Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for transforming an unstructured set of data representing a standardized form to a structured set of data. The method comprises a processing phase comprising the steps of determining a plurality of data blocks in the unstructured set of data using learning parameters determined using a plurality of samples, each data block corresponding to a visual pattern on the standardized form and being categorized to a known class, of processing data in each data block and of forming a structured set of data using the processed data from each data block, according to the class of this block.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a first image generator and a second image generator. The first image generator generates a first image, including a predetermined ruled-line image and an inscription image, from a second sheet in a sheet group. The sheet group is obtained by stacking multiple sheets including a single first sheet and the second sheet. The first sheet has inscription information inscribed thereon. The second sheet has the inscription image corresponding to the inscription information transferred thereon and includes the ruled-line image. The second image generator generates a second image in which a surplus image is removed from the first image generated by the first image generator in accordance with a learning model that has learned to remove the surplus image different from the ruled-line image and the inscription image.

Abstract: Multi-axis self-location method and apparatus wherein de Bruijn sequences on 2 or more axes are convolved into an array of symbols such as halftone dots to form a reference scale. The position of an imaging device such as a camera relative to the reference scale is ascertained from the captured camera image by bit-wise reconstitution of axis position codes with simple, predominantly linear operations over small neighbourhoods. Judicious choice of differential coding, LFSR generator polynomials, mathematical operators, and deconvolution kernels enables code digits of an axis to be regenerated while simultaneously cancelling out the contributions of other axes. Also optionally provided are uniform DC-balanced variants yielding greatly improved position interpolation, isometric implementations decodable from high-aspect-ratio sample windows, robust concatenated error correction, and extensions into n-space.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains a read image of a document including a handwritten character, generates a first image formed by pixels of the handwritten character by extracting the pixels of the handwritten character from pixels of the read image using a first learning model for extracting the pixels of the handwritten character, estimates a handwriting area including the handwritten character using a second learning model for estimating the handwriting area, and performs handwriting OCR processing based on the generated first image and the estimated handwriting area.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus determines, for an image to be processed including a first region having a first image quality and a second region other than the first region having a second image quality lower than the first image quality, whether or not a difference in image quality between the first image quality and the second image quality is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, converts, in a case where the determination unit determines that the difference between the first image quality and the second image quality is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the image of the second region into an image having a third image quality higher than the second image quality, and generates a combined image by using the post-conversion image having the third image quality and the image of the first region.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive an image of a document; extract first information and second information from information image printed on the document, the first information being related to writing on the document by a user, the second information indicating a position and a size of an area into which the first information is to be combined with the image of the document; and perform control to ensure the area indicated by the second information so that the area does not overlap a printed portion in the document and to combine the first information into the area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to signal decoding and icon (e.g., a logo, shape, icon, etc.) detection. In some implementations, a series of filters are applied to scanlines to determine whether an icon is present. Other aspects, combinations and implementations are described as well.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and managing electronic forms is described. The system includes a processor configured to receive an image of a form and receive, via a network interface, form template information specifying at least a first input field. The form template information includes a first input field type selection and first field location information for the first input field. The first input field type is selected from a plurality of input field types and the first field location information is defined relative to the image. The processor stores the form template information within a memory. The electronic form is configured to be rendered by superimposing a representation of the first input field over the image of the form.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for validating paper forms are provided. A node can receive paper-form data from a paper form that has first and second data items (DIs). The node can: determine first and second metadata for the first and second DIs respectively, determine respective first and second validation entities (VEs) to validate respective values of the first and second DIs based on the respective first and second metadata, where the first and second VEs can differ, provide a user interface (UI) including a display of the first DI, receive a validation status for the first DI via the first UI from the first VE, select a first distributed storage system (DSS) associated with the first DI, and record the value of the first DI and the validation status in the first DSS. The node can generate an output related to the paper-form data based on the first DSS.

Abstract: To accurately classify a form without using form layout information, the image processing apparatus utilizes a classifier that accepts a filled-in form whose image has been reduced into a specific size as an input and specifies the form type of the filled-in form. Machine learning has been performed to the classifier by a form type learning system and the form type learning system reduces an image of a filled-in form as an original document image, adds a noise to the original document image, which has not been reduced or has been reduced, to generate multiple images for machine learning, associates the form type of the original document image with the multiple images for machine learning as a label, and performs machine learning of the classifier using the multiple images for machine learning and the label as training data.

