Image analysis – Histogram processing – For setting a threshold
Patent
1996-09-06
1999-08-17
Coles, Edward L.
Image analysis
Histogram processing
For setting a threshold
395102, 395115, 382304, 382305, G06K 936, G06F 1500
Patent
active
059405848
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for electronically filing documents prepared by a computer.
The customary way of filing the documents prepared by a computer comprises using an optical scanner to scan the document, present as a computer printout, and storing the image thus obtained and converted into electric video signals in an archive which uses magnetic tapes, magnetic or optical storage plates, for example, as recording media. In addition, it is also possible to use an optical character reader to extract text information and bar codes contained in the document. The video signals and the extracted information are then combined to form a data record and fed to the archive memory (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,096, for example).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By contrast, the aim of the invention is the direct filing of the documents prepared by a computer without the detour via a computer printout on paper.
In general terms the present invention is a method for electronically filing documents prepared by a computer. The printing data, which can be retrieved via a printer connection interface of the computer in the form of coded control statements, is converted into a pixel data stream suitable for driving the exposure unit of a printer. In addition, text information and bar codes are filtered out as index data from the printing data that is to be converted into a pixel data stream, and are neutralized and converted into an index data stream. The two data streams are fed, with identifiers indicating the relatedness of parts of the two data streams to a data carrier for filing.
Advantageous developments of the method of the present invention are as follows.
The printing and pixel data required for filing a document are supplied by appropriate terminals of the printer controller of a printer connected to the computer supplying the printing data. Different operating modes are selectable. Depending on the respectively selected operating mode, filing of documents is possible in parallel with, or without simultaneous printing out by the printer part of the printer, or else only printing out without simultaneous filing is possible, the control being performed from the ancillary device in the case of filing alone, and from the printer in the case of printing out.
The pixel data stream is compressed before being relayed to the filing data carrier.
The compressed pixel data stream and the index data stream are buffered before being relayed.
In each case the printing data of one document side is converted and the data streams resulting therefrom are fed in a pagewise fashion to the filing data carrier.
The present invention is also an apparatus for controlling the electronic filing of the documents prepared by a computer, wherein it can be connected to the input side like a printer to a printer connection interface of the computer supplying the printing data for the documents, and on the output side to a filing data carrier. The apparatus comprises the following elements: devices for retrieving and for accepting the printing data from the computer; devices for converting the printing data into a pixel data stream; devices for filtering out and neutralizing the text information and bar codes, contained in the printing data, as index data in the form of an index data stream; and devices for relaying the two data streams with identifiers indicating the relatedness of parts of the two data streams to the data carrier.
The present invention is also an apparatus for controlling the electronic filing of the documents prepared by a computer, wherein a printer connected to the computer, and an ancillary device, coupled to the printer controller of the printer as a link to the filing data carrier. The ancillary device comprises the following elements: devices for exchanging control signals with the printer controller; devices for controlling the acceptance of the pixel data stream from the printer controller; devices for controlling the acceptance of the printing data from the printer contro
REFERENCES:
patent: 5008926 (1991-04-01), Misholi
patent: 5054096 (1991-10-01), Beizer
patent: 5748859 (1998-05-01), Takayanagi et al.
patent: 5778352 (1998-07-01), Inoue et al.
Software DocuWare 3.0, Mikrofilm Muenchen, Moosfeld, Muenchen, 1993, Germany, Alte Hasen Wissen Schon Heute, Worin Die Zukunft Liegt, 6 pages.
Siemens Nixdorf Publication, U 9737-J-Z247-2, Siemens Nixdorf Printer Data Stream, Modell 4, Jun. 1993, Germany, pp. 1-19.
Coles Edward L.
Oce Printing Systems GmbH
Wallerson Mark
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