The second scanning unit includes a third set of mechanisms for enabling complete platen scanning of documents in operable combination with the second set of mechanisms within the first scanning unit.

In one embodiment, the first scanning unit includes a feeder opening through which paper documents can be fed for sheet fed scanning. A first exit opening is provided and adapted to deliver scanned documents from a first location of the first scanning unit. A paper pathway and extends from the feeder opening through the first exit opening. A first image forming subsystem is predisposed within the first scanning unit and configured to scan images appearing on paper documents fed through the feeder opening and transported over the first paper pathway. A feed roller predisposed about the feeder opening facilities the introduction of documents onto the first paper pathway. A separation roller or separation pad can also be employed and used to ensure that only a single sheet of paper is fed through the feeder opening.

The first scanning unit further includes a plurality of rollers predisposed about the first paper pathway for facilitating transmission of paper documents from the feeder opening to either the first exit opening or a second exit opening. The first image forming subsystem can include a lens and a light source predisposed about the paper pathway for directing light onto paper documents entering the first scanning unit through the feeder opening. Mirrors within the first scanning unit are configured for guiding reflected light from the paper document through the lens and onto the CCD. In this way, the first image forming subsystem is able to sheet fed scan a document.

The second set of mechanisms comprise a second image forming subsystem and a drive subsystem for causing said second image forming subsystem to move from a sheet fed scanning position to a pre-platen scanning position. Specifically, motion of the second image forming subsystem along an axis substantially perpendicular to the opening defined by the docking interface is facilitated by the drive subsystem. The drive subsystem can include pulleys and belts which are adapted for engaging the second image forming subsystem and causing its motion along an axis perpendicular to the opening.

In essence, the second image forming subsystem is made to enter the second scanning unit through the opening prior to platen scanning of documents placed on a glass piece attached to the top surface of the second scanning unit. Platen scanning by the second scanning unit occurs as the second image forming subsystem traverses the length of the enclosure of the second scanning unit. In this regard, a Thompson rod can be used to engage a Thompson rod bearing of the second image forming subsystem to guide the motion of the camera and permit it to sweep a document placed on the glass piece during platen scanning. Once the second image forming subsystem traverses the length of the second enclosure associated with the second scanning unit, it can return to an initial pre-scanning position ready for subsequent scanning operations of either the platen scan or sheet fed scanning modality.

According to another embodiment, disclosed is a modular scanner comprising a first enclosure with a stationary camera therein and having a first opening for feeding a document to be scanned, a second opening for delivering a scanned document to a user, and a third opening through which one or more docking mechanisms can join. A first paper pathway extends between the first opening and the second opening within the first enclosure. A document handling means within the first enclosure can receive a document through the first opening and transport it over the first paper pathway to an area within the first enclosure where the stationary camera can scan the document. A light source is predisposed for delivering light energy in the direction of the document with light guiding means adapted for directing reflected light energy from the document to the stationary camera. Also provided is a moveable camera mounted within the first enclosure adjacent to the stationary camera.

The modular scanner can further comprise a second enclosure having a substantially flat top surface with a glass plane thereon and includes an opening at one end adapted for receiving the movable camera when the second enclosure is attached to the first enclosure via the third opening. A first translation means is also provided within the first enclosure for causing the motion of the motion of the moveable camera from a sheet fed scanning mode that places the moveable camera within the opening of the second enclosure. A drive subsystem is also provided within the second enclosure for receiving the moveable camera through the opening and causing the camera to traverse along an axis substantially parallel to the glass plane. Sheet fed and platen scanning of documents are facilitated by the stationary camera and moveable camera, respectively.

Further disclosed is a detachable platen element for a modular scanning system. The platen element includes an enclosure having a top surface with a glass plane attached thereon. The enclosure has one end with an opening for accepting an image-forming subsystem. A translation means is provided within the enclosure and adapted for attachment to the image forming subsystem and causing it to move in a direction permitting scanning of documents placed on the glass plane. The platen element can include a lid with a substantially flat surface suitable for covering documents placed on the glass plane. The lid can be opened and closed with a hinging means that couples the lid to the enclosure. The translation means can include a pulley and belt system adapted to engage the image forming subsystem for facilitating its motion and permitting platen scanning of documents placed on the glass plane. A rod within the enclosure can engage the image forming subsystem and facilitate its movement for platen scanning.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the scanning system of the present invention with the detachable platen element, according to a preferred embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2C illustrate in detail the internal mechanisms of the first scanning unit of the scanning system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the hatch opening feature of the scanning system of the present invention, according to one embodiment; and

FIGS. 4A through 4C illustrate the process of platen scanning using the detachable platen element of the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment.

