DE102011006456B4 - Apparatus and method for scanning documents - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for scanning documents (1), to which a first feed tray (11) is mounted, in which documents to be scanned are receivable and from which a document feeder (9) receives the documents to be scanned and feeds them to a scanning unit for scanning, wherein the device (1) a second feed tray (12) is mounted, in which documents to be scanned are receivable and from which the document feeder (9) receives documents to be scanned in a singular manner,
wherein the device (1) is adapted to receive documents via the document feeder (9) alternatively from the first feed tray (11) or from the second feed tray (12) and supply documents to the scanning unit,
characterized in that
on the housing (2) a device (13) is provided, is formed,
around the two feed compartments between a first position in which the first feed tray (11) is in a retracted position, in which the document feeder (9) can receive documents to be scanned singly from the first feed tray (11), and the second feed tray (12) in ...

Description

The invention relates to a device for scanning documents according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for scanning documents according to claim 9.

Devices for scanning documents for archival purposes, for example, are well known in the art. Especially when it comes to scanning larger volumes of documents (eg incoming mail or filing in larger companies or government agencies), the scanners should be able to process "heterogeneous document batches". Heterogeneous document stacks comprise documents of different sizes, thicknesses or materials, for example. Such documents must be carefully placed in the input tray of the scanning device or stacked in it so that they can be sorted and fed correctly. If the insertion does not take place with the accuracy required for this purpose, it can lead to incorrect insertion, eg. B. skew or multifeed, or come to paper jam in the scanning device.

The absolutely necessary careful insertion of the documents to be scanned into the feed chute, however, takes a certain amount of time during which the scanning device must stand still. Because a Nachlegen of documents to be scanned in the input tray while documents are withdrawn from the collection tray is usually not possible. The stoppage of the device reduces the throughput of documents to be scanned. For example, with prior art document scanning devices, a throughput of about 300 pages / minute (5 pages / second) based on one A4 sheet can be achieved. Approximately 1000 sheets can be loaded into a feed tray of such a document scanning device, meaning that the feed tray is empty at the above-indicated throughput after approximately 3 minutes (more precisely 200 seconds), after which a new fill must be made. When the above-described insertion of new documents takes 30 seconds, the actual throughput achieved in continuous operation decreases to approximately 260 pages per minute (4.3 pages / second), which accounts for a portion of the downtime of the document scanning apparatus of about 15%, or a reduced by almost 15% effective throughput.

It is therefore desirable to reduce these downtime of the document scanning apparatus in order to increase the throughput of documents.

One approach to reducing downtime and thus increasing the throughput of documents would be, for example, the use of removable cassettes, which are alternately removed from the scanning device, filled and then re-attached to the scanning device. This approach has proved to be less practicable in the inventors, since the documents to be scanned, as already mentioned, may be heterogeneous and then might no longer properly abut on the edge when changing the cassettes, which in turn may lead to malfunctions in the collection. In addition, the cassettes, when filled, have a significant weight, which in turn addresses concerns for ergonomics reasons.

Another approach would be to increase the capacity of the input tray itself. Also, this approach has proved to be unworkable in the inventors, since in particular when stacking heterogeneous, not ideal even lying documents from a certain amount of so-called "cushion effect" occurs, the document pile so bulges out to an edge. If the individual documents are not stacked flat and parallel to each other, this can lead to the documents no longer being fed in correctly.

US 5,669,057 A relates to a reproducing apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1. EP 0 023 544 A1 concerns a reproduction system with two feed compartments. US 2009/0196653 A1 relates to a scanner which has two separate input trays. DE 28 18 123 A1 relates to a device with a plurality of feed compartments arranged one above the other, which can be filled separately and separated.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for scanning documents and a corresponding method for scanning documents, by means of which an increased throughput can be achieved without there being an increased risk of a paper jam or any other malfunction in the intake, which However, it can be realized in a space-saving manner.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a device for scanning documents having the features according to claim 1 and a method for scanning documents with the features according to claim 9. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the respective dependent claims.

According to the invention, an apparatus for scanning documents is provided, to which a first feed tray is attached, in which documents to be scanned are receivable and of which one Document feeder einzupannd documents to be scanned and fed to a scanning unit for scanning, and wherein on the device, a second feed tray is attached, in which documents to be scanned are receivable and from which the document feeder eincannende receiving documents, the device is adapted to be scanned via the document feeder Alternatively, take documents from the first input tray or from the second input tray.

Moreover, it is provided according to the invention that on the housing, a device is provided which is adapted to the two feed trays between a first position, in which the first feed tray is in a retraction position, in the document feeder einzcannd documents einzzelnd from the first feed tray and the second feed tray is in a filling position in which the second feed tray can be filled, and a second position in which the second feed tray is in a retracted position in which the document feeder can singly receive documents to be scanned from the second feed tray, and the first feed tray in a filling position, in which the first feed tray can be filled to move.

By means of the configuration according to the invention, which provides a first feed tray and a second feed tray, which can be filled alternately, the downtime of the document scanning apparatus can be significantly reduced and thus the throughput of documents can be increased accordingly, since a user has the possibility to scan while being scanned Documents are removed from the one feed tray through the document feeder, the other feed tray, which is empty, to refill with new documents to be scanned. Thus, the operation of the document scanning device need not be interrupted to load new documents, as is the case with prior art scanning devices. The idle time of the document scanning device according to the invention advantageously reduces to practically zero.

According to the invention, the device comes out with a single document feeding device. The document feeder pulls documents each from the feeder tray, which is currently in the retraction position, and transfers the separated documents to the transport mechanism. Because only a single document feeder is needed, the device of the invention in this embodiment is particularly economical and space-saving feasible.

If the feed tray is in the respective filling position, it can only be filled; Documents can not be fed in, because in the filling position it will not be picked up by the feeding device.

Particularly preferably, the device has at least one guide rail. By means of the guide rail, which is preferably designed as a round bar, the first feed tray and the second feed tray can be moved in a simple manner in each case from the filling position to the retraction position.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the first feed tray and the second feed tray are both arranged on one side of a housing of the device, in particular substantially at a same common height. This is particularly advantageous with regard to the ergonomics of the document scanning device, since a user who alternately fills the first and second feed trays can then always work at the same height.

According to yet a preferred embodiment, the first feed tray and the second feed tray are arranged side by side. Preferably, the first feed tray and the second feed tray may be formed as a unit.

According to yet another preferred embodiment, the first feed tray and the second feed tray are formed substantially identical.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the device has a first output compartment into which scanned documents, in particular the documents from the first feed compartment, can be dispensed, and a second output compartment into which the scanned documents, in particular the documents from the second feed compartment, can be dispensed , As a result, the downtime of the document scanning apparatus can also be advantageously reduced by emptying one output bin by an operator while the apparatus outputs further scanned documents into the other output bin.

In addition, it is particularly preferred if the first and the second output tray are each larger by approximately 50% than the first and the second feed tray. This is advantageous because the output of especially heterogeneous documents is not always uniform and clean, which is compensated by the increased size of the output trays. It then ensures that the output bins each contain the entire contents of a feed tray be able to record. Emptying the output trays and filling the input trays can then be done with the same "clock rate".

Preferably, the device for scanning documents can be connected to a storage medium for storing the digital data obtained from the scanned documents. It is also advantageous if the device for scanning documents has a monitor on which, for example, the already scanned documents are displayed.

The invention further comprises a method for scanning documents by means of a device for scanning documents, in which the documents from a first feed tray, in a retracted position, are singulated for scanning and a second feed tray, in a filling position, filled with documents , and wherein, when the first feed tray is empty, the documents from the second feed tray, in a retracted position, are singulated for scanning and the first feed tray, in a filling position, is filled with documents, the two feed trays being fed through a device between the first feed tray Feeding position and the respective Befüllpositionen be moved, such that when the one feed tray is in the retracted position, the other feed tray is in the respective filling position.

The inventive method, the downtime when scanning documents can be reduced practically to 0, since a user can fill one of the two drawers, which is just empty again with documents, while from the other of the two drawers, the documents already by a Document feeder singled withdrawn and fed to the scanning unit.

All the embodiments according to the invention are also particularly suitable for processing heterogeneous document stacks, because they allow documents to be loaded with optimum utilization of the scanning unit - without interruption, ie without loss of scan throughput - in each case carefully into the respective other input tray. Examples of such documents are incoming postal documents, remittance forms or order forms of different size and nature and of course mixtures thereof.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

1 a perspective view of a device for scanning documents according to the prior art;

2 a view of a device for scanning documents according to an embodiment in a first scan and Befüllposition;

3 a view of the device for scanning documents of 2 in a second scanning and filling position; and

4 a view of the device for scanning documents of 2 without the first and second input tray.

