Abstract: A method of processing an image containing written information according to the invention includes the steps of scanning a surface of an object to obtain an image of the surface represented by image data, analyzing the image data to determine locations of one or more regions with written indicia on the surface, where indicia may include logos, stamps, meter marks, alphanumeric information, labels or other distinctive marks, creating one or more sub-images substantially limited to the dimensions of the indicia-bearing regions, transmitting the sub-images from a first computer or process used to create the sub-images to a second computer or process, and further analyzing the sub-images at the second computer or process, such as by OCR, to decode the written indicia in the sub-images.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of processing an information form such as a postal change of address form. Such a form includes various data elements, such as a name of a person submitting the form and the information on which action is to be taken. In the case of mail forwarding, these data elements would include, for example, the name of the person that wishes mail to be redirected, an old address to which mail for that person was previously sent, and a new address to which mail for that person should be sent.

Abstract: A method of processing an image containing written information according to the invention includes the steps of scanning a surface of an object to obtain an image of the surface represented by image data, analyzing the image data to determine locations of one or more regions with written indicia on the surface, where indicia may include logos, stamps, meter marks, alphanumeric information, labels or other distinctive marks, creating one or more sub-images substantially limited to the dimensions of the indicia-bearing regions, transmitting the sub-images from a first computer or process used to create the sub-images to a second computer or process, and further analyzing the sub-images at the second computer or process, such as by OCR, to decode the written indicia in the sub-images.