Gtech Corporation

Alexis J Cournoyer

Frank J Metayer

Carlos Cervantes Toral

An optical reader of a form is discussed where the form has a stored known boundary or boundaries. When the boundaries in a captured image do not match those of the stored known boundaries, it may be determined that an obstruction exists that will interfere with a correct reading of the form. The boundary may be printed, blank, and may include quiet areas, or combinations thereof in stored known patterns. A captured image of the form is compared to retrieved, stored boundary information and differences are noted. The differences may be thresholded to determine if an obstruction exists. If an obstruction is detected, the operator may be signaled, and the location may be displayed or highlighted. The form may be discarded or obstruction may be cleared and the form may be re-processed.

Obstruction detector

A triggering system and process for a form reader is shown using a histogram of the optical scene. The form reader is open on three sides with a camera facing a platen on to which a form is placed. The camera converts the light rays reflected from the platen into a video stream that is sent to a processor. A change in content of a first light intensity level contrasted to the content of a second light intensity level is used to determine when the form enters the scene. Illustratively, the first light intensity level represents black levels and the second light intensity levels represent white levels. A threshold is pre-determined that isolates the first light intensity content, and when the first light intensity content remains constant (after the presence of a form) the form is deemed to be still wherein the system may then read the information on the form.

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Portsmouth, RI, United States of America

Alexis J Cournoyer