Abstract: A document scanner (10) includes an input tray (20) for holding documents (11); an input image capture device (30) for capturing images of documents in the input tray; an image processor for determining characteristics of documents; and the documents are processed based on the characteristics.

Abstract: A method of determining document characteristics prior to processing the document in a document scanner (10) includes capturing an input image of documents in an input tray (20); transmitting the images to a processor (65); determining characteristics of the documents; and processing the document based on the characteristics.

Abstract: A scanner has a transport system for transporting a document along a transport path for scanning by at least a first camera. A first removable image guide is disposed between the first camera and a first side of the document. The first removable image guide has a first manifold with a first patter of holes for applying a first level of air pressure or vacuum to the document. Replacement of the first removable image guide with an upgrade removable image guide provides an alternate manifold with an alternate pattern of holes that provide a second level of air pressure or vacuum to the document, different from the first level.

Abstract: The scanning method of the invention enables a user to scan transparencies with a duplex scanner having a moveable camera, and a mirror or light source associated with the camera on each side of the document path. The scanner, in its normal mode of operation, is a duplex reflective scanner which means the image, per side, is captured by reflecting light from a light source located on the same side of an opaque flat object as the CCD of the camera that captures the image. In order to scan transparencies, a mechanism is provided which allows an opposing camera light source to be aligned (moved at runtime) with the aperture of the camera opposite the opposing camera light source. This allows the light of the opposing camera light source to project through a transparent object while the opposite camera CCD captures an image of the transparency. The opposite camera, which captures the image, has its light source turned off while in the transparent scanning mode.

Abstract: A system for permitting insertion or replacement of electronic cards, the system includes a scanner for scanning hardcopy elements, the scanner including an electronic component for performing at least one processing function on an electronic representation of the hardcopy element; a first processor for directing operations of the scanner and for receiving directions that are passed to other components; a field-installed electronic card that performs additional processing on the electronic representation of the hardcopy element; a second processor electrically connected to the scanner for sending directions to the scanner processor which processor includes field-installed control code for directing the field-installed electronic card.

Abstract: The scanning method of the invention enables a user to scan transparencies with a duplex scanner having a moveable camera, and a mirror or light source associated with the camera on each side of the document path. The scanner, in its normal mode of operation, is a duplex reflective scanner which means the image, per side, is captured by reflecting light from a light source located on the same side of an opaque flat object as the CCD of the camera that captures the image. In order to scan transparencies, a mechanism is provided which allows an opposing camera light source to be aligned (moved at runtime) with the aperture of the camera opposite the opposing camera light source. This allows the light of the opposing camera light source to project through a transparent object while the opposite camera CCD captures an image of the transparency. The opposite camera, which captures the image, has its light source turned off while in the transparent scanning mode.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention a scanner comprises a transport mechanism for moving a document. A sensor detects a leading edge and a trailing edge of the document. The sensor turns off a drive mechanism when a leading edge of the document is detected. A drive mechanism is started when a trailing edge of a document is detected. A camera scans the document and detects a skew angle of a leading edge and a trailing edge of the document. A front end controller receives a digital signal from the camera and detects the document in a field of the camera within a specified range of pixels.

Abstract: A system for permitting insertion or replacement of electronic cards, the system includes a scanner for scanning hardcopy elements, the scanner including an electronic component for performing at least one processing function on an electronic representation of the hardcopy element; a first processor for directing operations of the scanner and for receiving directions that are passed to other components; a field-installed electronic card that performs additional processing on the electronic representation of the hardcopy element; a second processor electrically connected to the scanner for sending directions to the scanner processor which processor includes field-installed control code for directing the field-installed electronic card.