Abstract: Characteristics of a code are decided upon. For example, the geometry and how noisy the background of the barcode can be may be decided upon. A representation of the code based on the code's characteristics is automatically placed in a variety of trial locations, which are each tested to see if the current trial location is acceptable. In one embodiment, the representation of the code is slid across the document, and code may be placed in the first acceptable location found. For example, in one embodiment, if placing the code in the trial location results in obscuring foreground information, the location is determined to be unacceptable. In another embodiment, if the trial location obscures information that is critical to the purpose of the document, the location is determined to be unacceptable.

Abstract: A barcode or other additional document element is detected. An improved version of the barcode or other additional document element is generated. The improved version may be a different geometry (e.g., a larger size) so that the barcode or other additional document element is easier to read (e.g., with a barcode reader or other device designed for reading other additional document elements).

Abstract: Characteristics of a code are decided upon. For example, the geometry and how noisy the background of the barcode can be may be decided upon. A representation of the code based on the code's characteristics is automatically placed in a variety of trial locations, which are each tested to see if the current trial location is acceptable. In one embodiment, the representation of the code is slid across the document, and code may be placed in the first acceptable location found. For example, in one embodiment, if placing the code in the trial location results in obscuring foreground information, the location is determined to be unacceptable. In another embodiment, if the trial location obscures information that is critical to the purpose of the document, the location is determined to be unacceptable.

Abstract: A code is included on documents. The code may include information that may be used to locate, within a database, information associated with the document. In an embodiment, the information in the database is used to authenticate the document. In an embodiment, the code is a barcode. In an embodiment, the code may include an identifier identifying an institution associated with the database and an identifier identifying a data structure within the database. The above embodiments may be used together and/or separately form one another.