DE102012215845B4 - Device and method for document capture - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for capturing documents, the device (1) comprising a stand (20) and at least one device for image capture, the device for image capture being arranged on or in the stand (20), the device (1) further comprising an insert (10) comprises, wherein the insert (10) has at least one support surface (11) for supporting a document, wherein the insert (10) can be moved in such a way that at least part of the support surface (11) is in or through at least part of a detection area of the at least one device for image capture is movable, wherein the device (1) comprises a device for motion capture, wherein by means of the device for motion capture movement information of the support surface (11) can be captured in the capture area, wherein the device for motion capture and the at least one device for image capture are coupled to one another in this way are that an image capture can only be carried out when the support surface (11) is stationary, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one device for receiving RFID signals, the device for receiving RFID signals electronic information of the document can be read, the device for receiving RFID signals being arranged in or on the insert (10).

Description

The invention relates to a device and a method for document detection, in particular for the optical detection of a document, in particular a personal document.

It is known from the prior art to capture documents, for example passports, by means of one or more cameras. Imaging optics may be required for optically capturing the document. For this purpose, a device for document detection, in particular a document checking device, can include an optics module in which a rigidly mounted camera detects an entire area of a document placed on a support surface.

That's how she describes it DE 10 2007 031 230 B3 a document detection system for optically detecting a document, comprising at least one light source for illuminating the document, wherein the at least one light source is coupled to an illumination optics, which enables homogeneous illumination of the document. The document detection system also includes at least one optical sensor and imaging optics for imaging the document onto the at least one optical sensor. In this case, the document to be captured is placed on a support surface, the support surface being stationary relative to a housing of the document detection system.

Next document detection systems are known that do without a support surface. In this case, a beam path of light beams to be detected can be folded once or several times.

A disadvantage of existing document detection systems is that the document to be detected has to be placed on the support surface by the user himself. Imprecise alignment of the document, which can occur particularly with untrained users, can be detrimental to the quality of the test result and the duration of the test.

It is also desirable to achieve the highest possible image resolution when capturing documents. A high image resolution can be achieved, for example, with high-resolution optical sensors and correspondingly high-quality lenses. If optical detection is to be provided in different spectral ranges, a lens must be adapted to all required wavelengths. This can make a document capture system more expensive. Alternatively, an image quality can be improved by other measures, e.g. by software-based measures. However, this increases the complexity of a method for document detection.

The Post-Released DE 10 2012 211 076 discloses a device for document capture, the device comprising a tripod and at least one device for image capture. The device for image acquisition is arranged on or in the stand. The device also includes an insert, the insert having at least one support surface for supporting a document. The insert can be moved in such a way that at least part of the support surface can be moved through at least part of a detection area of the at least one device for image detection. In this case, the publication discloses the use of a scanner line as an image acquisition device, past which the document must be guided for acquisition. The insert is therefore in motion during document capture. However, the proposed method makes it more difficult to capture with image capturing devices that enable area-based and not line-based optical capture of the document.

The Post-Released DE 10 2011 077 904 A1 discloses a device and a method for checking documents, in particular security documents.

The DE 20 2008 016 021 U1 discloses an electronic scanner and in particular a handheld scanner for digitizing film images.

The DE 102 10 322 A1 discloses a device for the optical recording of objects with a support surface on which an object can be placed.

The DE 102 59 329 A1 discloses imaging devices and in particular optical imaging devices with variable speed illumination.

The DE 20 2007 009 844 U1 discloses a card reader for reading information from a card-shaped information carrier, as is used, for example, in electronic cash registers in order to make cashless payments using a bank card.

The U.S. 2008/0130070 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for scanning documents such as B. ID cards and bank checks, which include hinged cover and base assemblies.

The JP H11-122 419 A discloses an original document transporting device for automatically transporting and collecting an original document carrier with a transparent Original document such as a slide film to an image input device, and a control method of the original document conveying device.

The DE 20 2008 000 362 U discloses an apparatus for converting a film image into digital data.

The technical problem arises of creating a device and a method for document detection which enable optical detection of a document with high quality and a short detection time, with implementation of the detection being simplified.

The technical problem is solved by the objects with the features of claims 1 and 9. Further advantageous configurations of the invention result from the dependent claims.

A device for document detection is proposed. The device is used here in particular for the optical detection of at least one document. The document to be recorded can have different formats. The document to be recorded can, for example, have a so-called ID-1 format or an ID-2 format or an ID-3 format. The document to be recorded can be a passport, for example.

The device includes a tripod and at least one device for image acquisition. The tripod can be stationary here, where stationary is to be understood as meaning that the tripod cannot be moved. For example, the tripod can be a frame or the tripod can include a frame. The tripod can also be part of a housing. The at least one device for image acquisition can be a camera, for example. The device for image acquisition can also be in the form of an optical sensor or can include an optical sensor, e.g. a CMOS sensor or CCD sensor. The optical sensor can be designed in particular as a matrix sensor. In principle, any electronic sensor can be used that can detect, on a pixel-based basis, at least different brightness values of image regions to be imaged of the document to be detected and convert them into electronic signals. Of course, it is also conceivable for the device to include a number of devices for image acquisition.

Furthermore, the device can comprise at least one lighting device. The at least one lighting device can be assigned to the at least one device for image acquisition. In particular, the at least one illumination device and the at least one device for image capture can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that a reflected light image of a document to be captured can be generated. The at least one lighting device can be in the form of a light-emitting diode, laser diode, OLED, etc., for example. A wavelength spectrum of the at least one lighting device can range from a near infrared range through a visible range to a UV range. In this case, a wavelength spectrum of the at least one illumination device can be matched to a spectral range to be recorded of the device for image acquisition assigned to the illumination device. If, for example, the at least one device for image acquisition serves to acquire images in an IR spectral range (infrared spectral range), then the at least one illumination device can generate light with a wavelength spectrum in the IR range.