Corresponding numerals and references in the detailed description correspond to like parts in the figures unless otherwise indicated.

The present invention provides a modular scanner or scanning system with a detachable platen element for single sheet or multiple document scanning which allows for both sheet fed and platen scanning of documents. The platen element attaches or docks to a “straight-through” or sheet fed scanning unit that includes a portion of the mechanisms necessary for platen scanning. With the present invention, a user can have platen functionality by selectively mounting or storing the platen element. In this way, the space associated with the platen element can be saved and the user can purchase the scanner system with or without the platen element as their option. Additionally, the platen element may be purchased in different sizes allowing the end-user to purchase the size scanner desired and nothing larger.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which illustrate the modular scanning system 5 of the present invention, according to the preferred embodiment. Scanner system 5 is seen to include a first enclosure 12 which provides a housing for the various components, devices, subsystems, and other mechanisms necessary to effectuate sheet fed scanning of documents fed through a feeder opening 18 into the first enclosure 12 . The enclosure 12 includes first and second exit openings 20 and 22 , respectively, which provide two means of delivering a scanned document to a user.

Scanning system 5 also includes a platen element 10 which takes the form of a second enclosure 14 that can be selectively attached to the first enclosure 12 to enable the platen scanning functionality as described herein. Specifically, since the platen element 10 is a separate enclosure 14 from the first enclosure 12 , it allows a separation of the platen scanning function from the sheet fed scanning function. In this way, the weight, space, and cost associated with prior art combination production scanners that combine sheet fed and platen scanning in a single box (or unit) can be saved with each section of the scanning system 5 being separately purchasable transportable.

The second enclosure 14 houses some of the mechanisms necessary to enable platen scanning. Other platen scanning mechanisms are obtained from the first enclosure 12 of the scanning system 5 after attachment of the platen element 10 to the first enclosure 12 . A glass piece 26 is attached to the top surface 27 of the second enclosure 14 and provides a space where documents to be scanned can be placed. A lid 28 allows covering of documents to be scanned to limit the outside influence of lights and other affects which would interfere with proper scanning of a document.

With reference to FIG. 2A, prior to use of the platen element 10 , a second image forming subsystem 70 must be displaced from the first enclosure 12 to the second enclosure 14 of the platen element 10 . A mounting block 71 supports the second image forming subsystem 70 in place and is operable engaged to a pivoting means 74 , the operation of which is described below. The platen element 10 includes an end 21 with an opening (not shown) which provides a means for accepting the second image forming subsystem 70 . In operation, a user attaches the end 21 to the docking interface 16 of the first enclosure 12 . A hook 82 serves as a docking mechanism that that securely docks the platen element 10 to the first enclosure 12 although other devices capable of serving as a docking mechanism within the platen element 10 and/or the first enclosure 12 may be employed. For example, each enclosure 12 , 14 may include separate docking means that latch together once the platen element 10 is attached to the first enclosure 12 . As shown, the docking interface 16 defines an opening through which the second image forming subsystem 70 passes from the first enclosure 12 to the second enclosure 14 of the platen element 10 . Thus, the first enclosure 12 include a portion of the working mechanisms necessary for platen scanning with the remaining mechanisms housed in the second enclosure 14 .

The attachment of the platen element 10 to the enclosure 12 is illustrated in FIG. 1 B. In this configuration, a user has the option of sheet fed scanning by the insertion of documents through feeder opening 18 or platen scanning of documents by placement of documents over glass plane 26 of the platen element 10 . In other configurations, the platen element 10 can be fitted with an automatic document feeder (not shown) that can place documents automatically on the glass piece 26 . An automatic feeder (not shown) can be attached to the enclosure 12 of the scanning system 5 opposite the platen element 10 to enable feeding of documents through the feeder opening 18 .

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2C, therein is shown a first scanning unit, denoted generally as 32 , illustrating the various components, devices, subsystems and mechanisms that are included in a modular scanning system such as modular scanning system 5 . Specifically, scanning unit 32 includes the mechanisms necessary to achieve full sheet fed scanning of documents fed through feeder opening 18 . Additionally, scanning unit 32 includes a second set of mechanisms necessary to achieve partial platen scanning in combination with a third set of mechanisms within the platen element 10 .

