Abstract: A system to preprocess images to increase accuracy of optical character recognition (OCR) includes a processor, and a memory coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to scan an electronically stored representation of a whole or partial document, identify an image in the electronically stored representation, and recognize row-based text within the electronically stored representation. In addition, the processor is configured to align the row-based text vertically, generate a resultant electronically stored representation of the whole or partial document having the row-based text aligned, and save the resultant electronically stored representation for subsequent OCR processing. The electronically stored representation of the whole or partial document may contain at least one image having a JPG, TIF, GIF, PNG, or BMP, type of format.

Abstract: A method to convert visually orientated objects to embedded text is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes scanning an electronically stored document, identifying at least one visually orientated object within the document, analyzing the at least one visually orientated object to generate a textual description of the at least one visually orientated object, and embedding the textual description within the electronically stored document, and storing a converted document with the embedded textual description for distribution to users of text to speech synthesizers and Braille output devices. In addition, the method includes identifying text characters within the at least one visually orientated object. The text characters within the at least one visually orientated object are used in generating the textual description of the visually orientated object.

Abstract: A method to convert visually orientated objects to embedded text is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes scanning an electronically stored document, identifying at least one visually orientated object within the document, analyzing the at least one visually orientated object to generate a textual description of the at least one visually orientated object, and embedding the textual description within the electronically stored document, and storing a converted document with the embedded textual description for distribution to users of text to speech synthesizers and Braille output devices. In addition, the method includes identifying text characters within the at least one visually orientated object. The text characters within the at least one visually orientated object are used in generating the textual description of the visually orientated object.