Managing document identification has always posed challenges, especially when we’re dealing with physical slips and notes. Patent US6678427B1, titled “Document Identification Registration System,” introduces a system designed to simplify this process for us.
By analyzing specific features like printed characters and frame lines, we can compare them with a pre-registered database to accurately identify and register new elements. This approach improves our precision and efficiency in document management.
To gain deeper insights into how this system stands within existing innovations, a prior art search was conducted using our Global Patent Search Tool. The findings shed light on similar technologies that may influence the scope of this system’s claims. Let’s take a closer look at what we discovered.
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How We Performed the Prior Art Search
To identify the most relevant prior art for US6678427B1, we employed the Global Patent Search Tool, an advanced solution for efficiently finding pertinent patents and documents. Here’s how we conducted the search:
- Starting with the Patent Number
We initiated the process by entering US6678427B1 into the search bar, allowing the tool to focus on the exact patent in question. - Refining the Search by Priority Date
To ensure precision, we customized the search to include only documents preceding the priority date— Dec 23, 1998. This ensured that we examined prior art that could impact the claims of US6678427B1. - Executing the Search
Once the parameters were set, we hit the search button and allowed the tool to compile a list of related patents that could serve as potential prior art. - Evaluating the Results
The tool presented a prioritized list of patents, ranking them based on their relevance to the technology, filing dates, and content similarities.
Top 10 Prior Art Search Results for US6678427B1
We carried out an extensive prior art search for patent US6678427B1, which pertains to an image processing apparatus and method for identifying image patterns and processing them. This patent holds applications in fields such as optical character recognition (OCR), image scanning, and document management systems.
Using our Global Patent Search Tool, we identified the top 10 prior art patents that could potentially affect the novelty and claims of US6678427B1. Below are the key findings:
1. Image Processing Device And Method For Identifying An Input Image (US20030194136A1)
Filed: May 29, 2003
Published: October 16, 2003
Summary: This invention processes an input image by forming a gradated version, extracting a portion that includes a specified pattern, and comparing it to a reference pattern. This image recognition method is highly relevant to US6678427B1, as both focus on identifying specific patterns within an image.
2. Character Recognizing Method And Apparatus (US6272238B1)
Filed: September 23, 1996
Published: August 07, 2001
Summary: This patent describes a character recognition method that stores standard patterns, including font information, and outputs recognized characters. Its approach to feature extraction and pattern matching aligns with the pattern recognition techniques described in US6678427B1.
3. Bitmap Image Processing Method And Apparatus (US6356655B1)
Filed: August 11, 1998
Published: March 12, 2002
Summary: This system processes bitmap images by identifying horizontal line segments and using them to form a recognizable feature set. The comparison of bitmap features with predefined templates is highly relevant to the methods described in US6678427B1 for recognizing image patterns.
4. Matching CCITT Compressed Document Images (US6104834A)
Filed: August 01, 1996
Published: August 15, 2000
Summary: This document image matching system identifies anchor points for matching, focusing on accurate and memory-efficient processing. Its use of feature extraction is relevant to the image processing techniques of US6678427B1, particularly in recognizing patterns in scanned documents.
5. Document Analysis System and Process (EP0809219A3)
Filed: May 06, 1997
Published: February 23, 2000
Summary: This system uses low-level feature extraction to classify documents and identify fields for optical character recognition. The approach to document decomposition and pattern recognition mirrors the system used in US6678427B1, where patterns are identified for further processing.
6. Image Recognition Device Based on Positional Relationship of Patterns (US5481621A)
Filed: May 25, 1993
Published: January 02, 1996
Summary: This image recognition system uses the positional relationship between extracted patterns for identification. The feature extraction and recognition mechanisms align closely with US6678427B1’s methods for processing and recognizing patterns in images.
7. Pattern Extraction Apparatus And Method (EP1265187A1)
Filed: November 26, 1998
Published: December 11, 2002
Summary: This apparatus extracts patterns from input images and inverse images, applying them to recognition tasks. Its method for generating non-overlapping patterns offers a complementary approach to the pattern recognition techniques in US6678427B1.
8. Text Recognition Device And Method (TW406246B)
Filed: December 17, 1998
Published: September 21, 2000
Summary: This patent describes a device that divides a text image into multiple regions and compares feature vectors to recognize text. The region-based feature extraction closely matches the pattern recognition and processing steps of US6678427B1.
9. Fast Document Matching System Using Anchor Points (US6104834A)
Filed: August 01, 1996
Published: August 15, 2000
Summary: This fast document matching system identifies key points, such as character locations, for efficient comparison. The system’s use of anchor points for matching resonates with the feature recognition process in US6678427B1.
10. Optical Character Recognition Device For Unmarked Documents (ES2180761T3)
Filed: April 10, 1996
Published: February 16, 2003
Summary: This system allows for the identification of zones in documents without markers and compensates for skewed or displaced images. The OCR techniques discussed are crucial for understanding the relevance of US6678427B1’s approach to recognizing and processing unmarked patterns.
Closing Thoughts
In today’s fast-paced world of innovation, having a comprehensive tool that tracks not only patent history but also aligns it with current and emerging technologies is essential. This is where the Global Patent Search Tool comes in.
Our tool offers more than just basic patent search capabilities. It delves deep into the intersection of existing patents and future-forward technologies, providing invaluable insights for inventors, researchers, and companies. Whether you’re exploring prior art or looking for new directions to refine your innovations, this tool serves as a critical resource for every stage of the innovation journey.
Let the Global Patent Search Tool help you navigate prior art, spark new ideas, and lay the groundwork for your next breakthrough. Start innovating with confidence today!
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. The results from the Global Patent Search Tool should be used for research, not as legal guidance. For any legal matters, consult a qualified attorney.