The first scanning unit 32 is seen to include a pair of rollers 60 and 62 predisposed about the feeder opening 18 and configured to facilitate the transmission of documents onto the first paper pathway 66 . The top roller 60 , often referred to as a feeder roller, is configured to draw a sheet of paper into the first paper pathway 66 by grabbing a document from the top of a stack and transmitting it through the space between the feeder roller 60 and the separation roller 62 . This action is often referred to in the industry as “feed and separation” with the separation roller 62 can also be referred to as a “retardation” or “breaking” roller, as is well known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The separation roller 62 acts to ensure that only a single sheet of paper enters the first paper pathway 66 within the first enclosure 12 of the first scanning unit 32 at any one time.

First and second top rollers 58 A and 58 C, respectively, work with first and second bottom rollers 58 B and 58 D, respectively, to transport a document to an area (marked by the dashed lines) where a first image forming subsystem 40 comprising a camera lens 42 can scan the document. First and second light sources 50 A and 50 B, respectively, provide the light energy necessary to illuminate images on a document which are directed to the lens 42 of the image forming subsystem 40 using light guiding means 69 A, 69 B, 69 C and 69 D (hereinafter 69 A: 69 D). Light guiding means 69 A: 69 D are typically mirrors or other similar reflective surfaces predisposed within the enclosure 12 of the first scanning unit 32 . In this way, the first image forming subsystem 40 is capable of obtaining a scanned digital representation of images on documents fed through feeder opening 18 . Typically, the first image forming subsystem 40 is a stationary unit within the enclosure 12 so that sheet fed scanning of documents is permitted by motion of the document through the feeder path 66 .

Following scanning, other rollers 58 E: 58 K within the enclosure 12 transmit the document through opening 20 or alternatively, through opening 22 . The number of rollers and their placement or configuration can vary according to design. Essentially, rollers 58 A: 58 K, 60 , and 62 in combination with paper pathway 66 provide a document handling means within the first scanning unit 32 . The selection of either exit opening 20 or exit opening 22 is facilitated by pivot 64 which, in one embodiment, can be operably coupled to a selector switch (not shown) outside the enclosure 12 which a user can operate. This can also be achieved via a mode setup through the host computer (not shown) attached to the scanner and some combination of a solenoid and linkage sensing switch. By providing two separate exit openings, 20 and 22 , documents can exit the first scanning unit 32 either in a face-down orientation or face-up orientation, respectively, compared to the orientation of the document entering through feeder opening 18 . As is well known in the art, the use of exit opening 22 is often referred to as straight-through document feeding. The straight-through approach could also be configured in a manner where sheets are fed from the bottom of a stack thereby allowing document order to be maintained.

The first scanning unit 32 is seen to include a second image forming subsystem 70 which provides a mechanism for enabling platen scanning in connection with certain mechanisms within the second scanning unit 110 shown in FIG. 4 A. The second image forming subsystem 70 includes, among other components well known in the art, a lens 72 and mirrors 76 A, 76 B, 76 C and 76 D which scan a document during platen scanning. As shown in FIG. 2A, the second image forming subsystem 70 is stored in a non-scanning position within the enclosure 12 of the first scanning unit 32 when not in use. In another embodiment, the second image forming subsystem 70 is used for double sided scanning within the first scanning unit 32 in operation with the first image forming subsystem 40 .

A pivot 104 allows translation of the mounting plate 71 supporting the second image forming subsystem 70 to the position shown in FIG. 2 B. In this position, the second image forming subsystem 70 is predisposed for entering the second enclosure 14 of the platen element 10 through the opening defined by the docking interface 16 . A rod bearing 74 (or Thompson rod bearing) within the housing of the second image forming subsystem 70 is provided and adapted for engaging rod 80 (or Thompson rod) for facilitating the motion of the second image forming subsystem 70 in a direction parallel to axis Y. A first drive subsystem 90 , or other suitable translation means, comprises pulleys 92 A, 92 B, and belt 94 , can be used for translating the second image forming subsystem 70 in the direction of docking interface 16 to allow the displacement of second image forming 70 from the first scanning unit 32 to the second enclosure 14 of platen element 10 . In this way, the second image forming subsystem 70 glides along rod 80 extending into the second enclosure 14 of the platen element 10 and assumes a pre-platen scanning position as shown in FIG. 2 C. The second image forming subsystem 70 is then ready to perform platen scanning of documents placed on a glass piece 26 of platen element 10 with the second image forming subsystem 70 is entirely within the second enclosure 14 .

