Editable Document Generation via Manual Linking Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing character recognition algorithms face challenges in correctly identifying layout objects within scanned hardcopy documents, leading to incorrect markup and reduced editing functionality in word processing applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves users manually outlining regions and writing linking labels on hardcopy documents, which are then used to identify and combine strings, generating an editable electronic version with correctly specified layout objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated character recognition algorithms are used to convert scanned hardcopy documents to editable electronic versions, then the conversion process is fast and efficient, but the layout objects are incorrectly identified leading to reduced editing functionality
Solution Approach 1:
Users perform preliminary manual labeling by writing linking labels and drawing region outlines on the hardcopy document before scanning. This preliminary action provides ground truth information that guides the automated recognition process, ensuring both speed and accuracy in layout object identification without requiring complex post-processing corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary manual labeling step where users create linking labels and region outlines that serve as a bridge between the physical document and the digital representation. This intermediary layer of user-provided structure helps the automated system correctly interpret the document layout while maintaining high conversion speed
2Reliability
If users manually outline regions and write linking labels on hardcopy documents, then layout objects are correctly identified in the electronic version, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the user's existing knowledge of their own document structure to perform the labeling task. Since users naturally understand how their documents are organized, they can intuitively create accurate region outlines and linking labels without requiring complex tools or extensive training, making the process self-service oriented and naturally aligned with document semantics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the abstract concept of document structure into concrete, actionable parameters that users can easily manipulate - specifically, region outlines and linking labels with simple numeric identifiers. This parameter transformation makes the complex task of structure definition manageable by breaking it down into simple visual markings and number assignments
3Ease of operation
If users manually outline regions and write linking labels on hardcopy documents, then editing functionality is enhanced, but the preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual labeling of regions and linking labels is performed as a preliminary action during the scanning phase, before the document enters the editable electronic format. This timing strategy allows the structure definition to be completed while the document is still in a stable scanned state, enabling faster subsequent editing operations without recurring preparation time overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a structured copy of the document's logical organization through linking labels and region outlines, separate from the visual content. This structural copy serves as a reusable framework that enables efficient editing operations without requiring repeated analysis of the document content, thereby reducing time loss in subsequent editing sessions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing a hardcopy document (HD). The method includes: obtaining an image of the HD; identifying, within the image, a plurality of linking labels and a plurality of regions corresponding to the plurality of linking labels; extracting a plurality of strings from the plurality of regions; generating a combined string by combining the plurality of strings based on the plurality of linking labels; and generating an editable electronic version of the HD specifying the combined string.