Abstract: A method including normalizing an original image into an intermediate image, the intermediate image including multiple local blocks; calculating image feature data of the local blocks; calculating weight distribution data corresponding to the local blocks in the intermediate image according to the image feature data, the weight distribution data representing a degree of possibility that the local blocks include part or all of an object; and determining a location area of the object in the original image based on the weight distribution data obtained by calculation. By using the technical solutions in this present disclosure, an object in an image is localized rapidly and efficiently, and a subject area is determined, thereby saving a large amount of work for manually labeling images.

Abstract: A method includes storing a log of pairing events between the stylus and each of a plurality of digitizer systems from which the stylus is configured to receive input and defining a search protocol to identify which digitizer system from the plurality of digitizer systems is providing input to the stylus based on the log. The method also includes searching for the digitizer system that is communicating with the stylus based the input detected and transmitting signals from an interacting tip of the stylus using a protocol configured for communicating with the digitizer system identified during the searching. The log of pairing events is stored while a user is operating a stylus and the search protocol is dynamically defined based on the log.

Abstract: In a question generating device, a reader reads a document and generates a document image. An extracting section extracts an original form character part on the basis of a marked character part included in the document image. The original form character part represents an original form of a plurality of candidate character parts that are candidate answers to a question generated from the document image. A setting section sets as the plurality of candidate character parts, the original form character part and at least one character part formed by either or both adding a character to and deleting a character from the original form character part. A selecting section selects a candidate character part of the highest priority from among the plurality of candidate character parts. A generating section generates the question using the candidate character part of the highest priority as the answer.

Abstract: A capacitance detection device includes a first electrode and a second electrode that at least partially face each other on opposite sides of a transfer path. An oscillator circuit forms an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode. A detection circuit detects a change in capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. At least one of the oscillator circuit and the detection circuit is included in each of a first board and a second board. The first board is disposed such that a side surface of the first board faces the first electrode in an electric field direction, and the second board is disposed such that a side surface of the second board faces the second electrode in the electric field direction.

Abstract: An output of a generator may vary according to the speed of the engine, physical characteristics of the engine, or other factors. A profile for a generator that describes a periodic fluctuation in an operating characteristic for the generator is identified. A field current of an alternator associated with the generator is modified based on the profile for the generator in order to counter variations in the output of the generator.

Abstract: A computer readable medium storing a computer program for providing a method for evaluating the performance of a software application, the computer program executable by at least one or the one or more processors. The computer program comprising a set of instructions for receiving an indication of the initiation of a workflow transaction in an Application, determining whether the workflow transaction is to be marked as a traceable transaction based on a Measurement Marker Algorithm, tracking the performance of operations executed for the workflow transaction, and storing raw Call Metrics based on the tracked performance in an Intermediate memory.

Abstract: Provided is a mechanism for setting whether to enable a shift function for shifting the sheet on which the image is printed in accordance with detection of the original.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a determining unit that determines a possibility that image data is determined to contain specific information and a display control unit that determines a display mode of a preview image of the image data in accordance with the level of the possibility determined by the determining unit.

Abstract: Provided is medical equipment and a technique for analyzing medical images. A method for automatically planning views in three-dimensional (3D) medical images includes: estimating a statistical model indicating positions of anatomical points, the statistical model having parameters calculated by minimizing energy of a loss function; training an anatomical point detector to detect the plurality of anatomical points by using the estimated statistical model; acquiring a 3D image having a region of interest; detecting a set of candidates of the anatomical points in the 3D image; searching the set of candidates for an optimal configuration corresponding to the plurality of anatomical points; and forming a view plane based on the optimal configuration found by the searching.

Abstract: A system for segregating handwritten information from typographic information on a document may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory stores an electronic document image of a document where the electronic document image includes pixels and each pixel has a characteristic. The processor may receive, via the interface, the electronic document image and may identify first, second and third most frequently occurring characteristics of the pixels of the electronic document image. The pixels having the first most frequently occurring characteristic represent a background of the document. The processor may determine the typographic information of the document as represented by pixels having the second most frequently occurring characteristic. The processor may determine the handwritten information of the document as represented by pixels having the third most frequently occurring characteristic.

