Document Alignment via Anchor Vertex Transformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in accurately aligning modified and original documents for effective difference identification, particularly when one version is generated directly from an application and the other is scanned from a printed copy, as existing methods struggle with distortions and pixel noise, leading to false positives in comparison tools.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the derivation of vertex coordinates from anchor points in both bitmaps, followed by transformation using inverse transform matrix functions to align the documents within a common reference, minimizing distortions and ensuring accurate comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If documents are scanned from printed copies, then document exchange and revision tracking are enabled, but distortions and pixel noise are introduced leading to false positives in comparison
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment process that acts as a mediator between the scanned document and the electronic original. This alignment process uses reference points and transformation algorithms to bridge the gap between the two document versions, eliminating the need for perfect direct comparison and thereby resolving the contradiction between document exchange capability and comparison accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the coordinate systems and geometric parameters of the scanned document to match the electronic original. Through methods like perspective transformation and coordinate mapping, the physical distortions introduced by scanning are compensated by adjusting mathematical parameters, thus maintaining comparison accuracy despite the scanning process
2Manufacturing precision
If correction filters are applied to scanned documents, then some distortions are reduced, but pixel noise and rendering differences remain causing false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment and reference point establishment before the actual comparison process. By pre-processing the scanned document to establish accurate geometric relationships and reference frameworks, the system eliminates distortion issues before they can cause false positives, rather than attempting to correct them during comparison
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the document comparison process into distinct phases: alignment phase, reference point establishment phase, and comparison phase. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with the alignment phase specifically addressing distortion and the comparison phase focusing on content differences, thereby preventing false positives from propagating through the entire process
3Adaptability or versatility
If documents are converted to PDF format for cross-platform exchange, then platform independence is achieved, but alignment issues arise when comparing modified versus original versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a platform-independent alignment framework that works across different operating systems and PDF readers. The alignment process uses universal mathematical transformations and reference point concepts that are independent of specific platform implementations, allowing the same alignment algorithm to function universally across Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms without requiring platform-specific adjustments
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method for aligning a modified document and an original document is provided according to an aspect of the present invention. The method includes a step of receiving a first bitmap representative of the modified document, including a first anchor. Additionally, a second bitmap representative of the original document including a second anchor is received. The method also includes the step of deriving a set of first vertex coordinates of the first anchor, and a set of second vertex coordinates of the second anchor. The method further includes the step of transforming the first bitmap to a common reference based upon the first set of vertex coordinates, and the step of transforming the second bitmap to the common reference based upon the second set of vertex coordinates.