Automated method for creating templates in a forms recognition and processing system
AssigneeXerox Corporation
InventorsHenry W. Sang, Jr., Whei-Tsu H. Tahn, Xiao B. Zhang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A forms recognition system having a method which assists an operator in creating an electronic template. The automated method would allow an operator to view an electronic bitmap of a master or blank form on a graphical display, the master form having bounded or semi-bounded regions depicting fields. An operator would display the bitmap, select a single point within a bounded or semi-bounded region on the bitmap with a pointing device, and the coordinates representing the bounded region would be automatically determined using the single point selected by the operator.
Claims18
A method for assisting creation of an electronic template in a forms recognition system, said forms recognition system having a graphical display and a pointing device, including the steps of:
- a) scanning a master form having plural regions indicating fields wherein said fields are devoid of data, said scanning creating a master bitmap;
- b) displaying said master bitmap on said graphical display;
- c) selecting a single point within a first region with said pointing device;
- d) expanding automatically about said single point to determine coordinates of a second region which approximates said first region;
- e) storing said coordinates of said second region, said coordinates to be used in assisting creation of said electronic template;
- and
- f) repeating steps c through e for each of said plural regions on said master form.
A method for assisting creation of an electronic template in a forms recognition system, said forms recognition system having a graphical display and a pointing device, including the steps of:
- a) scanning a master form having plural regions indicating fields wherein said fields are devoid of data, said scanning creating a master bitmap;
- b) displaying said master bitmap on said graphical display;
- c) selecting a single point within a first region with said pointing device;
- d) expanding automatically about said single point to determine a rectangle within said first region about said point;
- e) moving said single point automatically to the center of said rectangle;
- f) repeating steps d and e until coordinates of a second region which approximates said first region are found, wherein said second region is a maximum rectangular approximation of said first region;
- g) storing said coordinates of said second region, said coordinates to be used in assisting creation of said electronic template;
- and
- h) repeating steps c through g for each of said plural regions on said master.
A method for assisting creation of an electronic template in a forms recognition system, said forms recognition system having a graphical display and a pointing device, including the steps of:
- a) scanning a master from having plural regions indicating fields wherein said fields are devoid of data, said scanning creating a master bitmap;
- b) displaying said master bitmap on said graphical display;
- c) selecting a single point within a first irregular region with said pointing device;
- d) expanding automatically about said single point to determine a first regular region within said first irregular region about said point;
- e) moving said single point automatically to the center of said first regular region;
- f) repeating steps d and e until coordinates of a maximum regular region within said first irregular region are found;
- g) storing said coordinates of said maximum regular region within said first irregular region, said coordinates to be used in assisting creation of said electronic template;
- and
- h) repeating steps c through g for each of said plural regions on said master.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.