Abstract: Dropping out of color form backgrounds from images of completed forms to obtain color form dropout images retaining only the respondent information. In one embodiment, a color form image processing method (100) includes retrieving (102) a template image, retrieving (104) a respondent image, registering (106) the images against one another to establish correspondence between pixels in the respondent and template images, dilating (108) the template image, and performing (110) a color form dropout including comparing (112) corresponding pixels in the respondent and dilated template images, and determining (114) whether to keep corresponding pixels by applying (116) a geometric solid threshold comparison to assess both color similarity and relative darkness, and removing (118) pixels from the respondent image based on such comparison.

Abstract: Methods and systems of mapping of an optical character recognition (OCR) text string to a code included in a coding dictionary by supplementing the Levenshtein Distance Algorithm (LDA) with additional information in the form of adjustments based on particular character substitutions, insertions and deletions together with weighting based on multiple alternatives for the OCR text string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing preference settings for a computer during a user session. The apparatus includes the computer coupled to a smart card reader configured to wirelessly detect and access a smart card located within a predetermined zone of the smart card reader. The smart card carries personalized preference settings and unique identification information such that the preference settings are temporarily assigned to the computer when the smart card is within the predetermined zone. The preference settings are updated and stored on the smart card upon departure from the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing preference settings for a computer during a user session. The apparatus includes the computer coupled to a smart card reader configured to wirelessly detect and access a smart card located within a predetermined zone of the smart card reader. The smart card carries personalized preference settings and unique identification information such that the preference settings are temporarily assigned to the computer when the smart card is within the predetermined zone. The preference settings are updated and stored on the smart card upon departure from the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing preference settings for a computer during a user session. The apparatus includes the computer coupled to a smart card reader configured to wirelessly detect and access a smart card located within a predetermined zone of the smart card reader. The smart card carries personalized preference settings and unique identification information such that the preference settings are temporarily assigned to the computer when the smart card is within the predetermined zone. The preference settings are updated and stored on the smart card upon departure from the predetermined zone.