WO2001082586A2

WO2001082586A2 - Document scanning apparatus integrated with a writing device

Info

Publication number: WO2001082586A2
Application number: PCT/CA2001/000584
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raja Tuli
Original assignee: Raja Tuli
Priority date: 2000-04-26
Filing date: 2001-04-26
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Also published as: AU5456501A; WO2001082586A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable device that integrates a scanner and a writing implement. The device is substantially round, compact and lightweight, and is approximately equal to the width of a standard sheet of paper. The device comprises a clip such that it may be readily and securely carried in a pocket, or any other carrying apparatus. A writing tip protrudes from an opening at an end of the device such that the user can perform standard writing functions. Solid state devices are arranged along the length of the device and as it is manually traversed across a document the reading elements read each line of data. In another embodiment, the device is shorter than the width of a standard sheet of paper, thus the user must scan a document in two passes. The host computer can correct any overlapping between the images.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SCANNING A DOCUMENT INTEGRATED WITH A WRITING DEVICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The field of the present invention generally relates to data reading apparatuses. Prior art includes portable, sheet-fed scanners that require the user to feed pages one at a time. These devices are impractical to transport because the user must carry them in a briefcase or in another apparatus. The weight of these devices can further encumber the user. The present invention remedies these situations. The device is lightweight and readily portable, and the user must only traverse the device across a document such that the reading devices may be activated. Furthermore, the device incorporates a writing tip such that a user can use the device as a writing implement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable, scanning device integrated with a writing implement. In a principle embodiment, the device is easily carried in a pocket, purse, or briefcase of a user, because it is lightweight and slim in design. The length of the device is approximately equal to the width of a standard sheet of paper.

The device comprises a writing tip disposed at one end that enables the user to use the device as a writing instrument.

The device further comprises a plurality of scanning mechanisms for reading documents. The scanning mechanisms are arranged along the length of the device such that the scan line is perpendicular to a document to be read. Scanning is initiated when the user positions the device across the surface of a document and manually traverses the device in a desired direction.

With reference to applications 09/323,258 and 09/476,104 various scanning mechanisms may be incorporated into the device to execute the scanning procedure.

In another embodiment, the device is shorter than the width of a standard sheet of paper such that the user must scan a document is two passes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in more detail below with respect to an illustrative embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 depicts the light pen.

Figure 2 illustrates the rubber rollers. Figure 3 displays a cross-section of the light pen depicting the LEDs, the solid state devices and the optic fiber lens array.

Figure 4 illustrates the light pen contacting the surface of a document in two areas.

Figure 5 depicts the accelerometers attached to either end of the light pen. Figure 6 displays the spring-loaded rollers. Figure 7 illustrates the D-shaped battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments will now be described with respect to the drawings. To facilitate description, any numeral identifying an element in one figure will represent the same element in any other figure.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 illustrates a portable device 1 integrating a scanner and a writing implement. The device is substantially cylindrical, compact and lightweight so as to be easily manipulated by a user. The length of the device is approximately equal to the width of a standard sheet of paper. The width of a standard sheet of paper is defined as 8 1/2 inches and thus the device is approximately 8 1/2 inches long. The length is the largest dimension of the device.

A clip 2 is displayed which is closed at a superior end, and open at an opposite end, and lies parallel to the scan line. The open end enables the user to straddle the device onto a pocket, or to attach the device onto another object, for example a book. Thus, the device is easily portable and may be securely carried anywhere.

A nib or writing tip 3 protrudes from an opening disposed at an end of the device. The device may comprise a cap mounted over the writing tip, which cap may be removed to have the writing tip accessible. Alternatively, the writing tip may be controlled by a push button disposed at an opposite end and a spring mechanism. ^' The push button and spring mechanism allow the user to control the retraction of the writing tip into the opening such that it is inaccessible for writing and advancement of the writing tip through the opening such that it is accessible for writing. Alternatively, the writing tip may be controlled by a screw mechanism such that the user may twist a portion of the housing in order to advance or retract the writing tip.

In a protruding position, the writing tip may be manually pressed against a writing surface, in a conventional, inclined writing position, when the user desires to begin writing. The writing tip preferably comprises a ballpoint tip: alternatively the writing tip may include a felt tip, or a fountain pen writing tip or any other alternative forms of writing tips.