The lighting device can also contain or comprise different light sources that emit electromagnetic radiation in different wavelength ranges and generate a desired overall spectrum of the lighting device.

In this case, the at least one lighting device is preferably arranged in such a way that the most homogeneous possible illumination of an area of the document to be recorded takes place.

The at least one device for image acquisition is arranged on or in the stand. As a result, a relative position and alignment of the stand and the at least one device for image acquisition is constant or unchangeable with respect to one another.

A detection area can be assigned to the at least one device for image detection. In this context, a detection area designates an area in which objects can be imaged by the image detection device in an image that is generated by the image detection device. To do this, the object to be imaged must be in the detection area. A size of the detection area can be chosen such that the detection area includes the entire document to be recorded, a double page of the document to be recorded, a complete page of the document to be recorded or a partial area of the document with a predetermined size. In particular, the detection area can have the previously explained size at a predetermined distance from the image detection device, for example from an image plane or an image sensor of the device for image detection.

In this case, the device for image acquisition can also include further optical elements, for example an objective or one or more lenses. The detection range of the device for image detection is determined as a function of these additional optical elements.

The device also includes an insert or an insert element. The insert has at least one support surface for supporting a document to be captured. The insert can also be referred to as a so-called tray. The insert can be cuboid, for example. In this case, the at least one bearing surface can be formed by at least part of a surface of the insert.

The insert can also comprise a base part and a cover part. In this case, the at least one support surface can be formed by at least part of a surface of the base part. In a closed state, this surface (and thus also the support surface) is covered by the lid. In an open state or open state, this surface or at least part of the surface and thus also the support surface is exposed. In this case, the cover can, for example, be pivotably fastened to the base part. The cover can be designed to be closable. Furthermore, the insert can include electrical or electronic elements and/or a handle area for manual handling. The insert serves to support and, as explained in more detail below, to transport the document to be recorded. In this case, the insert advantageously serves to accommodate a variety of documents to be captured in a predetermined position for a capture process.

The insert can have a depression, for example a rectangular depression, in the area of the bearing surface. In this case, a length and width of the recess can be smaller than a length or width of the bearing surface. For example, a length and a width of the indentation can correspond to a length and width of a document in ID1 format, while a length and width of the support surface corresponds to a length and width of a document in ID3 format.

In this case, the insert can be moved in such a way that at least part of the support surface can be moved into or through at least part of a detection area of the at least one device for image detection. In this case, the insert can therefore be moved in relation to the stationary stand and the device for image acquisition, which is therefore likewise arranged in a stationary manner. Thus, a document to be captured that is placed on the support surface of the insert is moved into or through the capture area of the device for image capture, as a result of which an optical capture of the part of the document that is placed on the support surface is made possible. A movement through the detection area means a movement during which the support surface enters the detection area and exits the detection area again. A side or an edge of the detection area where the contact surface enters the detection area can be different from or the same as a side or an edge of the detection area where the contact surface exits the detection area. A movement into the detection area means a movement during which the support surface enters the detection area.

In particular, the insert can be movable in such a way that the support surface is moved at a predetermined distance from the device for image acquisition, in particular from an image sensor or optical sensor of the device for image acquisition, into or through the acquisition area. In this case, the detection range of the image detection device at a distance corresponding to this predetermined distance can have a size that corresponds to a size of the entire document to be detected, a size of a double page of the document to be detected, a size of a complete page of the document to be detected or a size of a Portion of the document corresponds to a predetermined size. In this way it can be ensured that a document to be captured is moved through the capture area in an optimal depth level, as a result of which the quality of the generated image is improved. If a double page of the document to be recorded is recorded, then an image of a single page to be recorded of the double page can be generated from the image of the double page by means of suitable image processing methods.

For example, the stand or a housing of the stand can form or include an insert or a shaft with an opening, into or through which the insert can be moved. This can advantageously result in optical detection of the document not being influenced by ambient light or only being influenced to a reduced extent and possibly disturbed.

Furthermore, the insert and/or the stand can include a guide means which guides a movement of the insert. By means of the at least one guide means, for example, one direction of movement or several directions of movement of the insert can be defined. For example, the at least one guide means can be designed as an end stop or an end stop with an end stop limiting the movement of the insert.

In this case, the stand can include or form part of the guide means, with the insert including or forming a corresponding part of the guide means. This is explained in more detail below.

The device also includes a device for detecting movement. Movement information of the support surface can be recorded by means of this device for recording movements.

The device for detecting movement can be used to detect, for example, whether the supporting surface or the insert is moving or stationary. A standstill of the support surface can occur, for example, when a speed of the support surface or of the insert is less than a predetermined speed or zero. In this case, the device for detecting movement can be designed in such a way that it can only be determined whether the bearing surface is moving or stationary. For example, depending on a movement of the support surface, the device for detecting movement can generate an output signal which only has two states. A first state of the output signal, for example a state in which the output signal has a first voltage, represents a state of the bearing surface in which the bearing surface is stationary. A further state of the output signal, for example a state in which the output signal has a further voltage, for example greater than or less than the first voltage, represents a state of the bearing surface in which the bearing surface is moving.

Furthermore, a speed of the movement of the insert can also be determined by means of the device for motion detection. For example, the device for detecting movement can be designed as a speed sensor. The device for detecting movement can also be in the form of a position sensor or an acceleration sensor, with speed information being able to be determined as a function of a change in the position over time or a change in the acceleration over time.

Furthermore, movement information of the bearing surface in the detection area can be detected by means of the device for detecting movement. The movement information explained above can therefore be determined if or when at least part of the bearing surface is located in the detection area. The detected movement information can thus be movement information relating to the part of the bearing surface located in the detection area. For this purpose, the device for motion detection can be arranged in such a way that a detection range of the device for motion detection is at least partially in the detection range of the device for image detection. However, this is not absolutely necessary. It is also possible for a detection range of the device for motion detection to lie outside the detection range of the device for image detection. Due to the rigid design of the insert, movement information of the bearing surface or of the insert that is detected outside the detection area of the image acquisition device can correspond to movement information of the bearing surface or of the insert in the detection area.

