Automated procedure for database creation for a form-based data collection system

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for creating a database for a form-based data collection system, comprising the steps of receiving from a user a document comprising data regarding shapes or graphical objects associated with information comprising one or more of the following: data type, data field size, and field location; and populating a database from the information, using the data. Preferably, the shapes or graphical objects are dragged and dropped into the document. Typically, the document comprises a plurality of pages, and the method comprises creating a form using information associated with each page. In one embodiment, each form includes a form number. Typically, the form also includes a form identification bubble. Preferably, after the forms are created, they are emailed to the user. Software for performing the above steps in an automated manner is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.