Referring to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the device is illustrated. The writing tip is connected internally to a tubular ink cartridge 4 which cartridge transfers ink into the writing tip when the user is positioned to begin writing. The cartridge lies parallel to length of the device. Thus, the scan line is parallel to the pen ink cartridge and when the user writes with the tip of the pen the scan line is non operational and is substantially parallel.

The housing of the device further comprises a plurality of scanning mechanisms necessary for a contact image type scanner. The scanning mechanisms are mounted along the length of the device such that the scan line is perpendicular to a document to be read. Furthermore, because the scanning mechanisms are disposed along the length of the device the entire width of a line of a page may be read and converted into a digital image.

To initiate scanning, the user may position the device flat across the surface of a document to be read and manually traverse the device in a desired direction.

With reference to applications 09/323,258 and 09/476,104 that describe portable scanners, the following mechanisms may be integrated into the device.

Referring to Figure 3, multiple rubber rollers 6 may be arranged along a single shaft 7 and separated. The rubber rollers provide an image alignment feature because the surface of the document to be read adheres to the rollers' rubber segments, thereby preventing skewing of the image. The rubber rollers rotate against the document as the device is manually traversed, by pressing the device against the surface of a document.

Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of the device. A linear array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 8 serve as an illumination source which send rays of light through a light guide 9 that focuses the light onto the surface 10 of the document to be read. The LEDs and the light guide span the entire reading length of the device. The illuminated portion of the document is reflected and focussed by an optic fiber lens array 11 onto an optical sensor array 12. The optical sensor array consists of one or more solid state devices comprising multiple individual photo cells in a linear array, which convert the image focussed onto them into electrical signals, producing a digital image which can be stored in an internal memory for future use. The stored data may be downloaded into a computer or laptop at a later time. The LEDs and the lens array must be arranged with the illuminated surface of the document to ensure proper focussing of the image on the solid state reading devices. The solid state devices are capable of reading one line of information at a time restricted by the size, spacing and width spanned by the individual photocells in the linear array. Each line of information is read multiple times with 200 or 400 dpi but sent only once to a microprocessor which assembles the image received in lines, and also performs image enhancement techniques to produce a true representation of the image or text being read. The solid state devices read the lines of information continuously, to form a 2-D image.

A disk 13 comprising alternate dark and light elements serves to adjust for speed variations of the traversing device. The disk is located at one end of the rubber rollers' shaft, beyond the reading width of the document. As the rollers rotate against the document, the disk rotates and the sensor recognizes light and dark elements and uses the transition to adjust the image. This feature rectifies any skewing that occurs if the user moves the device unmethodically. Hence, the rate at which the user traverses the device can vary, without affecting the image quality, as compression or expansion of the assembled image will not occur.

The solid state elements read the full width of each line as the device is traversed. The surface of the document will have sufficient friction with the rubber rollers such that skewing of the image is prevented as the device is traversed. The user must hold the device flat against the surface of the document such that the document is pressed against the glass.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the device contacts the surface of the document in two areas. Multiple rubber rollers are arranged along a single shaft, along the length of the device, and are separated. To also hold the document in place, another area of the device contacts the surface of the paper. The two points of contact with the surface of the document hold the document in place at the proper angles, necessary for focussing.

In another embodiment of the present invention the device is equipped with two accelerometers. Figure 5 displays the two accelerometers 15 located at either end of the device. The accelerometer housings are solidly attached to the device. The accelerometers measure the rate at which the velocity of the device is changing. The accelerometers measure the force exerted by restraints that are placed on the device to hold its position fixed. The accelerometers calculate the acceleration as the device is manually moved across the surface of the document. From the rate of acceleration of reading, the speed may be calculated. The calculation of the speed of reading at each end of the device is necessary in order that any skewing of the image may be corrected. The position and attitude of the light pen can be detected throughout the scanning process, and these parameters can be applied by the correcting means to correct the image.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the device is equipped with multiple spring-loaded rubber rollers. Referring to Figure 6, the spring-loaded rubber rollers 16 are aligned along the entire length of the device. When the user presses the device against the document, the spring-loaded rubber rollers contact the surface of said document. The rollers retract into the body of the device as it is pressed against the document. The retraction of the rollers functions in collaboration with the user traversing the device across the document in order to activate the reading mechanisms. To de-activate the reading mechanisms, the traversing must be terminated and the spring-loaded rollers must be returned to their rest position.

