Apparatus and method for scanning a bound document using a wedge shaped platen with a moving mirror

A method for scanning a bound document supported on a wedge shaped platen having a first transparent surface and a second transparent surface, comprising the steps of:

• (a) positioning a mirror in a defined reflective path between one of the first and the second transparent surfaces and an imager;
• (b) illuminating a first opposing page of the bound document positioned on one of the first and the second transparent surfaces of the wedge shaped platen;
• (c) recording with the imager a representation of the first opposing page illuminated along the defined reflective path;
• (d) repositioning the mirror so as to provide a direct optical path between the other of the first and the second transparent surfaces and the imager;
• (e) illuminating a second opposing page of the bound document positioned on the other of the first and the second transparent surfaces of the wedge shaped platen;
• and
• (f) recording with the imager a representation of the second opposing page illuminated along the defined optical path.

An apparatus for scanning a bound document, comprising:

• a wedge shaped platen having a first transparent surface and a second transparent surface for supporting the bound document in an open condition;
• means for illuminating a first opposing page and a second opposing page of the bound document positioned on the first and the second transparent surface of said wedge shaped platen;
• means for capturing images of the first and the second opposing pages of the bound document on said wedge shaped platen one page at a time;
• and
• a mirror having a first position when imaging one page, and a second position when imaging the other page, the first position defining a reflective path between the first transparent surface and said imager, and the second position defining a direct optical path between the second transparent surface and said imager.