The scanning system 5 of the present invention can include other features and functions found in prior art scanning equipment and well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates removal of the hatch 24 of the first scanning unit 32 in order to clear paper and/or other debris that may be stuck within the first paper pathway 66 . The hatch 24 is therefore provided with a hinging means (not shown) that allows it to create an opening for clearing paper jams by a user. An inkjet 100 can be provided to facilitate storage of ink for printing and identifying numbers or codes by a user. A double document sensor 98 is used to sense the presence of more than a single sheet of paper that may inadvertently enter the feeder opening 18 . Other features and options can be provided as is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

With reference to FIGS. 4A through 4C, a detailed functional diagram of a second scanning unit 110 including the subsystems, components and other mechanisms suitable for implementing the functions of a platen element, such as platen element 10 , are shown. Specifically, the second image forming subsystem 70 is operably engaged with rod 112 within the enclosure 14 of the second scanning unit 110 . A second drive subsystem 114 (or other suitable translation means) facilitates the motion of second image forming subsystem 70 during platen scanning of documents placed on glass piece 26 . In one embodiment, second drive subsystem 114 comprises pulleys 118 A, 118 B and belt 116 facilitate motion of the second image forming subsystem 70 within enclosure 14 . A motion spring 120 can be used to provide the recoil tension for returning the second image forming subsystem 70 to a ready-to-scan position as shown in FIG. 4 A.

In FIG. 4B, the second image forming subsystem 70 has started traversing along an axis substantially parallel to axis Y. Prior to platen scanning, the lid 28 can be closed in order to provide the proper lighting, background, and paper constraint conditions for the second image forming subsystem 70 and, in particular, to permit lens 72 to receive adequate light reflections of images appearing on documents placed on glass piece 26 . A hinge 30 or other similar hinging means couples the lid 28 to the top surface 27 of the enclosure 14 . Also, a paper tray 29 may be provided on the lid 28 as a way of holding paper or other documents for increasing the convenience of the user. The paper tray 29 accepts documents being fed through the sheet fed scanner. Paper tray 29 is commonly referred to in the industry as an “output” or “exit” tray. In FIG. 4C, the second image forming subsystem has completed a platen scanning function and is ready for returning to a ready-to-scan position within the enclosure 14 .

Accordingly, the present invention provides a scanning system consisting of first and second scanning units that provide for both sheet fed and platen scanning of documents. Specifically, a first scanning unit 32 includes all the mechanisms necessary to permit sheet fed scanning of documents using a fixed, stationary image forming subsystem 40 . A second scanning unit 110 includes a means of accepting a second image forming subsystem 70 and causing its motion in order to perform platen scanning of documents placed on the platen element 10 . The end result is a modular scanning system 5 with a detachable platen element that allows the customer to have platen scanning functionality but with the additional flexibility of selectively mounting or storing the platen element 10 . In addition, the scanning system 5 of the present invention permits the user to purchase a scanner with or without the platen element 10 as an accessory. The platen element 10 can accommodate different size documents and form factors and can be purchased separately based on the needs of the user.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific and preferred embodiments, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may have application in other context and that variations and modifications to the present invention may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, contemplated that such variations and modifications be encompassed within the scope of the invention and the following claims.

5 . Scanning system

10 . Platen element

12 . First enclosure

14 . Second enclosure

16 . Docking interface

18 . Feeder opening

20 . First exit opening

21 . End

22 . Second exit opening

24 . Hatch

26 . Glass piece

27 . Top surface

28 . Lid

29 . Paper tray

30 . Hinge

32 . First scanning unit

40 . First image forming subsystem

42 . Lens

44 . Charged couple device

46 . Reflected light

50 a. First lamp

50 b. Second lamp

58 a. First top roller

58 b. First bottom roller

58 c. Second top roller

58 d. Second bottom roller

58 e : 58 k. Rollers

60 . Feeder roller

62 . Separation roller

64 . Pivot

66 . First paper pathway

68 . Second paper pathway

69 a. First mirror

69 b. Second mirror

69 c. Third mirror

69 d. Fourth mirror

70 . Second image forming subsystem

71 . Mounting plate

72 . Lens

74 . Rod bearing

76 a. First mirror

76 b. Second mirror

76 c. Third mirror

76 d. Fourth mirror

80 . Rod

82 . Lock

90 . First drive subsystem

92 a. First pulley

92 b. Second pulley

94 . Belt

96 . Ribbon cable

98 . Double document sensor

100 . Inkjet

102 . Motor

104 . Pivot

106 . Belt

110 . Scanning unit

112 . Rod

114 . Second drive subsystem

116 . Belt

118 a. Third pulley

118 b. Fourth pulley

120 . Motion spring

122 . Reflected light