Abstract: An approach is provided for a service provider to identify documents to include in a client's repository and for the client to print the documents from the client's repository. In an embodiment, a computing device receives authentication information identifying a first user, receives first user information identifying a second user, receives information indicating selection of a one or more particular documents, from a set of one or more documents, and sends document information that at least identifies the one or more particular documents to a repository associated with the second user. A printing device receives second user information identifying the second user, and, in response to receiving the second user information, retrieves the one or more particular documents from the repository based, at least in part, on the second user information. The printing device processes at least one document of the one or more particular documents for printing.

Abstract: A system for extracting data from a document may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The processor may identify one or more landmarks based on predefined characteristics that are associated with known landmarks. After one or more landmarks are defined, business rules may indicate one or more areas that may contain data to be extracted. The business rules may also indicate the type of data in the area and processing methods that may be used to extract the data. After determining the business rules, the processor may determine whether the data is in the area and/or extract the data.

Abstract: An arrangement for increasing the accuracy in determining the purpose of fields in electronic forms is disclosed in which a form mapping mechanism describes the layout of a form, for example, by identifying the location of objects on a form—such as text-entry fields, drop-down menus and the like that are used to record user data—and further by specifying the purpose of those objects to a form filling client. Form mapping enables the form filling client to locate and understand the purpose of fields in a form so that it may automatically fill out forms for users in an accurate and reliable manner. Illustrative examples include a form mapping that utilizes hidden tags to describe a form layout, a form mapping service provided to a form filling client over a network, and a user interface that enables form mapping creation through user action.

Abstract: Techniques for determining if two video signals match by extracting features from a first and second video signal, and cross-correlating the features thereby providing a cross-correlation score at each of a number of time lags, and finally determining the similarity score based on both the cross-correlation scores.

Abstract: A system for paper-like forms processing includes a plurality of portable computing devices coupled by a network to a paper-like forms server. The portable computing devices are adapted to receive images (e.g., compound documents/forms), add stroke annotations to the received images, and send the annotated received images or the stoke annotations themselves to the paper-like forms server. The paper-like forms server comprises a central scheduler and a logging module. The paper-like forms server processes compound documents as paper like forms and sends input to and receives results from service providers to perform various types of paper like processing on the compound document. The paper-like forms server performs the scheduling, routing, logging, verification and billing for the paper-like processing of compound documents. The central scheduler also stores results from service providers for later retrieval.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pipe inspection system includes a push-cable, a sonde coupled to the push-cable, a locator configured to receive signals from the sonde and generate positional information associated with the pipe based at least in part on the received sonde signals, a processing element configured to generate mapping information from the position information, and a non-transitory memory for storing the generated mapping information.

Abstract: The recognition rate is improved and recognition errors are suppressed when recognizing magnetic ink characters. A character recognition unit calculates a total difference by calculating the total of the differences between the character waveform data and the reference waveform data for each magnetic ink character within the area of one character; calculates a partial difference by summing the differences between character waveform data and reference waveform data in a target area, which is the area corresponding to a stroke that is 2 mesh or more wide in the area of one character; executing a correction process that reduces the value of the partial difference; and recognizing the candidate character as the magnetic ink character that was read when the total difference after the correction process is less than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a time-sharing light emitting device, a display device, a projection optical system, an illuminance sensor and a lighting determination unit. The time-sharing light emitting device successively emits color lights one by one. The display device modulates the color lights to form an image. The projection optical system projects the image. The illuminance sensor converts illuminance of the color lights into an electric signal which is an output of the illuminance sensor. The lighting determination unit compares the output with a first threshold value, and operates the time-sharing light emitting device in response to the output being more than the first threshold value, and stops the time-sharing light emitting device in response to the output being equal to or less than the first threshold value.

Abstract: Provided is a method of guiding an image-based task execution. The method allows a user of a computing device to record an association between an image and at least one task, wherein a task is an action related to content present in the image; and upon subsequent recognition of the image, guides a user to perform the at least one task associated with the image, based on previously recorded association.

Abstract: In an image capturing and processing system, a device and method is provided. The lens is made of simple lens with high diffractive materials and known strong color aberrations. The method includes the steps of: calibrating or measuring a Point Spread Function (PSF) for each color components at a set of distances, capturing image data, and calculating the image obtained using a de-convolution method based on the PSF found.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for ensuring quality control over a group of test reports comprising identifying a plurality of areas within a test report that contain data elements, performing optical character recognition on the plurality of areas for each test report in the group of test reports to generate text corresponding to the content in the areas, comparing the content in the areas to corresponding data in a data file from a trusted source, and creating an output report based on the result of the comparison. The test reports may indicate educational test score results and personal identification information for test takers.

