Virtual Separator Detection for Document Set Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional document processing systems require a physical separator page to distinguish between sets of pages, which increases processing time, is prone to human error, and wears out the equipment, as they rely on human operators to place and detect marks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that mark the first or last page of each document set with an identifier, allowing the document processing device to detect and distinguish between sets using a virtual separator, reducing the need for physical pages and minimizing human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical separator page is used to distinguish document sets, then document sets can be separated, but processing time increases and equipment wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separator function from physical separator pages and implements it through virtual separators detected via identifiers on document pages. The scanner detects identifiers (barcodes, QR codes, or specific text patterns) on first or last pages of document sets, allowing the system to virtually separate document sets without physical separator pages, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining separation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying by scanning document pages to detect identifiers instead of physical detection. The scanner creates digital copies of pages and analyzes them for identifier patterns, replacing the need for physical separator page detection with automated optical character recognition and pattern matching, which significantly speeds up processing.
2Reliability
If a physical separator page is used to distinguish document sets, then document sets can be separated, but equipment wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes physical separator pages from the system entirely, extracting only the essential function of separation. By using identifiers on existing document pages and virtual separators in the digital domain, the system eliminates the mechanical components that cause wear, reducing maintenance needs and improving system reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical separator pages with an optical and computational system. Instead of physically inserting and detecting separator pages through mechanical means, the system uses optical scanning, image processing, and algorithmic detection of identifiers, eliminating mechanical wear while maintaining separation functionality.
3Reliability
If human operators manually place and detect marks on separator pages, then document sets can be separated, but human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect identifiers on document pages without human intervention. The scanner and processing system autonomously identify first and last pages of document sets by recognizing identifier patterns, eliminating manual marking and detection operations that are prone to human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the scanner continuously monitors incoming pages, detects identifiers, and adjusts processing accordingly. The system provides feedback loops that verify identifier detection accuracy and correct any detection errors, improving measurement precision through automated validation and correction processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distinguishing a page set is presented. The method includes receiving multiple page sets. A first page or a last page of each page set marked with an identifier. The method also includes scanning a page of the multiple page sets. The method further includes determining whether the scanned page comprises the identifier and one or more of a false positive identifier or a color changed identifier. The method still further includes distinguishing the page set, corresponding to the scanned page, from other page sets of the multiple of page sets when the scanned page includes the identifier.