Document Attribute Detection Using Date String Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for managing documents with expiration dates, such as contracts and inspection certificates, often fail to accurately identify and track these dates, leading to potential expiration issues due to lack of clear indication within the document.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus comprising a reading unit and a determining unit that reads documents, specifies character strings representing dates and periods, and determines document attributes, such as expiration dates, through character recognition and database referencing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing systems are used to manage documents with expiration dates, then document storage and basic tracking are possible, but accurate identification and tracking of expiration dates cannot be achieved when dates are not clearly indicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpiration date identification accuracyVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting expiration dates
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an expiration date detector and attribute determination unit that acts as a mediator between the document and the management system. This intermediary automatically extracts and analyzes expiration date information, even when not clearly indicated, by using pattern recognition and database referencing to bridge the gap between ambiguous document content and precise expiration date identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual inspection and mechanical search methods with automated information processing systems. The expiration date detector uses character recognition and pattern matching algorithms to automatically identify expiration dates, while the attribute determination unit uses database lookups and logical reasoning to determine document attributes, substituting human effort with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual document management is used, then flexibility in handling various document formats is possible, but automation and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument handling efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service system where the document management apparatus automatically performs expiration date detection, attribute determination, and management without requiring manual intervention. The system reads documents, automatically detects expiration dates, determines attributes by referencing databases, and manages documents based on detected information, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for human operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal document management system that can handle various document types and formats through a single integrated apparatus. The expiration date detector and attribute determination unit are designed to work with multiple document formats and styles, making the system versatile and adaptable to different document kinds while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If simple storage methods are used, then storage cost is reduced, but accurate tracking and management of document attributes cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocument attribute management reliabilityVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a database of document attributes and expiration date patterns before the actual document management process. The system prepares reference data and detection rules in advance, allowing it to quickly and accurately determine document attributes when expiration dates are detected, thereby ensuring reliable management without requiring complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11113520B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US11113520B2 patent drawing
  • US11113520B2 patent drawing
  • US11113520B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a reading unit and a determining unit. The reading unit reads a document. The determining unit specifies, based on a result of reading of the document, a first character string representing a date and a second character string representing a period, and determines an attribute of the document in accordance with the first character string and the second character string.