Abstract: A method and system for recognizing alphabetic characters that contain diacritics is described. An image analysis separates the character into its constituent components. The one or more diacritic components are then distinguished and isolated from the base portion of the character. Optical recognition is performed separately on the base portion. The diacritic is recognized through a special image analysis and pattern recognition algorithms. The image analysis extracts geometric information from the one or more diacritic components. The extracted information is used as input for the pattern recognition algorithms. The output is a code that corresponds to a particular diacritic. The recognized base portion and diacritic are combined and a check is performed for acceptable combinations in a chosen language. By separately recognizing the base portion and diacritic, the character sets used by the recognizer can be narrowed, resulting in greater recognition.

Abstract: A method of and system for identifying a target form for increased efficiency in an automated data capture process is described. Forms are scanned and stored as digitized images. Regions are defined on the form relative to corresponding reference points between the form and the digitized image. The regions are defined in areas that contain anticipated digitized data from data fields of the form. Digitized data is recognized through such means as optical character recognition (OCR) and the resulting string variable is compared in form to a plurality of formats expected for that data. Scoring systems are used to obtain a resultant score for a number of string variables which is compared to a predetermined confidence number. If said confidence number is reached, the form is flagged as a target form and used in the data capture process. A first step identification of certain graphical features can be added as an initial determination as to the source of the form.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for enhancing optical recognition of text in scanned documents. Prior to performing optical recognition for identification of text in scanned documents, a preprocessing algorithm identifies locations of noncontiguity in character strokes. The gaps created by noncontiguous character strokes are selectively filled with non-white or black pixels for enhanced character recognition. The process may assess noncontiguity on a bit-by-bit basis or, to reduce the number of operations, on a byte-by-byte basis.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for automated form identification in a forms processing application. Aspects of the form are not used in identifying the form. The identification is accomplished primarily through spatial relationship of entered data in comparison to a plurality of form templates. Each instance of entered data is assessed for location respective of form template field locations. Attributes of the form template fields are provided and a score is assigned based on those attributes and the existence of data. A total score is provided for each of the plurality of form templates. A best score is achieved for one of the plurality of form templates. This form template, the identified form, is used in the forms processing application.

Abstract: The invention is a method of and system for identifying a target form for increased efficiency in an automated data capture process. Forms are scanned and stored as digitized images. Regions are defined on the form relative to corresponding reference points between the form and the digitized image. The regions are defined in areas that contain anticipated digitized data from data fields of the form. Digitized data is recognized through such means as optical character recognition (OCR) and the resulting string variable is compared in form to a plurality of formats expected for that data. Scoring systems are used to attain a resultant score for a number of string variables which is compared to a predetermined confidence number. If said confidence number is reached, the form is flagged as a target form and used in the data capture process. A first step identification of certain graphical features can be added as an initial determination as to the source of the form.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for recognizing non-English alpha characters that contain diacritics. An image analysis separates the character into its constituent components. The one or more diacritic components are then distinguished and isolated from the base portion of the character. Optical recognition is performed separately on the base portion. The diacritic is recognized through a special image analysis and pattern recognition algorithms. The image analysis extracts geometric information from the one or more diacritic components. The extracted information is used as input for the pattern recognition algorithms. The output is a code that corresponds to a particular diacritic. The recognized base portion and diacritic are combined and a check is performed for acceptable combinations in a chosen language. By separately recognizing the base portion and diacritic, the character sets used by the recognizer can be narrowed, resulting in greater recognition.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely activating document features in locally created electronic documents. Documents having certain document features, are created in a design application at a local computer. Codes correlating to the imparted document features are generated and embedded in the document file. Documents are delivered to a remote computer having a viewer application for opening and viewing the document. The viewer application reads the generated codes and unlocks functionality in the application for implementation of document features. The document features may provide enhanced functionality as value-added items such as digital signature capability, the ability to view a document in high fidelity, and local saving of the document with associated document data.

Abstract: A method of operating a fax server apparatus including a computer and a FAX card which provides a unification of a FAX forms creation process and the creation of a template used for interpreting received FAX forms completed at a remote branch location. A FAX form is created using a forms creation module and subsequently both stored into memory as a template and selectively transmitted via a FAX card to FAX machines at remote branch locations. The FAX form has machine readable identification markings comprised of an unique dot pattern which are identified upon reception by the computer to retrieve from memory the corresponding form stored as the template for processing. The FAX form also includes machine readable reference marks recognized by the computer for orientating the received completed FAX form and correcting for distortions induced by electronic transmission of forms such as skewing and warping of images.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively creating forms including displaying the forms during creation, and interpreting completed forms received via a facsimile device. The system includes the following features: automated reminder, automated data export, suspense processing, and automated confirmation. Analog objects can be created and interpreted. Screen definitions for forms can be converted to the type of form defined by the present invention.