Hand-operated document reader/imager with document retention device including manually-powered anti-skew methodology
View Patent ↗A hand-operated document processor includes a base including a perforated bed for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. The base defines a chamber under the perforated bed. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A document positioning and retentioning device connected to the base includes a manually-powered anti-skew device for creating a vacuum. The created vacuum is provided to the chamber under the perforated bed such that the vacuum, acting through the perforations, securely holds the document during the scanning operation.
1. A hand-operated document processor comprising:
a base including a perforated bed for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized, the base defining a chamber under the perforated bed;
a manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem, the subsystem including a MICR read head and being attached to the base such that movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document;
MICR reading and recognition logic receiving the signal from the MICR read head; and
a document positioning and retentioning device connected to the base, and including a manually-powered anti-skew device for creating a vacuum, wherein the created vacuum is provided to the chamber under the perforated bed such that the vacuum, acting through the perforations, securely holds the document during the scanning operation.
2. The hand-operated document processor of claim 1 wherein the manually-powered anti-skew device comprises a spring-driven vacuum solenoid.
3. The hand-operated document processor of claim 2 wherein the vacuum solenoid is sized to maintain the vacuum over the maximum time required to scan a document that is the full size of the base.
4. The hand-operated document processor of claim 2 further comprising:
a lever for connected to the spring-driven vacuum solenoid; and
a latch wherein the operator latches the lever to prepare the spring-driven solenoid prior to the start of the scanning operation.
5. The hand-operated document processor of claim 4 further comprising:
a sensor for sensing the start of the scan operation by detecting movement of the MICR subsystem, wherein upon detection by the sensor of the start of the scan operation, the spring-driven vacuum solenoid is released from the latch to cause the spring to drive the solenoid and create the vacuum.
6. The hand-operated document processor of claim 2 further comprising:
an encoder providing speed feedback information as the MICR read head passes over the magnetic ink character data on the document, the MICR reading and recognition logic further receiving the speed feedback information for use during character data recognition.
7. The hand-operated document processor of claim 2 wherein the moving MICR subsystem further comprises:
an image sensor that passes over the document as the MICR read head passes over the magnetic ink character data on the document.
8. The hand-operated document processor of claim 1 further comprising:
a linear guide shaft engaging the moving MICR subsystem for guiding the motion of the moving MICR subsystem.
9. The hand-operated document processor of claim 1 wherein the manually-powered anti-skew device comprises an inertia wheel and at least one fan driven by the inertia wheel.
10. The hand-operated document processor of claim 9 wherein the at least one fan is mounted under, the chamber under the perforated bed.
11. The hand-operated document processor of claim 9 wherein the inertia wheel is sized to maintain the vacuum over the maximum time required to scan a document that is the full size of the base.
12. The hand-operated document processor of claim 9 further comprising:
a clutch mechanism for drivingly connecting the inertia wheel to the at least one fan.
13. The hand-operated document processor of claim 12 further comprising:
a sensor for sensing the start of the scan operation by detecting movement of the MICR subsystem, wherein upon detection by the sensor of the start of the scan operation, the clutch mechanism is engaged to cause the inertia wheel to drive the at least one fan.
14. The hand-operated document processor of claim 9 further comprising:
an encoder providing speed feedback information as the MICR read head passes over the magnetic ink character data on the document, the MICR reading and recognition logic further receiving the speed feedback information for use during character data recognition.
15. The hand-operated document processor of claim 9 wherein the moving MICR subsystem further comprises:
an image sensor that passes over the document as the MICR read head passes over the magnetic ink character data on the document.