Using an image from a form in automatic creation of a form or sheet

• US 5,465,167 A
• Filed: 03/20/1992
• Issued: 11/07/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 03/20/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Xerox Corporation (Xerox Holdings Corp.)
• Inventors: Johnson, Walter A. L., Smith, Z. Erol III, Cooper, Martin F. N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Coles, Sr., Edward L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen, Madeleine
• Application Number:
  US07/855,388
• Time in Patent Office: 1,327 Days
• Field of Search: 358/468, 358/440, 358/403, 358/459, 358/402, 358/403, 358/452, 358/453, 358/400, 382/57, 382/61, 340/734, 340/721, 340/716, 379/100
• US Class Current: 358/468
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00366 Marks in boxes or the like, e.g. crosses or blacking out H04N1/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00376 Means for identifying a mark sheet or area
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32042 with reading of job-marks on a page
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32101 Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32112 in a separate computer file, document page or paper sheet, e.g. a fax cover sheet H04N1/32122 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3204 of data relating to a user, sender, addressee, machine or electronic recording medium H04N2201/3256 and subgroups take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3207 of an address
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3209 of a telephone number
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3211 of a company logo or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3214 of a date
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3215 of a time or duration
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3243 of type information, e.g. handwritten or text document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3269 of machine readable codes or marks, e.g. bar codes or glyphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3278 Transmission

Abstract

A page is automatically created and transmitted in response to data defining set of images. The data define an image showing a form that has been marked; the data also include information indicating an image destination. The page includes a segment that is a version of an image from the marked form. The page can be another form, a cover sheet, or an error sheet, for example. The segment can be a reduced version of the marked form, such as on an error sheet. Or the segment can be a version of the contents of a field in the marked form, such as on a form, a cover sheet, or a listing sheet. The field can be a cover note field, and if the processor determines that the cover note field has been marked, it can automatically create a cover sheet that includes a segment that is a version of an image of the cover note field. The field can be an identifier field. The processor can create a form with a request field that includes a segment that is a version of an image of the identifier field, identifying an item in relation to which an operation can be requested, such as the recipient of facsimile transmission or a document being facsimile transmitted; or the processor can create a cover sheet with a segment that is a version of an image of the identifier field; or the processor can create a listing sheet in which each item'"'"'s entry includes a segment that is a version of an image of the item'"'"'s identifier field. The image destination can be indicated by a check mark in a recipient field, by check marks indicating the telephone number of a fax machine, or by data from a transmitting fax machine indicating the fax machine'"'"'s telephone number.

Claims

1. A method of operating a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the method comprising;

operating the processor to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining a first image set that shows a first form that has been marked;

the input image data further including destination information indicating an image destination; and

in response to the input image data, operating the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created page data and to provide the created page data to the image output circuitry for transmission to the image destination;

the created page data defining a second image set that shows a page, the page including a segment that is a version of an image from the first form.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the system further including memory storing data, the stored data including path data indicating a transmission path to a first recipient;

the destination information including a recipient field in the first form, the recipient field being marked to indicate a recipient set to whom facsimile transmission is requested, the recipient set including the first recipient;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain recipient data indicating the recipient set to whom facsimile transmission is requested in the recipient field;

using the recipient data to obtain the path data; and

using the path data to transmit the created page data to the first recipient.

3. The method of claim 1 in which the page is a form.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the page is a cover sheet.

5. The method of claim 1 in which the page is a listing sheet.

6. The method of claim 1 in which the first form includes an image mark field that is marked;

the image from the first form showing the contents of the image mark field.

7. The method of claim 6 in which the image mark field is an identifier field;

the page being a form having a request field for indicating a request;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain segment data defining an image of the identifier field; and

using the segment data to obtain the created page data so that the second image set shows an image of the identifier field within the request field.

8. The method of claim 7 in which the request field is for indicating a request for facsimile transmission to a recipient;

the image of the identifier field identifying the recipient.

9. The method of claim 7 in which the request field is for indicating a request for facsimile transmission of a document;

the image of the identifier field identifying the document.

