Multi-function Document Sorting via OCR and Page Swap Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual document sorting is labor-intensive and prone to errors due to the large volume of documents and the need for frequent sorting in various settings, such as offices and hospitals, which lacks automation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function device (MFD) with a document feeder, swapper, and collector, utilizing optical character recognition and form awareness techniques to automatically sort documents based on user-defined parameters by executing page swap cycles, comparing character fields, and rearranging pages accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sorting is performed by users, then documents can be sorted based on multiple criteria, but the process requires considerable human effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically scanning documents, extracting character fields, and executing sorting operations without human intervention. The MFD independently completes the entire sorting workflow from document intake to sorted output, eliminating the need for manual sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sorting process with an automated system combining optical scanning, character recognition, and mechanical document handling. The MFD uses a scanner to capture document images, OCR software to extract text fields, and automated document feeders/sorters to physically arrange documents according to the extracted data.
2Reliability
If manual sorting is performed by users, then documents can be arranged in desired order, but there are chances of human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through automated verification of extracted character fields and validation of sorting criteria. The MFD systematically compares extracted data against sorting rules, verifies document identification, and ensures accurate placement, providing a self-correcting process that eliminates human error in sorting decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human judgment and manual sorting operations with automated optical character recognition and algorithmic sorting logic. This substitution eliminates variability and error inherent in manual processes by using consistent, programmable criteria for document classification and arrangement.
3Productivity
If automated sorting is implemented using MFD, then human effort is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single universal MFD platform that combines scanning, OCR processing, data extraction, and automated document handling. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one integrated system, achieving automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary software layer that bridges the scanning hardware and document handling mechanisms. This software intermediary manages the complex processing of extracted character fields, applies sorting algorithms, and coordinates the mechanical sorters, thereby managing system complexity through modular software architecture rather than hardware complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sorting criteria are applied, then documents can be sorted in multi-level order, but the sorting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down multi-level sorting into hierarchical stages. The system first extracts all relevant character fields from documents, then applies sorting criteria in sequential passes or hierarchical levels, where documents are sorted by primary criteria and then by secondary criteria within each primary group. This segmented approach manages complexity by processing one sorting dimension at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sorting parameters and criteria based on user input and document characteristics. The MFD allows flexible configuration of sorting rules, field selections, and priority levels, adapting the sorting process to different document types and requirements without requiring separate systems for each sorting scenario.
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
The MFD automates the sorting process, reducing human effort and error, enabling efficient and accurate sorting of documents in ascending, descending, alphabetical, or sequential orders, and handling multi-tiered sorting criteria.
Implementation Method 1
The multi-function device identifies one or more character fields corresponding to the at least one sorting parameter in each of the scanned pages, the identification being performed by at least one of an optical character recognition technique and a form awareness technique
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure discloses methods and systems for automatically sorting a plurality of pages of a document by a multi-function device. The device comprises a document feeder, a document swapper and a document collector. The multi-function device receives a request to sort the plurality of pages in accordance with at least one sorting parameter. The multi-function device scans the pages and identifies one or more character fields for each of the scanned pages and executes a plurality of page swap cycles between the document feeder, the document swapper, and the document collector until each of the scanned pages are sorted based on the at least one sorting parameter. The sorting is performed by comparing the character fields for each of the scanned pages, a first subset of scanned pages are placed in the document swapper and a second subset is placed in the document collector in each page swap cycle.