Furthermore, the device for detecting movement and the at least one image capturing device are coupled to one another in such a way that image capturing can only be carried out when the support surface is stationary. In particular, image acquisition can only be carried out when the speed of the movement of the support surface is zero.

The device for detecting movement and the at least one image capturing device can be electrically or signal-connected to one another by analog or digital components in such a way that image capturing can only be carried out when the support surface is stationary. For example, the device can have a control device which is connected in terms of signals to the device for detecting movement and the at least one image-detecting device. The control device can evaluate movement information and enable or trigger image acquisition when the support surface is stationary.

The proposed device advantageously enables optical capture of a document with high quality and a short capture time, with operation of the device being simplified, in particular for an untrained or inexperienced user. In this case, the device for image capture is not guided past the document to be captured, but rather the document is introduced into the capture area of the at least one device for image capture.

It is also ensured that the part of the document to be detected, in particular the entire document or a complete page of the document, is moved into the detection area, with optical detection of the part to be detected only taking place when the document is no longer moving. This enables fast, but at the same time high-quality optical acquisition of the document, since motion-related distortions are avoided.

In particular, a desired, high optical resolution can be achieved, with distortion during image acquisition being reduced at the same time. Furthermore, the device according to the invention advantageously enables simplified handling, since a user can achieve document detection by actuating the insert, e.g. by manually moving the insert or by activating a motorized movement of the insert. It is also advantageous, particularly if the insert is inserted into a shaft formed or enclosed by the stand, that document detection is not disturbed by ambient light, or is only disturbed to a minimal extent. This results in a higher image quality.

It is also possible for the device to have at least two devices for image acquisition, with images having spectral ranges that differ from one another being able to be acquired by means of the devices for image acquisition. A first image capturing device can, for example, capture electromagnetic waves in a first predetermined wavelength spectrum, while a further image capturing device can capture electromagnetic rays with a further wavelength spectrum that differs from the first wavelength spectrum. The device according to the invention preferably has three devices for image acquisition, the first image acquisition device generating electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength spectrum in the IR range, a second image acquisition device generating electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength spectrum in the white-light range, and a third image acquisition device electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength spectrum in the UV range can be detected. This advantageously results in optical detection with different spectra being made possible despite the small overall size.

Here, the various devices for image capture can be arranged such that a document to be captured during the movement of the insert, z. B. simultaneously, in the detection areas of all devices for image acquisition is movable. However, the document is not moved during a capture by the respective device for image capture, in particular not between the respective captures by the different devices for image capture, which can for example take place one after the other.

In a further embodiment, the device further comprises a device for position detection. A position of the support surface in the detection area can be detected by means of the device for position detection. The device for position detection can be a position sensor. In particular, output signals from the device for position detection can also be used to determine movement information of the support surface or the insert.

The device for position detection and the at least one device for image detection are connected to one another in such a way that image detection can only be carried out when the bearing surface has reached a predetermined position in the recording area.

The device for position detection and the at least one device for image detection can be electrically or signal-connected to one another by analog or digital components in such a way that image detection can only be carried out when the bearing surface is stationary at a predetermined position in the detection area. The previously mentioned control device can be connected to the device for position detection using signals and can evaluate position information and release or trigger image detection when the support surface is positioned at the predetermined position.

As a result, it can advantageously be achieved that image capture is only possible when the support surface is in a position that enables the capture of a document to be captured. In particular, it can be ruled out that image capture is possible or is triggered if the deployment comes to a standstill before such a position is reached. The position sensor can be designed, for example, as a light barrier whose detection area is assigned to a predetermined position of the insert or the support surface.

According to the invention, the device comprises at least one device for receiving RFID signals (Radio Frequency Identification signals). The device for receiving RFID signals can include an RFID antenna, for example. As an embodiment not according to the invention, it is described that the device for receiving RFID signals can be arranged in or on the stand, for example. Preferably, the device for receiving RFID signals can be arranged in a frame of the device for image acquisition. According to the invention, the device for receiving RFID signals is arranged in or on the insert.

Due to the device for receiving RFID signals, the device according to the invention advantageously enables electronic information of a document, which is stored in an RFID chip, for example, to be read out in addition to optical information.

If the device for receiving RFID signals is arranged in or on the insert, electronics for transmission and evaluation or for power supply can also be arranged in or on the insert. In this case, it may be necessary to use RFID antennas of a larger format so that optical detection of the document by generating transmitted light images is not disturbed.

If a screening device or a device for receiving RFID signals is arranged in or on the insert, the previously mentioned guide means can preferably be designed in such a way that electrical energy can be transmitted from the stand to the insert by means of at least part of the guide means, even while the insert is moving is. For this purpose, the at least one guide means can be formed at least partially from electrically conductive material. Alternatively, contactless transmission of electrical energy is also conceivable, for example inductive transmission.

In a further embodiment, the insert and/or the stand comprises at least one guide means, the insert being able to be moved in a linear movement by means of the at least one guide means. As a result, the insert can be moved in such a way that at least part of the supporting surface can be moved in a straight line into or through at least part of the detection area of the at least one device for image detection. Here, the insert can be moved in a forward movement in a first direction and in a backward movement in a direction opposite to the first direction. For example, the at least one guide means can be designed in such a way that the insert can be inserted or moved into a slot or shaft of the stand in the forward movement and can be moved out of this slot or shaft in a backward movement.

In this case, the insert can comprise or form a first part of a guide means and the stand can comprise or form a further, corresponding part of the guide means. For example, the insert can have one or more toothed racks or toothed belts and the stand can have one or more toothed wheels, with the at least one toothed wheel engaging in the at least one toothed rack or the at least one toothed belt when the insert is moved, thereby enabling the insert to be moved in a straight line.