10. A system comprising:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output;

memory storing data; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the processor further being connected for accessing the data stored in memory;

the data stored in the memory comprising;

image receiving instruction data indicating input instructions the processor can execute to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining an image set; and

operation performing instruction data indicating response instructions the processor can execute to perform operations in response to input image data;

when the input image data define a first image set that shows a first form that has been marked and further include destination information indicating an image destination, execution of the response instructions causing the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created page data and to provide the created page data to the image output circuitry for transmission to the image destination;

the created page data defining a second image set that shows a page, the page including a segment that is a version of an image from the first form.

11. The system of claim 10 in which the input image circuitry is connected for receiving facsimile transmissions.

12. The system of claim 10 in which the output image circuitry is connected for providing facsimile transmissions.

13. An article of manufacture for use in a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output;

a storage medium access device for accessing a medium that stores data; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the processor further being connected for receiving data from the storage medium access device;

the article comprising;

a data storage medium that can be accessed by the storage medium access device when the article is used in the system; and

data stored by the data storage medium so that the storage medium access device can provide the stored data to the processor when the article is used in the system;

the stored data comprising;

image receiving instruction data indicating input instructions the processor can execute to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining an image set; and

operation performing instruction data indicating response instructions the processor can execute to perform operations in response to input image data;

when the input image data define a first image set that shows a first form that has been marked and further include destination information indicating an image destination, execution of the response instructions causing the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created page data and to provide the created page data to the image output circuitry for transmission to the image destination;

the created page data defining a second image set that shows a page, the page including a segment that is a version of an image from the first form.

14. A method of operating a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the method comprising;

operating the processor to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining a first image set that shows a first form with first and second fields that have been marked by a user;

the second field being marked to indicate an image destination; and

in response to the input image data, operating the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created page data and destination data and to provide the created page data and the destination data to the image output circuitry;

the created page data defining a second image set that shows a page, the page including a segment that is a version of an image from the first form, the segment ;

showing the first field;

the destination data indicating the image destination indicated by the second field; and

operating the image output circuitry to use the destination data to transmit the created page data to the image destination.

15. A method of operating a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the method comprising;

operating the processor to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining a first image set that shows a first form with a first field-and a second form with a second field, the first and second fields each having been marked by a user;

the second field being marked to indicate an image destination; and

in response to the input image data, operating the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created page data and destination data and to provide the created page data and the destination data to the image output circuitry;

the created page data defining a second image set that shows a page, the page including a segment that is a version Of an image from the first form, the segment showing the first field;

the destination data indicating the image destination indicated by the second field; and

operating the image output circuitry to use the destination data to transmit the created page data to the image destination.

16. A method of operating a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

the image input circuitry being connected to receive a facsimile transmission;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output;

the image output circuitry being connected to provide a facsimile transmission; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the method comprising;

operating the processor to receive input image data from a fax machine through the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining a first image set that shows a first form with a field that has been marked by a user;

the first form indicating a request for an operation;

the input image data further including telephone number data indicating a telephone number of the fax machine, the telephone number data not being part of the first form;

in response to the input image data, operating the processor to use the input image data to obtain data indicating the requested operation;

if an error occurs in performing the requested operation, operating the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created error sheet data and destination data and to provide the created error sheet data and the destination data to the image output circuitry;

the created error sheet data defining a second image set that shows an error sheet, the error sheet including a segment that is a version of an image of the first form including the field that has been marked;

the destination data indicating the telephone number of the fax machine; and

operating the image output circuitry to use the destination data to transmit the created error sheet data to the fax machine.

17. The method of claim 16 in which the segment is a reduced version of the image of the first form;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising using the input image data to obtain segment data defining the segment.

18. A method of operating a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the method comprising;

operating the processor to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining a first image set that shows a first form with an identifier field that has been marked by a user to provide an identifier;

the input image data further including destination information indicating an image destination;

in response to the input image data, operating the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created form data and to provide the created form data and destination data to the image output circuitry;

the created form data defining a second image set,that shows a second form, the second form including a request field for indicating a request;

the request field including an image of the identifier field from the first form;

the destination data indicating the image destination; and

operating the image output circuitry to use the destination data to transmit the created form data to the image destination.