One of the main advantages of the spring-loaded rubber rollers is that the document adheres to the spring-loaded rubber rollers therefore said paper is held in place. The user is constrained to perpetually hold the device flat against the surface of the paper in order for the scanning mechanisms to function for the duration of the entire scan. This action of holding the device flat against the paper will also guarantee that the image will be focussed properly. Furthermore, the reading mechanisms will not function unless the spring-loaded rubber rollers are retracted and the user is traversing the pen across the document. Thus, the user may carry the device in a pocket with no apprehension that it will be inadvertently activated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the device is equipped with a battery. In that the device is a hand-held unit, an internally disposed electrical power source, such as a battery, is required for desired operation. As illustrated in Figure 7, the external shape of the battery module 17 conforms to the shape of the device such that the battery module is substantially round, or D-shaped. One side of the battery is rounded, similar to the round part of the device. Another side of the battery is flat such that it may sit flat against the lens.

Alternately, the scanning mechanisms may be depicted as follows. A waveguide formed in a substrate may be positioned between a document to be scanned and an optic fiber lens array. Thus, the scan line of the document is in direct contact with, or in close proximity to, the waveguide. The combination of the waveguide and the substrate in one uniform configuration provides the invention with an extremely slim design. Furthermore, the waveguide being comprised of a light transmitting medium, for example an elongate light pipe, which light pipe includes light sources, such as LEDs, disposed at each end, eliminates the weight and bulk provided by a linear array of LEDs found in other contact image sensor scanners.

Also, there is a reduction in battery power required. Thus, the waveguide formed in a substrate is a fundamental component in providing a compact and efficient hand-held scanner constructed according to the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is simultaneously illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9. Figure 8 depicts a general overview of the hand-held scanner. Figure 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the scanner and includes a plurality of interior subassemblies.

Referring to Figure 9, the waveguide 18 is formed in a substrate such that the waveguide is mounted between a document 19 to be scanned and an optic fiber lens array 20. Thus, a scan line 21 of the document to be scanned is in direct contact with, or in close proximity to the waveguide.

The waveguide 18 (Figure 8) is comprised of a light transmitting medium 22, preferably an elongate light pipe, which light pipe is composed of transparent plastic or glass. The light pipe includes light sources 23 (Figure 8), such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), fixedly mounted at either end of the light pipe. The light pipe collects a plurality of light rays emitted from the light sources. The light pipe is configured so that substantially all of the light rays from the light sources are internally reflected and light travels across the light pipe.

An inside, lateral surface of the light pipe has a reflective cladding layer 24 (Figure 8), which reflective layer is in direct contact with said surface. Preferably, the reflective layer comprises elliptical or triangular shapes and is further comprised of a white paint. The reflective layer covers a substantial area of the inside lateral surface of the light pipe. The light rays emitted from the light sources propagate in the light pipe until striking an area of the reflective layer. The reflective surface redirects the light rays out of the reflective surface of the light pipe and onto the scan line of the document to be scanned, thereby illuminating the scan line.

The reflective layer increases the efficiency of the light sources disposed at each end of the light pipe. The light rays emanated from the light sources are most intense at the ends of the light pipe. Thus, tapered ends of the reflective layer are positioned adjacent to the light sources, to reflect this higher intensity of light rays. Toward the center of the light pipe, where the light rays are less intense, are positioned the widest areas of the reflective layer. Generally, therefore, the reflective layer covers a wider area towards the center of the light pipe, as compared to the area directly adjacent to the ends of the light pipe where the reflective layer covers less area. Thus, intensity variations are eliminated and the light pipe achieves even illumination continuously along the width of the scan line.

To initiate scanning the user places the device flat across the width of the surface of the document to be scanned and manually traverses the scanner perpendicular to the scan line of the document. Referring to Figure 9, a plurality of rays of light, emanated from the light sources, strike portions of the reflective layer 24 and the light rays 25 are reflected away from the reflective surface, towards the scan line 21 of the document. Light from the illuminated scan line of the document travels through a narrow, elongate slit 26 positioned between the reflective ellipses, and which is not covered by the reflective coating. Thus, the light from the illuminated scan line passes directly through the waveguide 18, and onto an optic fiber lens array 20.

The optic fiber lens array images the light onto an optical sensor array 27. The optical sensor array consists of one or more photoelements comprising multiple individual photo-cells in a linear array. The photo cells convert the image focussed onto them into electrical signals, producing a digital image which can be further processed to obtain a true representation of the image in a tangible form, or stored in an internal memory for future use. For example, the stored data may be downloaded into a computer or laptop. The photoelements are arranged along the length of the apparatus such that the entire length of a line of a page may be read and converted to a digital image.