Abstract: A method of controlling depth of field of an image by a computer after the image has been taken based on the data acquired while taking the image, including, acquiring multiple images from the same perspective with different focal points, selecting parameters for preparing a displayable image, constructing an image using the data of the acquired multiple images according to the selected parameters; and displaying the constructed image.

Abstract: A method for routing a confirmation of receipt of a facsimile or portion thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing text of a facsimile for at least one of a meaning and a context of the text; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the analysis.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for routing a facsimile in a computer readable format includes receiving text of a facsimile in a computer readable format; ascertaining one or more of a significance and a relevance of at least a portion of the text by locating one or more keywords in the text, wherein at least two of the keywords are not adjacent in the text; analyzing the text of the facsimile for at least one of a meaning and a context of the text; and routing the facsimile or text thereof to one or more destinations based on the analysis. Additional disclosed embodiments include systems and computer program products configured to similarly route a facsimile in a computer readable format.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an image of a document; performing optical character recognition (OCR) on the image; extracting an address of a sender of the document from the image based on the OCR; comparing the extracted address with content in a first database; identifying complementary textual information in a second database based on the address; and at least one of: extracting additional content from the image of the document; correcting one or more OCR errors in the document using the complementary textual information, and normalizing data from the document prior to determining a validity of the document using at least one of the complementary textual information and predefined business rules. At least one of the aforementioned operations is performed using a processor of a mobile device. Exemplary systems and computer program products are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a storage unit, a receiving unit, a search unit, a processing unit and an output unit. The storage unit stores information of drawn image elements. The receiving unit receives a transformation instruction to transform a part of the image elements specified by the information of the image elements. The search unit searches the storage unit for an image element that (i) has a relation, being based on a predetermined condition, with the image elements, which are a target of the transformation instruction, and (ii) is not the target of the transformation instruction. The processing unit performs a transformation process on (i) the image elements, which are the target of the received transformation instruction, and (ii) the image element, which is found as the search result, based on the received transformation instruction. The output unit outputs the result of the transformation process.

Abstract: It is a task to provide a mobile electronic device with high operability and high safety. The mobile electronic device includes an image projector that projects an image, a cabinet, an input unit that is disposed on the cabinet and detects an operation input by an operator, and a control unit that controls the operation of the image projector and the state of the input unit. The task is solved in such a manner that when a predetermined operation is detected by the input unit, the control unit stops emission of light from the image projector or reduces an amount of light emitted from the image projector.

Abstract: A text print instructions sheet generation unit embeds, in a text print instructions sheet, identification information for specifying a text print instructions sheet after being converted into image data. A sheet data management unit manages layout information that associates the identification information for specifying the text print instructions sheet with the identification information of a document included in a retrieval result. An image analysis unit extracts the identification information for specifying a sheet from the image data, specifies the layout information managed by the sheet data management unit based on the extracted identification information, and performs image analysis based on the specified layout information.

Abstract: A method for detecting motion quality error of printed documents having text in a printing system includes: printing a document having text lines, each text line comprising a plurality of characters; scanning the printed document to generate a scanned image; detecting positions in a process direction of the printing system of one of text lines and characters in the scanned image; determining position errors in the process direction in the printed document based on the detected positions in the scanned image; determining at least one motion quality defect of the printing system in the process direction based on the determined position errors; and initiating an activity associated with said printing system in response to a motion quality error having been determined. A system for detecting motion quality error of printed documents is also disclosed.

Abstract: Laser diode mode techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more laser diodes of a computing device are caused to operate below a lasing threshold to illuminate at least part of a physical surroundings of the computing device. One or more images of the illuminated physical surroundings are captured by a camera of the computing device and one or more inputs are recognized from the captured one or more images for interaction with a user interface displayed by the computing device.

Abstract: A method for routing a facsimile according to one embodiment includes receiving or generating text of a facsimile in a computer-readable format; routing the facsimile or text thereof to an intended recipient identified by recognizing at least one of a name, an email address and contact information of the intended recipient in the facsimile; analyzing the text of the facsimile for at least one of a meaning and a context of the text; and routing the facsimile or text thereof to one or more other destinations based on the analysis. A method according to another embodiment includes analyzing a pattern of light and dark areas of a facsimile in a computer-readable format; correlating the pattern to one or more forms; and routing the facsimile to one or more destinations based on the correlation, with the proviso that the analyzing, correlating and routing are performed without optical character recognition.

