Multiple document scanning

Abstract

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 with a predetermined amount of vertical and horizontal spacing separating the documents. 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.

1 . A method for providing separate image files for each of a plurality of documents which may be positioned on a scanning surface of a scanning device, said method comprising: 
 determining perimeter boundaries surrounding each of said plurality of documents individually; and    enabling a creation of separate document image files for each of said plurality of documents within separate ones of said perimeter boundaries.    
   
   
       2 . The method as set forth in  claim 1  and further including: 
 scanning said plurality of documents from a first side of said scanning surface to provide a total image of all of said plurality of documents on said scanning surface, said scanning being accomplished by using a scanning light for illumination of said scanning surface from said first side of said scanning surface, said determining perimeter boundaries being accomplished by sensing said illumination passing through said scanning surface between said plurality of documents.    
   
   
       3 . The method as set forth in  claim 2  wherein said sensing is accomplished by a light sensing apparatus comprised of an array of light sensing devices.  
   
   
       4 . The method as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said array of light sensing devices is arranged as an integral part of a scanning cover, said scanning cover being selectively positioned to cover said plurality of documents.  
   
   
       5 . The method as set forth in  claim 2  and further including: 
 displaying individual document images of each of said documents within individual ones of said perimeter boundaries.    
   
   
       6 . The method as set forth in  claim 5  and further including: 
 enabling a user to select one or more of said document images; and    creating a separate document image file for each document image selected by said user whereby said user is enabled to manage selected document image files as individual document images files separate from said total image of all of said document images.    
   
   
       7 . A scanning system, said scanning system comprising a scanning device having a scanning surface upon which may be placed a plurality of documents for scanning, said scanning system further including a computer, said computer including a processor, memory, an input device and a display device, said scanning device being selectively operable for scanning said plurality of documents on said scanning surface and providing document image signals representative of a total combination image of all of said plurality of documents, said computer being selectively operable for determining perimeter boundaries of each of said plurality of documents individually, said computer being further operable for creating separate image files for each of said plurality of documents within separate ones of said perimeter boundaries.  
   
   
       8 . The scanning system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein said scanning device is selectively operable for enabling scanning said plurality of documents from a first side of said scanning surface to provide a total image of all of said plurality of documents on said scanning surface, said scanning being accomplished by using a scanning light for illumination of said scanning surface from said first side of said scanning surface, said determining perimeter boundaries being accomplished by sensing said illumination passing through said scanning surface between said plurality of documents.  
   
   
       9 . The scanning system as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said sensing is accomplished by a light sensing apparatus comprised of an array of light sensing devices.  
   
   
       10 . The scanning system as set forth in  claim 9  wherein said array of light sensing devices is arranged as an integral part of a scanning cover, said scanning cover being selectively positioned to cover said plurality of documents.  
   
   
       11 . The scanning system as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said computer is further operable for enabling a presentation on said display device of individual document images of each of said documents within individual ones of said perimeter boundaries.  
   
   
       12 . The scanning system as set forth in  claim 11  wherein said computer is further operable for enabling a user to use said input device to select one or more of said document images, said computer being further operable for creating a separate document image file for each document image selected by said user whereby said user is enabled to manage selected document image files as individual document image files separate from said total image of all of said document images.  
   
   
       13 . A scanning device comprising: 
 a scanning surface upon which may be placed a plurality of documents for scanning, said scanning device further including means for selectively scanning said plurality of documents on said scanning surface and providing document image signals representative of a total combination image of all of said plurality of documents, said scanning device being selectively operable for determining perimeter boundaries surrounding each of said plurality of documents, individually, and creating separate image files for each of said plurality of documents within separate ones of said perimeter boundaries.    
   
   
       14 . The scanning device as set forth in  claim 13  wherein said scanning device is selectively operable for enabling scanning said plurality of documents from a first side of said scanning surface to provide a total combination image of all of said plurality of documents on said scanning surface, said scanning being accomplished by using a scanning light for illumination of said scanning surface from said first side of said scanning surface, said determining perimeter boundaries being accomplished by sensing said illumination passing through said scanning surface between said plurality of documents.  
   
   
       15 . The scanning device as set forth in  claim 14  wherein said sensing is accomplished by a light sensing apparatus comprised of an array of light sensing devices.  
   
   
       16 . The scanning device as set forth in  claim 15  wherein said array of light sensing devices is arranged as an integral part of a scanning cover, said scanning cover being selectively positioned to cover said plurality of documents on said scanning surface on a side opposite said first side of said scanning surface.