Abstract: A method and system for automated identification of pre-printed forms, based on the location of a mark made manually on the form. The method comprises the steps of receiving digitized ink image data, identifying the existence and location of a mark made manually on a form, identifying the pre-printed form based on the location of the mark, determining any misalignment between the received ink data and a stored image of the form, shifting the ink data to correct the misalignment, and merging the ink data and the image of the form so as to enable the display of the form and the marks made on the paper form as they appeared when the marks were made on the paper. The system comprises a digitizer and a pre-printed form comprising one or more pre-printed indicators unique to the form indicating where a user is to enter one or more identifying marks. The digitizer transmits image data to a computer processor, coupled to a database, including one or more digitized images of marks made on a form.

Abstract: A method and system for automated identification of pre-printed forms, based on the location of a mark made manually on the form. The method comprises the steps of identifying the existence and location of a mark made manually on a form and identifying the pre-printed form based on the location of the mark. The system comprises a digitizer, a pre-printed form, and a template that comprises one or more holes for a user to enter one or more identifying marks to identify the form. The digitizer transmits image data to a computer processor, coupled to a database, including one or more digitized images of marks made on a form. The processor identifies the existence and location of one or more identifying marks made by the user, and identifies the form based on the location of said one or more marks.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a software plug-in that allows a peripheral device to communicate via a host (e.g., a personal computer) with a remote server through a communications port. The plug-in is preferably downloaded from the remote server and allows the peripheral device to communicate with that server or other remote servers, and the remote servers are able to communicate and control the peripheral device without any additional software being installed to the host.