OCR Data Compatibility Verification for External Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information processing apparatuses face challenges in determining whether character string information extracted from paper documents through OCR is applicable in external systems, as the output may not meet the defined conditions of the external system, leading to potential failures in processing.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus is designed to read character string information from paper documents, obtain external system information regarding use conditions, and determine the applicability of the read information by matching it against the system's conditions, displaying the results for user verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If character string information is output directly from OCR without verification, then processing speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential incompatibility with external system conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidcompatibility reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by obtaining external system information and performing compatibility determination before outputting character string information. The determination unit checks whether the OCR-recognized data meets external system conditions (such as character code specifications, data formats, or validation rules) in advance, preventing incompatible data from being transmitted to external systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary compatibility determination unit that mediates between the OCR recognition unit and the external system. This intermediary component verifies whether recognized character strings satisfy external system conditions, acting as a buffer that ensures data compatibility without significantly impacting processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If compatibility checking is performed before output, then reliability is improved, but processing time increases due to additional verification steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing only essential compatibility checks rather than comprehensive verification. The determination unit focuses on critical external system conditions (such as character code validity, data format compliance) while omitting redundant verification steps, thereby maintaining reliability without excessive time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of verification depth by adjusting which external system conditions are checked. Based on the specific external system requirements, the determination unit selectively verifies only the necessary parameters (such as character code specifications, data formats, or validation rules), optimizing the balance between reliability and processing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If external system information is obtained and verified, then data quality is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional processing units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the determination unit with the existing OCR information processing apparatus. The determination unit is combined with the recognition unit and output unit, sharing common hardware resources and control structures, thereby improving data quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The determination unit is designed with multi-functionality, serving as a universal compatibility verification component that can handle various external system conditions (character code validation, data format checking, rule-based verification). This universal component reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple verification functions into a single modular unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12067757B2Information processing apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2024.08.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US12067757B2 patent drawing
  • US12067757B2 patent drawing
  • US12067757B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: read character string information written on a paper document; obtain, from an external system that performs processing using the read character string information, external system information indicating a use condition relating to use of character string information in the external system; and determine whether the read character string information matches the external system information obtained from the external system.