19. The method of claim 18 in which the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the destination information including a telephone number field in the first form, the telephone number field being marked to indicate a telephone number of a fax machine;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain telephone number data indicating the telephone number indicated in the telephone number field;

the destination data including the telephone number data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the telephone number data to transmit the created form data to the fax machine.

20. The method of claim 18 in which the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the first image set showing a second form that has been marked;

the destination information including a telephone number field in the second form, the telephone number field being marked to indicate a telephone number of a fax machine;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain telephone number data indicating the telephone number indicated in the telephone number field;

the destination data including the telephone number data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the telephone number data to transmit the created form data to the fax machine.

21. The method of claim 18 in which the image input circuitry is connected to receive a facsimile transmission and the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the input image data being received by the image input circuitry from a fax machine, the destination information including telephone number data indicating a telephone number of the fax machine, the telephone number data not being part of the first form;

the destination data including the telephone number data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the telephone number data to transmit the created form data to the fax machine.

22. A method of operating a system that includes:

image input circuitry for obtaining data defining images as input;

image output circuitry for providing data defining images as output; and

a processor connected for receiving data defining images from the image input circuitry and for providing data defining images to the image output circuitry;

the method comprising;

operating the processor to receive input image data from the image input circuitry;

the input image data defining a first image set that shows a first form with first and second fields that have been marked by a user;

the input image data further including destination information indicating an image destination;

in response to the input image data, operating the processor to use the input image data to automatically produce created page data and destination data and to provide the created page data and the destination data to the image output circuitry;

the created page data defining a second image set that shows a page;

the page including a first segment that is a version of a first image from the first form, the first segment showing the first field;

the page including a second segment that is a version of a second image from the first form, the second segment showing the second field;

the destination data indicating the image destination; and

operating the image output circuitry to use the destination data to transmit the created page data to the image destination.

23. The method of claim 22 in which the first field is a note field;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to determine that the first field is marked;

using the input image data to obtain segment data defining an image of the first field; and

using the segment data to obtain the created page data so that the second image set shows an image of the first field within the page.

24. The method of claim 22 which the first field is an identifier field;

the page being a cover sheet;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain segment data defining an image of the identifier field; and

using the segment data to obtain the created page data so that the second image set shows an image of the identifier field within the page.

25. The method of claim 22 in which the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the destination information including a telephone number field in the first form, the telephone number field being marked to indicate a telephone number of a fax machine;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain telephone number data indicating the telephone number indicated in the telephone number field;

the destination data including the telephone number data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the telephone number data to transmit the created page data to the fax machine.

26. The method of claim 22 in which the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the first image set showing a second form that has been marked;

the destination information including a telephone number field in the second form, the telephone number field being marked to indicate a telephone number of a fax machine;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain telephone number data indicating the telephone number indicated in the telephone number field;

the destination data including the telephone number data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the telephone number data to transmit the created page data to the fax machine.

27. The method of claim 22 in which the image input circuitry is connected to receive a facsimile transmission and the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission;

the input image data being received by the image input circuitry from a fax machine, the destination information including telephone number data indicating a telephone number of the fax machine, the telephone number data not being part of the first form;

the destination data including the telephone number data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the telephone number data to transmit the created page data to the fax machine.

28. The method of claim 22 in which the image output circuitry is connected to provide a facsimile transmission the system further including memory storing data, the stored data including path data indicating a transmission path to a first recipient;

the destination information including a recipient field in the first form, the recipient field being marked to indicate a recipient set to whom facsimile transmission is requested, the recipient set including the first recipient;

the act of operating the processor to use the input image data comprising;

using the input image data to obtain recipient data indicating the recipient set to whom facsimile transmission is requested in the recipient field; and

using the recipient data to obtain the path data;

the destination data including the path data;

the act of operating the image output circuitry comprising;

using the path data to transmit the created page data to the first recipient.