Of course, other alternative configurations of the at least one guide means are also conceivable. For example, the at least one guide means can be designed as a linear bearing or can comprise a linear bearing. This can be designed, for example, as a linear sliding bearing or linear ball bearing. The guide means can also comprise a plain bearing or roller bearing or be designed at least partially as a plain bearing or roller bearing. The guide means thus allows the insert to move with a translational degree of freedom. For example, the guide means can include so-called telescopic rails or be designed as telescopic rails.

The at least one guiding means can be an active or a passive guiding means. In this case, an active guide means refers to a guide means which guides the movement, with external energy, for example electrical energy, being consumed. For example, the at least one guide means can include an actuator that causes and controls the movement of the insert. For example, the actuator can be an electrical or an electromechanical or a pneumatic or a hydraulic actuator. Other types of training of the actuator are also conceivable. For example, the actuator can be an electric servo motor, which drives, for example, the at least one toothed wheel mentioned above, causing the insert to move. The active guidance means can also comprise a linear actuator. This can be designed, for example, as a servo or stepping motor or as a piezo motor.

Here, the active guide means can be controlled in such a way that the movement of the insert can be carried out with a predetermined movement profile. A movement profile here includes, for example, a path profile and/or a speed profile and/or an acceleration profile of the movement of the insert. For this purpose, the active guide means can, for example, generate a driving force such that the movement of the insert has the predetermined movement profile. For example, it is possible to move the insert and the supporting surface at a constant speed into or through the detection area of the at least one device for image detection and then to stop. It is also conceivable that the insert is moved in a forward movement at a constant speed into or through the detection area of the at least one device for image detection. The insert or at least a part of the insert, in particular the bearing surface, can then be positioned in the detection area at a standstill for a predetermined period of time be, wherein during this period of time an optical detection is carried out by the at least one image detection device. The insert and the support surface can then be moved backwards out of the detection area of the at least one device for image detection, for example at a likewise constant speed.

The movement profile can also have different speeds in partial areas or partial sections of the forward movement and possibly the backward movement.

Alternatively, the guide means can be designed as a passive guide means. A passive guidance means allows the movement of the insert to be guided without consuming external energy. A passive guide means can, for example, comprise or form the linear bearings mentioned above.

The device can also comprise spring and/or damper elements which enable the insert to be moved with a predetermined movement profile. For example, the spring and/or damper elements can be designed in such a way that the insert, e.g. after a trigger actuation, moves according to a predetermined movement profile, e.g. at a constant speed, into or through the detection area of the at least one device for image detection and is then stopped.

The device can also include means for generating a counterforce, for example the spring and/or damper elements mentioned above, which generate a counterforce which acts against a driving force generated, for example, by a user by actuating, for example by pressing or pushing the insert. The means for generating a counterforce can generate the counterforce in such a way that the insert moves with a predetermined movement profile, for example at a constant speed, into or through the detection area of the at least one device for image detection and is then stopped. For example, the counterforce generated can be higher, the higher the driving force applied by an operator.

A passive guide means can include or form, for example, the previously mentioned end stops.

The guide means advantageously result in simple operation of the device for capturing the document, with correct positioning and/or alignment of the document to be captured in the capture area of the image capturing device being ensured.

Furthermore, the device can include a device for detecting movement. In this case, the device for detecting movement can detect the beginning of a movement of the insert. The device for detecting movement can correspond to the previously explained device for detecting movement or be designed as a different device.

For example, the device for detecting motion can be connected in terms of signals to a control device for controlling an active guide means, for example an actuator. If the insert is actuated, e.g. by manual actuation by a user (release actuation), the device for motion detection can detect this release actuation by detecting the resulting movement of the insert and transmit it to the control device. This can then control the active guide means in such a way that the movement of the insert is subsequently effected by the active guide means.

Of course, it is also conceivable that the device alternatively or cumulatively includes other devices for detecting a triggering actuation. These can be haptic or optical sensors, for example. A detected trigger actuation can be transmitted by signal to the control device, which then controls the active guide means in such a way that the movement of the insert is subsequently effected by an active guide means.

Movement can also be reported as a function of output signals from the previously explained device for position detection. The device for position detection can be connected in terms of signals to the control device for controlling an active guide means. By detecting and evaluating a position of the insert, an active guide means can advantageously be controlled in such a way that the movement of the insert has a desired movement profile, e.g. a constant speed (movement control). The device for position detection can be designed, for example, as an optical sensor, inductive sensor, or capacitive sensor.

The design as an active or passive guide means advantageously results in a movement of the insert having a predetermined movement profile, for example a predetermined path profile and/or a predetermined speed profile and/or a predetermined acceleration profile.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one support surface is transparent. Part of a base part or the entire base part, which forms the at least one support surface, can also be transparent. In this context, transparent means that the supporting surface can be permeable to light with a predetermined spectrum. For example, the support surface can be made of glass or plexiglass or another transparent plastic.

A size of the support surface preferably corresponds to a format of the largest document to be recorded or to a double format of the largest document to be recorded. The support surface can also be designed to be larger than the format of the largest document to be recorded, for example in order to also record document edges. The support surface can also have a first and a further part, with at least the first part being transparent. The other part can be made of plastic, for example. For example, if the support surface has a size that corresponds to twice the format of the largest document to be recorded, the first part of the support surface can have a format that corresponds to the format of the largest document to be recorded. If a document to be captured is, for example, a passport bound in a passport book, the open passport book can advantageously be placed on the support surface in such a way that the passport to be captured is placed on the first part and the remaining part of the open passport book is placed on the other part .

This results in an advantageous manner in that a document to be detected can be placed on the support surface and optical detection of the document can take place through the support surface.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises at least one X-ray device, wherein the at least one device for image acquisition and the at least one X-ray device are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the at least one device for image acquisition can detect light which is emitted by the at least one X-ray device through the support surface becomes. The arrangement of the device for image acquisition and the at least one X-ray device is therefore such that a so-called transmitted light image of the document can be generated.

In this case, the X-ray device can be designed in accordance with the previously explained illumination device. Therefore, reference can be made to the corresponding explanations. Like the illumination devices explained above, the transillumination device can also generate light with a predetermined spectral range or with a predetermined wavelength spectrum.

The possibility of generating and capturing transmitted light images results in an advantageous manner in that an increased amount of information encoded in the document can be captured. In particular, additional watermarks can be recorded in this way, which are contained in most documents as one of the oldest and most proven security elements.

The X-ray device can be arranged on or in the insert. Alternatively, the X-ray device is arranged in or on the stand. If the at least one X-ray device is arranged on the stand, for example, the at least one image acquisition device and the at least one X-ray device can be arranged in such a way that the at least one bearing surface of the insert extends into an area between the at least one image acquisition device and the at least one X-ray device is movable. If the support surface is arranged, for example, on an upper side of the insert, the at least one X-ray device can be arranged on a side of the stand facing this upper side, the X-ray device illuminating the support surface and a document to be recorded placed on it from above. In this case, the device for image acquisition can be arranged on a side of the stand facing an underside of the insert. In a detection process, light is radiated from above by the X-ray device through the document and the support surface to the device for image detection and detected.

Of course, a reversed arrangement of the X-ray device and the device for image acquisition is also conceivable. For example, the device for image acquisition can be arranged on a side of the stand facing the upper side of the insert and a screening device can be arranged on a side of the stand facing the underside of the insert. In this case, light is radiated from below through the supporting surface and through a document placed on it towards the device for image acquisition and is acquired.

Alternatively, the at least one X-ray device can be arranged in or on the insert. For example, the X-ray device can be arranged in or on a cover of the insert. When the lid is closed, light from the X-ray device can pass through a document placed on the support surface ment and the bearing surface are radiated through to a device for image acquisition. In this case, the device for image acquisition, as explained above, can be arranged on a side of the stand facing an underside of the insert. It is also conceivable to arrange the X-ray device on an underside of the insert, with the X-ray device being able to radiate light through the support surface and a document placed on it towards a device for image acquisition which, for example, is on an upper side which faces the support surface and comprises or forms it , Side of the tripod can be arranged.

If the X-ray device is arranged on or in the insert, the result is advantageously that the stand can be designed with a further reduced size. If the X-ray device is arranged in or on the stand, this advantageously results in a simple design of the insert.

In a further embodiment, the insert has at least one means for fixing the document on the at least one support surface. The fixing means can be designed and/or arranged in such a way that the document can be fixed by means of the fixing means in such a way that it lies flat on the support surface. In particular, the document can be fixed in part of an edge area of the document. This has the advantage that the fixation means does not affect the optical detection, e.g. by means of transmitted light images.

The fixing means can also be designed and/or arranged in such a way that the document to be detected can be fixed by means of the fixing means in such a way that an entire surface of the document to be detected is pressed or pressed against the support surface.

The at least one means for fixing is used here to secure a document to be captured against unintentional slipping of the document during movement, for example. At the same time, the at least one means for fixing serves to ensure that as far as possible the entire surface of the document rests on the support surface.

Furthermore, the means for fixing is used to attach or fix the document in a predetermined position on the support surface.

The at least one means for fixing can, for example, be formed at least partially by a cover of the insert, with the cover fixing a document to be detected in a predetermined position on the support surface in a closed position. For this purpose, the cover can preferably be closed.

The means for fixing can be designed as an elastic element, for example, or can comprise an elastic element. For example, the elastic element can be designed as an elastomer or as an elastically deformable plastic, in particular as rubber. For example, it is conceivable that the means for fixing is designed as a ring-shaped elastic element, which is arranged along an edge of the support surface. This elastic element can be pressed in when a document to be detected is placed and thereby exert a holding or fixing force on the document placed. The elastic element is preferably made of foam rubber.

It is also possible for the elastic element to have a trapezoidal or triangular cross section, with a base point of one side of the triangle being arranged at an edge of the bearing surface and an end point of the side being arranged above the bearing surface. This results in a sloping edge of the elastic element, under which a document to be captured can be clamped, with the document to be captured resting on the support surface. It is also conceivable to design the means for fixing as a brush-like element. The means for fixing can also be designed as a clamp, for example. For example, the means for fixing can comprise a swivel arm which is pivotably attached to an edge region of the support surface and can be swiveled over the support surface. A document to be captured can be clamped under the swivel arm. The means for fixing can also be an annular elastic element with a U-profile, with a document to be recorded being able to be clamped between side legs of the U-profile.

The means for fixing can also be designed as a pressure bracket, the pressure bracket having a pressure surface with a predetermined length and width. The pressure surface can be brought into mechanical contact with the document to be detected. For example, a length of the platen may be longer than a length of the platen or document to be captured while a width of the platen is less than a width of the platen or document to be captured. The at least one pressure bracket can be arranged in such a way that a document to be captured is pushed under the pressure surface during the movement into the detection area, as a result of which it is pressed against the support surface. This advantageously allows the document to be recorded to be pressed onto the support surface as uniformly and extensively as possible.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention can comprise a document enclosing element that enables a document to be captured that has a smaller format than the size of the support surface to be fixed. As a result, documents with different formats can be optically detected in an advantageous manner. It is also possible for the insert to have fastening elements for fastening a document edging element, in which case the document edging element can have corresponding fastening elements. Thus, a document enclosing element and a document arranged therein can be attached to the insert in a predetermined position, in which position the document to be captured rests on the support surface.

In a further embodiment, the insert and/or the stand comprises at least one means for aligning a document to be captured. In this case, the means for aligning is designed and/or arranged in such a way that the document to be detected is aligned with a predetermined alignment with respect to the support surface during or after being placed on it. The means for aligning can also be designed and/or arranged in such a way that the document to be captured is aligned with a predetermined alignment with respect to the support surface during the movement into the capture area of the device for image capture. For example, the alignment means can comprise a spring element and a pressure element mechanically connected to the spring element, the document to be detected being pressed by the pressure element, for example against an edge of the insert that delimits the support surface.

This advantageously enables correct alignment of the document to be detected on the support surface, as a result of which the quality of the optical detection is further improved and a detection process is further accelerated.

In a further embodiment, the insert is trough-shaped. In particular, the insert can have four side walls, which are preferably partially bevelled. The side walls or an end of the bevels on the bearing surface side delimit the bearing surface. A front side wall of the insert has a recess. The front side wall designates the side wall facing a user. A user can thus more easily reach into the volume encompassed by the support surface and the side walls and manipulate a document placed therein.

Furthermore, the device can have a housing. The housing may include a cantilever panel, with an underside of the insert resting on or mechanically contacting a surface of the panel when extended. This allows the insert to be mechanically supported when it is extended.

A method for document detection is also proposed, in which the document is placed on a support surface of an insert. The insert is then moved relative to a stationary stand in such a way that at least part of the supporting surface is moved into or through at least part of a detection range of a device for image recording arranged on the stand.

Furthermore, a movement of the insert is recorded, with a document being recorded only when the support surface is stationary. For this purpose, e.g.

Furthermore, the document can be fixed on the support surface in a fixing step. According to the invention, RFID signals are read from the document in a reading step.

For example, the support surface can be moved into the detection area of the at least one device for image detection in a forward movement of the insert. After reaching an end position of the insert, which is mechanically fixed e.g. In this case, the generation of incident light images refers to the optical detection of a document, with at least one lighting device illuminating a part of the document to be detected from a side of the document on which the at least one device for image detection is also arranged. Generating transmitted light images in this case refers to the optical acquisition of information from a document, with at least one x-ray device for illuminating the document and the at least one device for image acquisition being arranged on different sides of the document.

After or during the generation of reflected light and/or transmitted light images, RFID signals can be read out in a readout step. Preferably, an insert can remain in the final position for a predetermined period of time after forward movement, the insert in the final position having a direction of movement from forward movement to rearward movement vice versa During this predetermined period of time, the reading of RFID signals takes place.

Furthermore, the support surface can be moved out of the detection area of the at least one device for image detection in a backwards movement of the insert.

In a further embodiment, a position of the insert is detected, with a document being detected only when the support surface has reached a predetermined position in the receiving area.

The proposed method advantageously enables information in a document to be recorded optically in a simple manner.

A device for document capture is also proposed, the device comprising a stand and at least one device for image capture. The device for image acquisition is arranged on or in the stand. The device comprises an insert, the insert having at least one support surface for supporting a document, the insert being movable in such a way that at least part of the support surface can be moved into or through at least part of a detection area of the at least one device for image detection. The device comprises a device for position detection, with a position of the bearing surface in the detection area being able to be detected by means of the device for position detection. In this case, the device for position detection and the at least one device for image detection are connected to one another in such a way that image detection can only be carried out when the support surface has reached a predetermined position in the recording area. The image capture can only be carried out when the insert or the bearing surface has reached a predetermined position in the capture area. In this case, the image acquisition can be carried out independently of a state of motion. Thus, in this embodiment, image capture is independent of whether the insert is moving or stationary.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung,
• 2 eine Vorderansicht der in 1 dargestellte Vorrichtung,
• 3 eine Seitenansicht der in 1 dargestellten Vorrichtung, und
• 4 eine weitere Vorderansicht der in 1 dargestellten Vorrichtung.

The invention is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show:

• 1 a plan view of a device according to the invention,
• 2 a front view of the in 1 device shown,
• 3 a side view of the in 1 device shown, and
• 4 another front view of the in 1 device shown.

In the following, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same or similar technical properties.

In 1 a plan view of a device 1 according to the invention is shown. The device 1 has an insert 10 and a stand 20 . The insert 10 has a support surface 11 on which a document (not shown) to be recorded can be placed. The support surface 11 comprises a first part 12 and a second part 13. The first part 12 consists of glass and the second part 13 consists of plastic. The insert 10 is embodied in the form of a trough or drawer and has side walls 14 which are bevelled towards the support surface 11 . A height of the side walls 14 can be 1.5 cm, for example. The insert 10 has a recess 15 on a front side wall 14a through which a user can grip a document arranged on the support surface 11 . Also shown is a bezel 16 disposed on the front side wall 14a.

A size of the support surface 12 has a width that corresponds to twice the width of a document in ID3 format, ie 2×87.8 mm, and a length that corresponds to a length of the document in ID3 format, ie 124.8 mm. Thus, an open passport containing a passport with ID3 format can be placed on the support surface 11 in such a way that the passport to be recorded is placed on the first part 12 and the remaining page of the passport on the other part 13. A cover of the passport book can be folded back so that the cover is arranged completely on or over the further part 13 . Furthermore, the first part 12 of the bearing surface 11 has a depression 17 . The recess 17 has a width that corresponds to a width of a document in ID1 format, ie 53.98 mm, and a length that corresponds to a length of a document in ID1 format, ie 85.6 mm. The depression has a depth that is preferably less than the thickness of a document in ID1 format, ie less than 0.76 mm.

The insert 10 is attached to telescopic rails 18, the telescopic rails 18 also being attached to the stand 20. The insert 10 can be guided with a linear movement by means of the telescopic rails 18 , a forward movement of the insert 10 being represented by an arrow 2 . The lengths discussed above are lengths in the forward direction, while the widths are widths transverse to the forward direction.

The stand 20 has three pressure brackets 21 . As in 2 or 3 shown, the three pressure brackets 21 are arranged on the stand 20 in such a way that a document placed on the support surface 11 ment during a movement of the insert 10 in the forward direction (arrow 2) is pushed under the pressure brackets 21 and consequently pressed by them against the bearing surface 11. A first pressure bracket 21a is arranged on the stand 20 in such a way that a right-hand edge of a document placed on the first part 12 of the support surface 11 is pushed under the first pressure bracket 21a and consequently from it during a movement of the insert 10 in the forward direction (arrow 2). is pressed against the bearing surface 11. The first pressure bracket 21a is arranged in particular in such a way that a pressure surface 22a (see 2 ) is spaced a predetermined distance from a right edge of the first portion 12 of the support surface 11 that is greater than a distance from a left edge of the first portion 12 of the support surface 11 . In this way, transmitted light images can be generated from a document placed on the first part 12 with little or no hindrance from the first pressure bracket 21a. Furthermore, a second and a third pressure bracket 21b, 21c are arranged on the stand 20 in such a way that a right edge and a left edge of a (part of) document placed on the second part 12 of the support surface 11 during a movement of the insert 10 in the forward direction (arrow 2) pushed under the pressure brackets 21b, 21c and consequently pressed by them onto the bearing surface 11.

A length of the pressure brackets 21 is greater than a length of the insert 10 and also a length of a document to be placed, the length being understood as a length in the forward direction (arrow 2). Thus, the document placed is pressed against the support surface 11 along the entire length. This results in the document being laid flat on the support surface 11.

The pressure brackets 21 can have a roller or roller mounted on the pressure brackets 21 at the end, ie at a front end of the pressure brackets 21 viewed in the forward direction. These guide and simplify the movement of a document placed on the support surface 11 under the pressure brackets 21. The pressure brackets 21 can also each have such a roller or roller at a rear end in the forward direction (arrow 2). In this case, a document can be placed on the support surface 11 by the roller(s) and not by the entire pressure surface 22a of the pressure bracket 21a. Furthermore, the pressure brackets 21 can be mounted, e.g. centrally, on the stand 20 such that they can be rotated or bent about a rotation axis 23. Furthermore, the stand can have restoring elements, e.g. If a document is pushed under a pressure bar 21 or under the previously explained end-side roller, the front end of the pressure bar 21 in the forward direction (arrow 2) is lifted and the pressure bar 21 is twisted or bent about the axis of rotation 23 of the pressure bar 21. Due to this twisting or bending, the restoring element generates a force which acts against this twisting and by which the pressure surface 22a or the roller is pressed against the document placed thereon and thus the document is pressed against the support surface 11 . For example, the pressure brackets 21 can be designed as bending springs or strips.

In 1 it is further shown that the stand 20 has an alignment element 24 . The alignment element has a spring mechanism (not shown), with a side face 25 of the alignment element 24 being able to be pressed against a right-hand edge of a document placed on the second part 13 of the support surface 11 by means of the spring mechanism 24 . This serves to align the document placed on the support surface 11 . A placed document is thus pushed to a left-hand edge of the insert 10 by the alignment element 24 . If a document is smaller than the support surface 11 and therefore cannot be aligned by means of the alignment element 24, an alignment can be corrected in a software-based manner, ie for example by suitable methods of image processing.

The stand 20 also has a transmitter 26 of a light barrier. These serve to recognize the position, that is to say to detect whether a document has been placed on the contact surface 11 or not.

Furthermore, the stand 20 has a gear wheel 27 and a servo motor 28 for driving the gear wheel 27 . The gear wheel 27 engages in a toothed rack 19 arranged on an underside of the insert 10 (see FIG 3 ) a. The servo motor 28 and the gear 27 thus form parts of a motor drive of the insert 10, the insert 10 being movable in the forward direction (arrow 2) and in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction (arrow 2) by means of the motor drive. The servo motor 28 includes a position sensor, not shown, with an angular position of a drive shaft, not shown, of the servo motor 28 being detectable by means of the position sensor, the drive shaft driving the gear wheel 27, for example. A position of the insert 10 can be determined as a function of a transmission ratio, which is given between the toothed wheel 27 and the toothed rack 19 . In particular, a position of the insert 10 in the detection range of the cameras 31, 33 (see 2 ) are recorded. Depending on an output signal from the position sensor, which represents the angular position explained above, it can also be determined whether the insert 10 is moving or stationary. changes For example, if the output signal moves by more than a predetermined amount in a predetermined period of time, the insert 10 moves. Otherwise, the insert 10 stands still. The position sensor thus forms a device for detecting movement at the same time.

Also shown is a first optics module 29, which is assigned to a first camera 31 (see 2 ) assigned. The first optics module 29 is arranged under the insert 10 on or in the stand 20 when the insert 10 is in a retracted state. The first camera 31 is used to generate reflected light images. This is regarding 2 explained in more detail. A first RFID antenna of the stand 20, which is arranged in a frame of the first camera 29, is not shown. This RFID antenna can communicate without contact with an RFID transmitter that is arranged in the document placed on the first part 12 of the support surface 11 . The communication preferably takes place in accordance with ISO 14443, with the RFID transmitter preferably being passive in the document. For example, the RFID antenna can transmit energy to the transmitter arranged in the document as well as transmit and receive signals.

A plastic plate 30 is also shown. A further RFID antenna can be arranged in this plate. This additional RFID antenna can, for example, receive RFID signals that are emitted by an RFID transmitter that is arranged in a part of a document that is placed on the table, which in the placed state is not on or above the first part 12 but above the second part 13 of the Bearing surface 11 is arranged.

In 2 is a front view of the in 1 shown device 1 shown, wherein a housing 37 of the stand 20 is shown in an open state. Here, in particular, the first camera 31 and a first illumination device 32 as well as the first optics module 29 are shown. The first illumination device 32 illuminates a part of a document placed on the first part 12 of the support surface 11 . In this case, the first illumination device is arranged on the same side of the document on which the first camera 31 is also arranged.

A second camera 33 and a second lighting device 34 are also shown, which are arranged above the insert 10 on or in the stand 20 when the insert 10 is in a retracted state. The second lighting device 34 can illuminate a rear side of a document placed on the first part 12 of the support surface 11 . The second camera 33 can capture a back side of a document placed on the first part 12 of the support surface 11 . In principle, the cameras 31, 33 can also be used to generate transmitted light images. For example, the first illumination device 32 can simultaneously be designed as a transillumination device, with the second camera 33 receiving the light radiated by the first illumination device 32 onto the first part 12 of the bearing surface 11 . It can be seen that the first illumination device 32, which is also designed as a x-ray device, and the second camera 33 are arranged on different sides of the document placed there.