1 shows a perspective view of a device for scanning documents 1 according to the prior art. The device for scanning documents 1 is designed as a standalone unit and has a housing 2 with two feet 3 on. On one side 4 of the housing 2 , here at the front 5 , is the case 2 educated. A user (not shown) can place heterogeneous documents to be scanned (not shown) in a feed tray 6 the device for scanning documents 1 Insert exactly aligned so that it in a document feeder (not shown), which a separating device, with which the documents to be scanned individually from the feed tray 6 are removed, and a transport mechanism comprises, with which the extracted documents individually a scan unit (not shown) are fed, does not come to a paper jam. After scanning the individual documents by means of an optical sensor (also not shown), for example, one or more CCD sensors, on the one hand, the sampled signals are converted into digital data that can be stored on a storage medium, also not shown here, and on the other hand, the so scanned documents into one in a top 7 of the housing 2 the device for scanning documents 1 arranged output tray 8th again issued individually. For storing and processing the data, the device for scanning documents 1 connected to a computer (not shown). Also, a screen (not shown) may be used, for example, to view the scanned documents on the document scanning device 1 be connected. Are in the device shown here for scanning documents 1 All documents to be scanned from the input tray 6 has been removed by the document feeder, the operation of the device for scanning documents 1 interrupted, so that the user carefully new documents to be scanned in the input tray 6 can insert. Only after complete filling of the intake compartment 6 The device can be used to scan documents 1 be restarted. The downtime during filling of the intake compartment 6 can at a filling capacity of the feeder tray 6 of 1000 sheets amount to about 30 seconds. With a throughput of approximately 300 pages / minute, this accounts for 15% of the downtime.

2 shows a view of a device for scanning documents 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The device for scanning documents 1 is also designed as a standalone unit and has a housing 2 on which on two feet 3 is arranged. On one side 4 Again, it's the front 5 of the housing 2 , the workplace is intended for a user, not shown here.

The device differs from the device known from the prior art, which in 1 is shown, characterized in that instead of only a single feed tray here two drawers, namely a first feed tray 11 and a second input tray 12 , on the case 2 are provided. The first collection compartment 11 and the second input tray 12 are substantially the same design and are on the housing 2 positioned next to each other at the same height, which allows the user to work ergonomically when filling the intake compartments. Both the first input tray 11 as well as the second collection compartment 12 is at a fastening and displacement device 13 (please refer 4 ) with a carriage mechanism 10 (please refer 4 ) arranged. On the mounting and shifting device are the first feed tray 11 and the second input tray 12 laterally displaceable. As shown in the figure, here is the first feed tray 11 at the retraction position, at which a single document feeder 9 the documents to be scanned individually from the first input tray 11 singly receives and supplies to a scanning unit, where the documents are scanned by means of an optical sensor and the sampled signals are converted into digital data.

When a document is scanned, the scanned document is placed in a first output bin 15 , which is on a top 7 of the housing 2 is spent.

The second input tray 12 is meanwhile at a filling position, where it can be filled by the user with documents. Of course, while the feed tray is in the fill position, no documents are drawn from this feed tray.

Are all documents that are in the first input tray 11 being scanned and issued in the above-described manner in the first scan and fill position, becomes the first feed tray 11 from the retraction position to a second filling position by means of the carriage mechanism 10 (please refer 4 ) moved to the right, and at the same time the second input tray 12 , which is in the first filling position, where it was filled by the user with documents to be scanned, by means of the carriage mechanism 10 moved to the retraction position. So now, while the document feeder 9 the documents to be scanned individually from the second input tray 12 the user can take the first input tray 11 refill again with (heterogeneous) documents to be scanned. A downtime of the document scanning device 1 is not required for this. The from the second collection tray 12 recorded documents are in the scanning unit after scanning in a second output tray 16 output.

According to a further, not shown variant, it is possible to provide only a single output tray, in which both the scanned documents of the first feed tray 11 as well as the documents of the second collection compartment 12 be issued.

For a further improvement of the ergonomics, the feet can 3 be designed adjustable in height. So can the device 1 be adapted for different sized operators.

4 shows a view of the device for scanning documents 1 from 2 without the first input tray 11 and second input tray 12 To the construction of the fastening and displacement device 13 to illustrate. The first collection compartment 11 and the second input tray 12 are formed either as a unit or separated from each other. The fastening and shifting device 13 is in the embodiment shown here as a carriage mechanism 10 constructed and has linear bearings 17 . 17 ' with respective round bars 18 . 18 ' or guide rails 14 . 14 ' on. Furthermore, the fastening and displacement device comprises 13 a rack drive with a gear 19 and a rack 20 which are drivable by a drive, not shown here, for example an electric motor. To the first collection compartment 11 and the second input tray 12 at the fastening and displacement device 13 To fix, is beyond a mounting plate 21 between the round bars 18 . 18 ' arranged.

