Document scanner with instant retrieval process

摘要

An improved document scanner for imaging documents and decoding coded indicia such as bar codes and magnetic strips is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner incorporates a set of emergency exit instructions so that a user can always retrieve sensitive documents at a moment's notice. These instructions include receiving an emergency exit command from a jamming sensor or from the user, and then attempting mechanical translation toward a first exit and further subsequent translation toward a second exit. If the document is not successfully retrieved, the scanner prepares for manual document extraction as detailed herein.

主权项

1. A document scanner for extracting identifying information comprising: a defined path in which a document can be mechanically translated, said defined path having a first opening in an external housing and a second opening in said external housing opposite said first opening; a sensor array area enclosing a portion of said defined path; a motor or actuator capable of mechanically translating a document both in a first direction along said defined path and in a second direction opposite to said first direction along said defined path; a pair of angled reflective mirrors, said each angled reflective mirror positioned to reflect a segment of said document; an access door in said external housing that opens to allow access to a document inside of said external housing; and a processor in communication with a memory, said processor capable of executing an automated document extraction process, said automated document extraction process comprising: receiving an emergency exit command; instructing said motor or actuator to mechanically translate said document along said defined path toward said first opening; instructing said motor or actuator to mechanically translate said document in a reverse direction along said defined path toward said second opening; and preparing said document scanner for manual document extraction by a user.