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Multiple document scanningMultiple document scanning description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070097451, Multiple document scanning. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to information processing systems and more particularly to a system and methodology for enabling a scanning of multiple documents in a single pass. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Currently flat bed scanners can scan only one document at a time. However, there are many situations where several documents need to be scanned using flat bed scanners. In such situations the flat bed scanner user is forced to scan one document at a time. Irrespective of the number of documents scanned, the scan head of the flat bed scanner passes beneath the entire scanned glass surface even when only one document is scanned and the document is much smaller in area than the scanned surface. This is an inefficient process and results in wasting time and resources when multiple documents need to be scanned. [0003] Thus, there is a need for an improved methodology and system for enabling the scanning of multiple documents in one pass of a document scanning device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] A system and methodology enables the scanning of multiple documents in a single pass of a flat bed scanner. Multiple documents are placed on the scanner surface. The scanning device is enabled to detect and open separate windows for each of the multiple documents and selectively present a preview of the image to the user. User selections allow the multiple documents to be created as multiple separate documents or files. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: [0006] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a computer system coupled to a scanning device; [0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating several of the major components of the computer system shown in FIG. 1; [0008] FIG. 3 is an illustration showing an expanded view of the scanning device of FIG. 1; [0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating several of the light paths within the scanning device; [0010] FIG. 5 is an exemplary screen display which may be used in association with the present invention; [0011] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an overall sequence in an exemplary operation of the present invention; [0012] FIG. 7 is a detailed flow chart illustrating a more detailed operational sequence in an exemplary operation of the scanning methodology implemented in accordance with the present invention; and [0013] FIG. 8 is an example of a selection screen presented to a user in a document file preview mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0014] The following disclosure explains a mechanism where flat bed scanners with some hardware and software enhancements are enabled to scan multiple documents in a single pass. In one embodiment where multiple documents are placed on the scan surface, the scanning system is enabled to create a separate software page or file for each document placed on the scan surface. It is noted that circuits and devices which are shown in block form in the drawings are generally known to those skilled in the art, and are not specified to any greater extent than that considered necessary as illustrated, for the understanding and appreciation of the underlying concepts of the present invention and in order not to obfuscate or distract from the teachings of the present invention. [0015] In FIG. 1, there is shown a computer system 101 coupled to a scanning device 103 which may be used in practicing the methodology of the present invention. Several of the major components of the computer system 101 are illustrated in block diagram form in FIG. 2. [0016] As shown in FIG. 2, a processor 201 is connected to a system bus 203. Also connected to the system bus 203 are a cache memory 205, a system memory 207, a diskette drive 209, a CD drive 211 and connection means 213 for connecting the computer system to the scanning device or scanner 103. The computer system also includes an input interface 215 which enables user input to the system through various user input means including a keyboard 217 and/or a mouse or pointer device 219. The system bus is also connected to a network through a network interface 221. The computer system also includes a storage device 223, a sound subsystem 225 and a video subsystem 227 including a display device 231. The computer system illustrated in FIG. 2 need not include all of the components illustrated, and may include other components and connections which are not illustrated, in order to practice the present invention. [0017] As shown in FIG. 3, a flatbed scanner device 103 includes a scanning surface 301 upon which documents 311 and 313 are placed, face down, for scanning. FIG. 3 also shows an array of light sensors 305 which is shown separate from the device cover 303 for illustration, but which may be included as part of the scan device cover 303 as indicated by the arrow 307. When a user wishes to scan documents 311 and 313, the documents 311 and 313 are placed face down on the scanning surface 301, the cover is closed 309 and the scanning operation is initiated typically by pressing a "Scan Documents" button (not shown) on the scanning device. [0018] When the scanner 103 scans a document, the light from the scanner lamp 411 on a first side of the transparent scanning surface (which may be a glass plate) 401 will be obscured or blocked by the documents from passing through the transparent scanning surface 401 and impinging upon the sensor array 305. The light sensors in the areas where the documents are not present, i.e. the spaces between the documents, will receive light after it passes through the transparent scanning surface 401 between the documents. [0019] As shown in FIG. 4, documents 403 and 405 are placed upon a scanning surface 401. Light L1 and L2 from the scanning lamp 411 is projected to illuminate the scanning surface 401 and the documents placed thereon from a first side of the scanning surface or below the scanning surface, but light from the scanning lamp 411 is blocked by the documents 403 and 405 from passing through the transparent scanning surface and impinging upon the sensor array 305. At the same time, some of the projected light, e.g. light ray 407, is not blocked by the documents 403 and/or 405 and travels directly from the scan lamp 411 through the transparent scanning surface to the light sensor array 305. This process produces electrical signals representative of the spaces between the documents 403 and 405, as well as the perimeter boundaries or edges of the documents. The perimeter boundaries or edges around the documents may be determined by analysis of the signals produced by the light sensor array 305. Where the signal is high Sn at a level V2 for example, light travels directly to the light sensor array and is not blocked by any document and may be interpreted as a blank space between documents. Where the signal is at a lower reference level V1, the light from the scanning lamp 411 has been blocked by a document 403 or 405 on the scanning surface 401 and this part of the signal may be interpreted as an area where documents have been placed. When the scan line signals for the entire scanning area are combined, the exact location of documents which have been placed on the scanning surface may be determined. The sensors of each scan receiving more light will be considered as the spaces between documents by the scanner. When multiple documents are placed on the scan surface for scanning, the document perimeter boundaries or edges for each of these documents will be determined using the above technique. There is at least some amount of vertical spacing and horizontal spacing between the documents and if such separation is not sensed, a separate window will not be created. The information about the document perimeter boundaries or edges will be communicated to the computer to which the scanner is connected. Continue reading about Multiple document scanning... Full patent description for Multiple document scanning Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Multiple document scanning patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Multiple document scanning or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Method and device for compressing and expanding image data Next Patent Application: Image forming apparatus for generating stable horizontal sync signal and method thereof Industry Class: Facsimile and static presentation processing ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Multiple document scanning patent info. 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