In summary, the invention relates to a device for scanning documents, to which a first feed tray is mounted, in which heterogeneous documents to be scanned are receivable, and from which a document feeder individually picks up the documents to be scanned and feeds them to a scanning unit which comprises at least one optical sensor for scanning the documents documents to be scanned and converts the signals obtained therefrom into digital data, wherein a second feed tray is mounted on the device in which heterogeneous documents to be scanned are receivable, and from which the document feeder picks up the documents to be scanned individually, the device being adapted to take turns to feed heterogeneous documents to be scanned in via the document feeder from the first feed tray and the second feed tray to the scanning unit. The invention further relates to a method for scanning heterogeneous documents, the method comprising the following steps: filling a first feed tray of a device for scanning documents with heterogeneous documents to be scanned; Retracting the individual heterogeneous documents to be scanned from the first feed tray, which is located at a retraction position; Feeding the heterogeneous documents to be scanned from the first feed tray to a scanning unit; optically scanning the heterogeneous documents to be scanned from the first input tray; Converting the signals obtained by optically scanning the heterogeneous documents to be scanned into digital data; Outputting the scanned documents of the first input tray; Filling a second feed tray, which is at a first filling position, with heterogeneous documents to be scanned while feeding and scanning heterogeneous documents to be scanned from the first feed tray, and conveying the first feed tray from the feeding position to a second filling position, when all heterogeneous documents to be scanned are out the first feed tray, and simultaneously conveying the second feed tray filled with heterogeneous documents to be scanned from the first filling position to the feeding position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Device for scanning documents

2

casing

3

stands

4

Side of the housing

5

front

6

feeder tray

7

top

8th

output tray

9

Document feeder device

10

sled mechanics

11

first collection compartment

12

second feed compartment

13

Fastening and shifting device

14, 14 '

guide rails

15

first output tray

16

second output tray

17, 17 '

linear bearings

18, 18 '

round bars

19

gear

20

rack

21

mounting plate

Claims (9)

Device for scanning documents ( 1 ), on which a first collection compartment ( 11 ) in which documents to be scanned are receivable and from which a document feeder ( 9 ) individually receives the documents to be scanned and feeds them to a scanning unit for scanning, wherein on the device ( 1 ) a second input tray ( 12 ) in which documents to be scanned are receivable and from which the document feeder ( 9 ) records documents to be scanned, the device ( 1 ) is adapted to pass over the document feeder ( 9 ) alternatively from the first input tray ( 11 ) or from the second input tray ( 12 ) To receive documents and to feed them to the scanning unit, characterized in that on the housing ( 2 ) An institution ( 13 ) is provided, is formed around the two feed trays between a first position in which the first feed tray ( 11 ) in a retraction position, in which the document feeder ( 9 ) documents to be scanned separated from the first input tray ( 11 ), and the second input tray ( 12 ) is in a filling position, in which the second input tray ( 12 ) and a second position, in which the second feed tray ( 12 ) in a retraction position, in which the document feeder ( 9 ) documents to be scanned separated from the second input tray ( 12 ), and the first input tray ( 11 ) in a filling position ( 11 ), in which the first input tray ( 11 ) can be filled to move. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device ( 13 ) at least one guide rail ( 14 . 14 ' ) having. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first intake compartment ( 11 ) and the second input tray ( 12 ) are arranged side by side. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first input tray ( 11 ) and the second input tray ( 12 ) are formed substantially identical. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first intake compartment ( 11 ) and the second input tray ( 12 ) both on one side ( 4 ) of a housing ( 2 ) of the device ( 1 ), in particular substantially at a same height, are mounted. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first intake compartment ( 11 ) can be filled with documents while documents from the second input tray ( 12 ), and the second input tray ( 12 ) while documents from the first input tray ( 11 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a first output tray ( 15 ) into which scanned documents, in particular the documents from the first collection compartment ( 11 ), and a second output tray ( 16 ) into which the scanned documents, in particular the documents from the second input tray ( 12 ), are dispensable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) is connectable to a storage medium for storing the digital data obtained from the scanned documents. Method for scanning documents by means of a device for scanning documents, in which the documents from a first feed tray ( 11 ), in a pull-in position, are singulated for scanning and a second input tray ( 12 ), in a filling position, can be filled with documents, wherein, when the first input tray ( 11 ) is empty, the documents from the second input tray ( 12 ), in a pull-in position, are picked up singularly for scanning and the first feed tray ( 11 ), in a filling position, is filled with documents, wherein the two feed trays are moved by a device between the retraction position and the respective Befüllpositionen, such that when the one feed tray is in the retraction position, the other feed tray in the respective filling position.

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