Scanned Document Data Transfer via XML Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single click entry systems cannot efficiently transfer data from multiple scanned documents into a spreadsheet, as they do not create a mapping between data types and spreadsheet areas, requiring intermediate steps and reducing productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to create and select maps associating data types from scanned documents with specific areas in a spreadsheet, enabling direct data transfer and supporting multiple document imports with orientation and aggregation information, stored as XML files.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If single click entry systems are used to transfer data from scanned documents, then data transfer speed is improved, but the system cannot efficiently handle multiple documents and requires intermediate viewing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining maps that associate data types with spreadsheet areas before actual data transfer occurs. Users create these mappings in advance, so when multiple documents need to be transferred, the system already has the rules ready to automatically place data in the correct locations without requiring intermediate viewing or manual intervention for each document.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a mapping system that can handle multiple document types and data formats through a single unified approach. The maps define universal associations between data types (like dates, amounts, vendor names) and spreadsheet areas, allowing the same mechanism to process various scanned documents efficiently without requiring document-specific handling procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If users manually view and drag data from scanned documents to spreadsheets, then data placement accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically perform data placement based on pre-defined maps. Once users create the mappings between data types and spreadsheet areas, the system autonomously extracts data from scanned documents and places it in the correct locations without requiring manual dragging or intervention, thus maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces maps as an intermediary layer between the data extraction process and the spreadsheet population process. These maps serve as mediation rules that automatically determine where extracted data should be placed, eliminating the need for manual placement while ensuring accurate data positioning according to pre-established associations between data types and spreadsheet areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no data type mapping is created, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to transfer data from multiple documents efficiently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by breaking down the complex task of multi-document data transfer into manageable components through maps. Each map segments the process into data type identification and spreadsheet area association, allowing the system to handle multiple documents systematically by processing each document through the same segmented mapping logic rather than requiring a monolithic complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method that transfers data from scanned documents and document images directly into a spreadsheet. The user can construct a map that associates data types in the input scanned document with an area in the spreadsheet. The user can also use pre-stored maps that have previously been constructed by the user or by someone else. The map may be stored as an XML file in a hidden sheet of the spreadsheet or in a separate file. During use, the user selects a map, scans the document, parses the document to extract the data types and associated data, and transfers the parsed data to the spreadsheet in accordance with the selected mapping.