This application relates generally to digitizing paper receipts. This application is more particularly directed to simultaneously generating separate, aligned receipt image files from a single scan on a multifunction peripheral.
Document processing devices include printers, copiers, scanners and e-mail gateways. More recently, devices employing two or more of these functions are found in office environments. These devices are referred to as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs). As used herein, MFPs are understood to comprise printers, alone or in combination with other of the afore-noted functions. It is further understood that any suitable document processing device can be used.
Paper receipts are generated for virtually any commercial transaction. Receipts are essential for securing reimbursement for business expenses or for tax records. However, paper receipts can easily be lost or damaged, such as by exposure to heat or water. A large number of receipts can be also be bulky to transport, such as by stuffing them into a wallet.
In accordance with an example embodiment of the subject application, a system and method for concurrent scanning of individual documents includes an intelligent controller having a processor and memory and a scanner that generates an electronic image from hard copy disposed on its platen. The platen receives a plurality separated paper receipts on its surface and the controller generates a contiguous area mask corresponding to a perimeter of each of the receipts. The controller then generates a unique image file corresponding to a surface image of each of the receipts in accordance with this mask.
Various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:
The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the figures. It will be appreciated that modifications to disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, apparatuses, devices methods, systems, etc. can suitably be made and may be desired for a specific application. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. are either related to a specific example presented or are merely a general description of such a technique, arrangement, etc. Identifications of specific details or examples are not intended to be, and should not be, construed as mandatory or limiting unless specifically designated as such.
When paper receipts are accumulated, it is advantageous to scan them into electronic form. Image files for receipts can be archived, such as by saving them to a server. They can also be sent to a network destination, such as by attaching them to an e-mail for electronic delivery. It is possible to sequentially scan each of a plurality of receipts. This may be done by aligning a paper receipt on an MFP platen, closing a device cover, and selecting a scan option on the device. Receipts are often flimsy, and may shift on a platen or even fall off entirely when a cover is lowered for copying. A scan image of a receipt may be placed through an optical recognition (OCR) algorithm to extract character data, such as cost reflected by the receipt. OCR programs may be adversely affected by character information on a scan image that is oriented incorrectly.
Multiple receipts may be copied at once, but this only further exacerbates misalignment problems. Also, receipts come in an expansive number of sizes and shapes. It is extremely problematic to align multiple receipts on a platen for simultaneous copying. And, if this is attempted, a user must further position them as best possible so that all character information is in the same, or extremely close orientation. This is particularly important if an OCR operation is to be performed on an image embodying multiple receipts.
In an example embodiment, a MFP scanner platen may have a size of approximately 12×18 inches. Much of that space may be unusable when multiple receipts are co-aligned. Example embodiments described herein facilitate a user placing multiple receipts on a platen for simultaneous scanning. There is no particular alignment requirement when the user simply places the receipts at a slight distance from the other receipts. Some receipts can be vertical, some can be horizontal, and some may be placed at an angle. Thus, many more receipts can fit on a platen at once for simultaneous scanning. Also, there is no requirement that the user close the scanner cover prior to scanning. While example embodiments herein are directed to scanning of receipts, it will be appreciated that the subject application is applicable to simultaneous scanning of any document inclusive of character data, such as text.
In accordance with the forgoing application,
MFP 104 is suitably connected to one or more digital devices by a network 132, suitably comprised of a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) which may comprise the Internet, or any suitable combination thereof. Network 132 suitably provides for data communication between MFP 104 and one or more devices, such as server 136.
Turning now to
Processor 202 is also in data communication with a storage interface 208 for reading or writing to a storage 216, suitably comprised of a hard disk, optical disk, solid-state disk, cloud-based storage, or any other suitable data storage as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Processor 202 is also in data communication with a network interface 210 which provides an interface to a network interface controller (NIC) 214, which in turn provides a data path to any suitable wired or physical network connection 220, or to a wireless data connection via wireless network interface 218. Example wireless connections include cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, wireless universal serial bus (wireless USB), satellite, and the like. Example wired interfaces include Ethernet, USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Lightning, telephone line, or the like. Processor 202 is also in data communication with BLUETOOTH Interface 221 which may be programmed to function as a device beacon as noted above.
Processor 202 can also be in data communication with any suitable user input/output (I/O) interface 219 which provides data communication with user peripherals, such as displays, keyboards, mice, track balls, touch screens, or the like.
Also in data communication with data bus 212 is a document processor interface 222 suitable for data communication with MFP functional units 250. In the illustrated example, these units include copy hardware 240, scan hardware 242, print hardware 244 and fax hardware 246 which together comprise MFP functional hardware 250.
Referring next to
While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the spirit and scope of the inventions.