Scanned Document Separation Using Detectable Separator Sheets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for document separation and indexing in scanned document stacks require manual intervention to insert and remove separator sheets, leading to inefficiency and wear, and are not suitable for automated processing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of predefined separator sheets with coded geometric patterns that are recognized during scanning, allowing for automatic detection and deletion of separator sheets based on image parameters, followed by manual or mechanical vibration to separate documents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separator sheets are inserted between documents for separation, then document separation is enabled, but manual removal is time-consuming and causes wear
Solution Approach 1:
The separator sheets automatically identify themselves through coded geometric patterns that are detected during scanning. The system autonomously determines which images correspond to separator sheets based on image parameter analysis, eliminating the need for manual identification and removal by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting with an automated optical detection system. Image processing algorithms analyze scan images to identify separator sheets through their distinctive geometric patterns, substituting human labor with automated computational methods.
2Ease of operation
If separator sheets are used for document separation, then documents can be separated, but subsequent sorting is extremely time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The separator sheets are pre-marked with coded geometric patterns that enable automatic identification during the scanning process. This preliminary encoding allows the system to identify and separate separator sheets in real-time during scanning, rather than requiring post-scanning sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image parameter analysis to provide feedback about detected separator sheets. By analyzing geometric patterns in scan images, the system automatically determines which images correspond to separator sheets and can be deleted, creating a closed-loop identification and removal process.
3Ease of operation
If manual intervention is used to identify and remove separator sheets, then separation can be achieved, but efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and sorting with an automated image processing system. Optical scanning combined with geometric pattern recognition algorithms automatically identifies separator sheets, substituting human operators with machine-based detection and decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator sheets carry intrinsic identification features (coded geometric patterns) that enable them to be automatically recognized and processed by the system without human intervention. The identification process is self-contained within the image analysis workflow.
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
Enables efficient, automated separation of documents without manual intervention, reducing wear and tear on separator sheets and improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Receiving scan images by optically scanning a sequence of pages from the document stack
Implementation Method 2
manual or mechanical vibration to separate documents
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for document separation and/or indexing of documents that are scanned in a document stack (1) with several single- or multi-page documents (10) and separator sheets (11) inserted between the individual documents (10), comprising the following successive method steps: a) receiving scan images by optically scanning a sequence of pages of the document stack (1) using a scanner; b) processing the individual scan images to generate electronic page images in an electronic scan document, the image size of which corresponds to the original pages of the documents (10) and the original separator sheets (11);c) Defining different criteria for image parameters, namely the image size of the document pages and/or the separator sheets (11), which are either automatically derived during the processing of the electronic scan images based on properties of the document stack (1) or defined in advance of a subsequent check by the user; d) Performing a check to see if the image size of an electronic scan image within the scanned document corresponds to the defined criteria; e) If the image size of an electronic scan image corresponds to the image size of the scanned separator sheet (11) and/or the image parameter defined by the user with respect to the separator sheets (11): Automatically deleting the electronic scan image that corresponds to the scanned separator sheet (11).