Combination document and card reader scanner

摘要

The invention claimed is a method and apparatus to allow for scanning of both paper documents and thicker media such as credit or identification cards utilizing the same piece of scanner hardware. The inventive apparatus provides a depressible card reader slot located in the center of the horizontal axis of the sheet feed, and accompanying cantilever system for providing appropriate thickness of insert area for the particular media. A software implementation facilitates an automatic scan of either media inserted. The inventive method and apparatus is unique to the prior art in that it allows both media to be scanned utilizing the same piece of hardware, which offers both ease of use and value to the consumer.