Document Processing Using Form Barcode Coordinate Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document processing systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently identifying content within documents due to the increased processing time required for higher resolution images from advanced image sensor arrays, which affects throughput and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of indicia reading terminals equipped with a two-dimensional image sensor array and an optical assembly, capable of decoding decodable indicia such as form barcodes to establish a coordinate system, allowing for faster processing by locating content fields relative to the form barcode, thereby reducing the need for extensive image data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If higher density image sensor arrays with more pixels are used to capture document images, then image resolution is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes decoded barcode information to obtain coordinate data, separating the coordinate acquisition function from the image processing function. This allows the system to use only the necessary portion of image data (coordinates from barcode) rather than processing the entire high-resolution image, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining the ability to locate content fields accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs barcode decoding and coordinate extraction as a preliminary action before full document processing. By decoding the barcode first to obtain coordinate information, the system prepares the necessary location data in advance, enabling faster subsequent processing of content fields without requiring complete image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If complete image data processing is performed to locate content fields, then positioning accuracy is improved, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts coordinate information from decoded barcodes rather than determining content field positions through complete image analysis. This extraction approach obtains the necessary positioning data from a specific source (barcode) without processing the entire image, maintaining positioning accuracy while significantly reducing processing time and increasing throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The barcode serves as an intermediary element that carries coordinate information. Instead of directly analyzing the entire image to locate content fields, the system uses the barcode as a mediator to transmit position data, simplifying the positioning process and enabling faster document processing while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If traditional image processing methods are used without form barcodes, then system simplicity is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal processing approach that works with both documents containing form barcodes and those without. The barcode decoding functionality serves as an optional enhancement that can be applied to any document type, providing efficiency benefits when barcodes are present while maintaining compatibility with traditional processing methods for documents without barcodes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy and reliability of document processing by quickly identifying and decoding form barcodes, reducing processing time and improving throughput, allowing for faster handling of documents with form barcodes compared to those without.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly for use in focusing imaging light rays onto the plurality of pixels of said two dimensional image sensor array
Implementation Method 2
a two dimensional image sensor array comprising a plurality of pixels extending along an image plane
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to document processing, and more particularly to systems and methods that can utilize relative positions between the content of the document and a decodable indicia affixed to the document. In one embodiment, indicia reading terminals are provided that include an imaging module for capturing a frame of image data of a document. The document can include one or more decodable indicia such as a form barcode and various content fields, which delineate particular content of the document. The form barcode can include information respecting the form design and form design data. This information can be used to process the content of the document such as by providing coordinates or similar location and positioning metrics for use in processing the content of the document. In one example, the frame of image data is analyzed to identify the form barcode, from which the relative location of the content fields can be discerned without extensive processing of the frame of image data.