Abstract: A method for routing a confirmation of receipt of a facsimile or portion thereof according to one embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing text of a facsimile for at least one of a meaning and a context of the text; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the analysis. A method for routing one or more confirmations according to another embodiment of the present invention includes analyzing a pattern of light and dark areas of a facsimile; correlating the pattern to one or more forms; and routing one or more confirmations to one or more destinations based on the correlation. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: A pipe inspection system employing a camera head assembly incorporating multiple local condition sensors, an integral dipole Sonde, a three-axis compass, and a three-axis accelerometer. The camera head assembly terminates a multi-channel push-cable that relays local condition sensor and video information to a processor and display subsystem. A cable storage structure includes data connection and wireless capability with tool storage and one or more battery mounts for powering remote operation. During operation, the inspection system may produce a two- or three-dimensional (3D) map of the pipe or conduit from local condition sensor data and video image data acquired from structured light techniques or LED illumination.

Abstract: A method and system for compensating for motion blur in optical navigation adds a correction offset to an image navigation value to adjust for varying velocities along a moving web. Reference and comparison images are acquired at different times from a moving web. An optical navigation value is computed representative of the movement of the web from the reference image to the comparison image. Blur distances for the two images can be calculated. A navigation error correction value is computed as one-half the difference between the reference blur distance and the comparison blur distance. A compensated navigation value is computed by adding the error correction value to the computed navigation value to compensate for varying web velocities.

Abstract: When a plurality of images are combined together, a positioning error can occur. To correct positioning error, the images may be displayed on a display, and a user may specify a correction value using an operation device. However, in a case where the operation device does not have high performance or the display does not have a screen large enough to provide sufficiently high viewability, the correction of the positioning error is difficult. In the present invention, in view of the above, a sheet is printed and a user describes on the sheet a correction value in terms of relative position of a plurality of images stored in a memory. The sheet is read by a reading apparatus, and an image obtained is analyzed to determine the specified correction value. The relative position of the plurality of images stored in the memory is corrected based on the determined correction value.

Abstract: A printer includes a connection port that connects an external storage device to the printer, a command input unit that inputs coded information or text-form information, and a processor that executes a command corresponding to coded information or text-form information inputted in the command input unit by using data stored in the external storage device connected to the connection port.

Abstract: Techniques for capturing images of business cards, uploading the images to a designated computing device for processing and recognition are disclosed. A mechanism is provided to update extracted data from the images when there are any changes. Depending on implementation, there are a number of ways to capture images of business cards (e.g., via a phone camera, a PC camera, or a scanning device). A transmission means is provided to transport the images to the designated computing device for centralized management of integrated contact information for individual users. As a result, a user may access his/her updatable integrated contact information database anywhere anytime from a chosen device.

Abstract: When a quantity of light of a liquid crystal back light falls below a predetermined value, a detecting section of an input device outputs to a first control section a failure-detected signal indicating that a failure occurred in the liquid crystal back light of an operation panel. When a touched area is inputted from a touch panel after the failure-detected signal was inputted, the first control section, referring to a failure time table, transmits setting information corresponding to a display area that includes the touched area to a second control section of an image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A media sheet is scanned. The media sheet has an image and an annotation. The annotation indicates a functionality to be performed in relation to the image. The annotation on the media sheet as scanned is detected. The functionality to be performed in relation to the image is determined in correspondence to the annotation detected on the media sheet. The functionality to which the annotation corresponds is performed in relation to the image.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a light source; a bar-shaped light-guiding element having a first light-emitting section, which propagates light from the light source and irradiates an document from an oblique direction, and a second light-emitting section emitting light in a carrying direction of the document; a lens converging the light reflected from the document; a sensor receiving the light passed through the lens; a reflector disposed on the opposite side of the light-guiding element, by reflecting the light from the second light-emitting section such that an optical path of the light emitted from the second light-emitting section is located between the lens and the document, and irradiating the document from an oblique direction; and first and second light-scattering layers formed in areas opposed to the first and the second light-emitting sections, respectively, in the light-guiding element.