Also shown are receivers 35 of the light barrier, which can receive light emitted by the transmitters 26 of the light barrier.

It is also shown that the stand 20 has a monitor 36 for displaying optical information, for example information on user guidance.

In 3 is a side view of the in 1 shown device 1 shown. In particular, a rack 19 arranged on an underside of the insert 10 is shown, in which the gear wheel 27 engages. through the in 1 The servomotor 28 shown and the telescopic rails 18 can be used to move the insert with a linear movement. It is also shown that the housing 37 of the stand 20 has a projection 38 . When the insert 10 is in an extended state, the underside of the insert 10 or a part of the underside on which the toothed rack 19 is not arranged rests on a surface of the projection 38 . Thus, the insert is supported when extended. This is to prevent breaking off if a user leans on the extended insert 10 .

In 4 is another front view of the in 1 shown device 1 shown, wherein the housing 37 of the stand 20 is shown in a closed state. Here, the arrangement of the monitor 36 below the insert 10 can be seen.

A method for document detection can be carried out as follows. A user places a document to be captured, possibly with a folded-back front cover, with a data page of the document on the support surface 11 of the insert 10, with the first part 12 of the support surface 11 or the bottom part of the insert 10 having the support surface 11 consisting of a broadband translucent material. The support surface 11 is dimensioned in such a way that, for example, an open document with ID-3 format including the border can be accommodated.

The placing of the document is detected by the light barriers formed by the transmitters 26 and the receivers 35 . If a hang-up is detected, an automatic collection of the insert 10 is activated. Here, the servomotor 28 is operated in such a way that the insert 10 is moved into the housing 37 in the forward direction (arrow 2). The telescopic rails 18 guide the insert 10 in such a way that it executes a linear movement. During this movement, the document placed on it is pushed under the pressure brackets 21 and thus pressed against the support surface 11 . The document is also aligned by the alignment element 24.

As a result of the movement, the document placed is moved into the detection range of the cameras 31, 33. The movement is stopped when the insert 10 has reached an end position, which is specified, for example, by end stops (not shown). Limit switches can also be provided, which are arranged in such a way that the servo motor 28 is switched off when the insert 10 has reached the end position. After the end of the movement, i.e. while the insert 10 is stationary in the end position, the document is optically recorded by the cameras 31, 33 and data, for example, from an RFID chip is read out using an RFID method.

The insert 10 is then moved back by a motor, ie by the servo motor 28, against the forward movement (arrow 2) and transported to the outside.

The proposed method and the device advantageously enable simplified handling of the device for document detection. Documents of different dimensions and thicknesses can be captured. When moving into the detection areas of the cameras 31, 33, the document placed does not come into contact with moving parts, so that the risk of damage is reduced or even almost completely eliminated. Due to the automatic fixation of the document during the movement in the forward direction (arrow 2) without the need for further influence by the user, both a high-quality optical and electronic capture of the document can take place in a short time. Since the detection process takes place inside the housing 37, influences from extraneous light sources can be reduced or ruled out. At the same time, this has the advantage that the user is protected from the light emitted by the lighting devices 32, 34. Furthermore, contamination of the optics module 29 by dust and fingerprints is reduced.

Claims (10)

Device for capturing documents, the device (1) comprising a stand (20) and at least one device for image capture, the device for image capture being arranged on or in the stand (20), the device (1) further comprising an insert (10) comprises, wherein the insert (10) has at least one support surface (11) for supporting a document, wherein the insert (10) can be moved in such a way that at least part of the support surface (11) is in or through at least part of a detection area of the at least one device for image capture is movable, wherein the device (1) comprises a device for motion capture, wherein by means of the device for motion capture movement information of the support surface (11) can be captured in the capture area, wherein the device for motion capture and the at least one device for image capture are coupled to one another in this way are that an image capture can only be carried out when the support surface (11) is stationary, characterized in that the device (1) comprises at least one device for receiving RFID signals, with the device for receiving RFID signals electronic Information of the document can be read, the device for receiving RFID signals being arranged in or on the insert (10). device after claim 1 , characterized in that the device (1) further comprises a device for position detection, with a position of the bearing surface (11) being detectable in the detection region by means of the device for position detection, with the device for position detection and the at least one device for image detection being connected to one another in this way are that an image acquisition can only be carried out when the support surface (11) has reached a predetermined position in the recording area. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 2 , characterized in that the insert (10) and/or the stand (20) comprises at least one guide means, the insert (10) being guided by means of the at least one guide means such that a movement of the insert (10) is a linear movement. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that at least part of the bearing surface (11) is transparent. device after claim 4 , characterized in that the device (1) at least comprises at least one x-ray device, wherein the at least one means for image acquisition and the at least one x-ray device are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the at least one device for image acquisition can detect light which is radiated through the support surface (11) by the at least one x-ray device. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the insert (10) and/or the stand (20) has at least one means for fixing the document on the at least one support surface (11). Device according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that the insert (10) and/or the stand (20) comprises at least one alignment means. Device according to one of Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that the insert (10) is trough-shaped, with a front side wall (14a) of the insert (10) having a recess (15). Method for document detection, in which - the document is placed on a support surface (11) of an insert (10), - the insert (10) is moved relative to a stationary stand (20) in such a way that at least part of the support surface (11) passes through or is moved into at least part of a detection area of a device for image detection arranged on the stand (20), - a movement of the insert (10) is detected, with documents being detected only when the support surface (11) is stationary, characterized in that that - in a reading step, RFID signals are read from the document, with a device for receiving RFID signals being arranged in or on the insert (10). procedure after claim 9 , characterized in that a position of the insert (10) is detected, a document being detected only when the bearing surface (11) has reached a predetermined position in the detection area.

Images