Abstract: A method (and system) for using information contained within the scanned image to create, in an automated (or semi-automated) process, an accurate data grid. The process has steps: enhance the image; locate blocks of spots; and find each individual spot in each of the blocks. Preferably, the method makes use of image filtering using a “Principal Frequency Filter” based on a mathematical determination of major periodic elements in the image to eliminate noisy, non-periodic signals, and of smoothed intensity profiles of the filtered image data. Here, the term Principal Frequency Filter is used to indicate an image-enhancing filter based upon a mathematical operation which identifies the major periodic components of the image.

Abstract: A method (and system) for using information contained within the scanned image to create, in an automated (or semi-automated) process, an accurate data grid. The process has steps: enhance the image; locate blocks of spots; and find each individual spot in each of the blocks. Preferably, the method makes use of image filtering using a “Principal Frequency Filter” based on a mathematical determination of major periodic elements in the image to eliminate noisy, non-periodic signals, and of smoothed intensity profiles of the filtered image data. Here, the term Principal Frequency Filter is used to indicate an image-enhancing filter based upon a mathematical operation which identifies the major periodic components of the image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of magnetic ink within a package without opening the package or altering its contents. The method and apparatus detects items marked with magnetic ink, such as bank checks, in an unopened package independently of the item's location within the package and despite the presence of such magnetic clutter as staples and paper clips. The apparatus and method is designed to eliminate magnetic noise from the equipment itself and from the environment.