The photo-cells are individually positioned equidistant from the waveguide such that their direction of arrangement is perpendicular to the scanner's direction of movement. The linear array of photoelements is capable of reading one line of information at a time restricted by the size, spacing and width spanned by the individual photocells in the linear array. Each line of information is read multiple times with 200 or 400 dpi but sent only once to a conventional microprocessor which assembles the image received in lines, and also perform image enhancement techniques to produce a true representation of the image or text being read. The array of photoelements read the lines of information continuously, to form a 2-D image.

The device is equipped with a battery (not shown). In that the apparatus is a hand-held unit, an internally disposed electrical power source, such as a battery, is required for desired operation. Conventional batteries tend to have short lives when used in hand-held scanners because of the amount of energy needed to power the numerous components. However, in the present invention because the waveguide uses a lower intensity light source, i.e. an LED located at each end, the light source requires less power.

In an alternate embodiment, the waveguide 18 comprises a mirrored surface 28, as shown in Figure 10. The mirrored surface is fixedly mounted at an angle relative to the plane of the waveguide.

Scanning is initiated by the user placing the device flat across the width of the surface of the document 3 to be scanned and manually traversing the device perpendicular to the scan line of the document. A plurality of rays of light, emanated from the light sources, propagate in the light pipe until striking portions of the reflective layer 24. The reflective layer reflects the light rays 25 away from the reflective surface, towards the scan line 21 of the document. The light of the illuminated scan line of the document reflects directly back through the waveguide, through an area not covered by the reflective layer. The mirrored surface 28 is positioned such that a first path 29 of the light of the illuminated scan line strikes the mirrored surface. The mirrored surface defines the first path of the light reflected by the illuminated scan line of the document. The mirrored surface subsequently directs the path of the light through an optic fiber lens array 20.

The optic fiber lens array directs the light of the illuminated scan line onto a second mirrored surface 30. The second mirrored surface is fixedly positioned at an angle relative to the optic fiber lens array, and directs the light of the illuminated scan line onto a linear photosensor array 31. The linear photosensor array is mounted underneath the mirrored surface and comprises a plurality of multiple photocells arranged in a linear array. The photo cells convert the image into electrical signals, to produce a digital image light received is converted into a digital image which can be further processed to obtain a true representation of the image in a tangible form, or stored in an internal memory for future use.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the portable device is approximately 6" long, thus heightening the compactness of the device and allowing for an improved fit in a pocket or other carrying case. However, because the length is substantially shorter the device cannot scan the entire width of a standard document. Therefore, the simplest manner for the user to scan a document would be to scan the top half of the document and then the bottom half.

Specifically, the user can place the device vertically along the top, left side of the document, and advance the device across (from left to right) the document such that the top half of the document is scanned. Next, the user can place the device vertically along the bottom, left side of the document, advance the device across (from left to right) the document such that the bottom half of the document is scanned. Each scanning procedure scans equal dimensions of 8 Yz" x 6", and thus a portion of the document is scanned twice.

The scanned images are stored as separate images in the device. The user can download the images into the host computer, and the computer can join the images together to create the entire page. The computer can use the overlap in the images to properly align the images and create a seamless page. The host computer can also enlarge of reduce either of the images to perform the matching.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

* CLAIMSI claim:

1 . An apparatus and method for reading a document integrated with a writing implement comprising;

a scan line along the length of a device, such that the length is the largest dimension of said device; an ink cartridge that lies parallel to the scan line; a writing tip that protrudes from an opening disposed at an end of the device.

An apparatus and method for reading a document integrated with a writing implement, as claimed in Claiml , comprising;

the writing tip can be controlled by a push button disposed at an opposite end of the device; the user can manually push the button to a downward position such that the writing tip advances to a protruding position; the user can manually push the button again, thus releasing the button to an upward position, such that the writing tip is retracted into the device.

3. An apparatus and method for reading a document integrated with a writing implement, as claimed in Claiml , comprising;

a cap that can be mounted over the writing tip such that the writing tip is not accessible to a user.

4. An apparatus and method for reading a document integrated with a writing implement, as claimed in Claiml , comprising;

a screw mechanism such that the user can twist a portion of the device in order to advance or retract the writing tip.

5. An apparatus and method for reading a document integrated with a writing implement, comprising; the length of the device is shorter than the width of a standard page such that the user must scan a document in two passes; the two images can be joined together in a host computer because the host computer can identify any overlap and create a seamless image.