METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING AND INVENTORING RAILCAR IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
First Claim
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1. A system for capturing railcar identification number images and converting the capture images into electronic text comprising:
- an electronic camera device for capturing an image of a railcar identification number affixed to a railcar, said camera device capable of transmitting an image;
an optical character recognition module in communication with said electronic camera device for converting contents of the captured image into electronic text of the captured railcar number affixed to a railcar;
a software module for validating the electronic text of the captured railcar number affixed to a railcar; and
a software module for formatting a report or file based on the converted railcar numbers and based on predefined parameters.
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Abstract
The present invention is a method and system that automates the process of locating and identifying railcars in a rail yard. The method and system of this invention creates an electronic record of a railcar identification number that is stenciled to the side of the railcar using digital camera technology and an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) device and software applications. The method and system of the present invention eliminates the need for using the AEI portable reader.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A system for capturing railcar identification number images and converting the capture images into electronic text comprising:
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an electronic camera device for capturing an image of a railcar identification number affixed to a railcar, said camera device capable of transmitting an image; an optical character recognition module in communication with said electronic camera device for converting contents of the captured image into electronic text of the captured railcar number affixed to a railcar; a software module for validating the electronic text of the captured railcar number affixed to a railcar; and a software module for formatting a report or file based on the converted railcar numbers and based on predefined parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for capturing railcar identification number images and converting the captured images into electronic text comprising:
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capturing images of railcar numbers affixed to a railcar using an electronic camera device; converting the captured images into electronic text at the optical character recognition processor; generating a railcar number from each electronic text conversion; confirming that the generated railcar numbers are valid railcar numbers; and formatting a report based on the converted railcar numbers and based on predefined parameters. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A computer program product in a computer readable storage medium for capturing railcar identification number images and converting the captured images into electronic text comprising:
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instructions capturing images of railcar numbers affixed to a railcar using an electronic camera device; instructions converting the captured images into electronic text at the optical character recognition processor; instructions generating a railcar number from each electronic text conversion; instructions confirming that the generated railcar numbers are valid railcar numbers; and instructions formatting a report based on the converted railcar numbers and based on predefined parameters. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification