Motion-Triggered Tax Document Capture System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tax return preparation methods require manual data entry, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and lack effective automation for capturing and processing tax document data from videos.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses video-based motion detection to acquire images of tax documents, process them for data extraction, and import the data into electronic tax returns, allowing for touchless tax return preparation by detecting specific motions to trigger image capture and processing, and utilizing computer vision for data extraction without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data entry is used for tax return preparation, then data can be entered with high accuracy, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual data entry process with an automated computer vision system that captures images of tax documents and automatically extracts data using image processing and pattern recognition algorithms, eliminating the need for manual typing and significantly reducing preparation time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically capturing tax document images through motion detection, processing the images to extract relevant data, and populating tax return forms without requiring user intervention for data entry, allowing the system to serve itself in completing the tax preparation process
2Extent of automation
If motion detection is used to trigger image acquisition, then automated document capture is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional system where a single computing device integrates video camera capabilities, motion detection algorithms, image processing functions, and data extraction capabilities, allowing one device to perform multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing layer that acts as a mediator between the motion detection system and the data extraction system, preprocessing captured images to identify and extract relevant tax document data before passing it to the tax return population module, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Ease of operation
If video-based image acquisition is used, then touchless tax return preparation is enabled, but the precision of document data extraction may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by detecting document motion to trigger image acquisition, ensuring the document is properly positioned and captured before data extraction begins, and by pre-processing the captured images to enhance quality and identify relevant data fields, thereby maintaining high extraction accuracy despite the touchless approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the tax document through image capture from video frames, which is then processed and analyzed to extract data. This optical copy allows for automated recognition and data extraction while maintaining the ability to achieve high precision through image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with the original document
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device acquires a video of a tax document utilizing a video camera such as a webcam. The video is analyzed to detect a first motion of the tax document, such as sufficient shaking or movement of the tax document, satisfying first pre-determined criteria that results in the computing device being prompted or requested by the user to take an image of the tax document. After the first pre-determined criteria has been satisfied, the user is instructed to hold the tax document steady. Subsequent video frames are analyzed to detect a second motion or the tax document being sufficiently still or steady, in response to which an image of the tax document is acquired and processed to extract data of the tax document from the acquired image and populate corresponding fields of the electronic tax return.