U.S. patent application number 13/441226 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for portable multi-media automatic authenticating router and method for automatically routing stored data.
Invention is credited to Nilesh V. Patel, Mark H. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20120246711 13/441226 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38575149 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120246711 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patel; Nilesh V. ; et
al. |
September 27, 2012 |
PORTABLE MULTI-MEDIA AUTOMATIC AUTHENTICATING ROUTER AND METHOD FOR
AUTOMATICALLY ROUTING STORED DATA
Abstract
A computer program product and automatic authenticating router
device for automatically routing stored data from a single device
to at least one remote storage location is provided. The router
device includes the computer program product. The computer program
product includes a computer readable medium bearing software
instructions for enabling predetermined operations. The
predetermined operations include detecting an availability of a
proximal network; automatically establishing a connection with the
at least one remote storage device based on the availability of the
proximal network; automatically recognizing a data type of a data
file stored on the single device; associating routing information
with the data file based on the data type; and automatically
uploading the data file from the single device to the remote
storage device based on the routing information.
Inventors: |
Patel; Nilesh V.;
(Rochester, MI) ; Schwartz; Mark H.; (Orchard
Lake, MI) |
Family ID: |
38575149 |
Appl. No.: |
13/441226 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11504881 |
Aug 16, 2006 |
8184613 |
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13441226 |
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60790762 |
Apr 10, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
726/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/06 20130101;
H04L 67/327 20130101; H04L 45/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
726/12 |
International
Class: |
G06F 21/00 20060101
G06F021/00; G06F 15/173 20060101 G06F015/173 |
Claims
1. A multi-media automatic authenticating router device,
comprising: a processor; a first storage medium that stores
multi-media data in a database format; a second storage medium
including software instructions that are performed by the
processor, a third storage medium that stores configuration records
including at least one configuration parameter defining a value for
accessing the one of the plurality of remote storage devices and an
action script defining a process for causing the data file to be
stored on the one of the plurality of remote storage devices,
wherein the plurality of remote storage devices each store a
different type of data, receive different configuration parameters
during authentication, and execute different processes when data is
stored thereon; a display; a plurality of user input buttons,
wherein the display displays input options to a user; wherein the
software instructions enable predetermined operations comprising:
detecting an availability of a network proximate to the router
device; automatically recognizing a data type of a data file stored
on the router device; configuring the plurality of user input
buttons on said device based on the data type of the data file;
receiving user input via the user input buttons, wherein the user
input defines a classification of the data file which is used for
storing the data file in the one of the plurality of remote storage
devices; selecting the one of the plurality of remote storage
locations based on the user input and the data type of the data
file; utilizing a configuration record from the configuration
database based on the user input and the data type of the data
file; associating routing information with the data file based on
the data type and the configuration record, wherein routing
information indicates a network address of the remote storage
device; automatically establishing a connection with the one of the
plurality of the remote storage devices based on the availability
of the network using the retrieved configuration data; and
automatically uploading the data file from the router device to the
remote storage device based on the routing information, thereby
causing the data file to be stored in a particular location on the
remote storage device based on the classification of the data
file.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of
connection ports that facilitate the connection of multi-media
peripheral devices to the router device.
3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a scanning device
operable to scan documents of the multi-media data.
4. The device of claim 2 further comprising a receptacle that
stores documents associated with the multi-media data in a
collector tray.
5. The device of claim 2 further comprising a printing device that
prints a unique identification number on the scanned documents.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a status indicator that
indicates a status of at least one of memory full, upload complete,
and network detected.
7. The device of claim 1 further comprising a unique device
identification number associated with the device and stored in at
least one of the first storage medium and the second storage
medium.
8. The device of claim 1 further comprising configurable buttons
operable to accept user input.
9. A routing apparatus, comprising: a processor; a scanning module
that captures images of receipts; a first storage medium that
stores local copies of the captured images of receipts; a second
storage medium that stores software instructions that are performed
by the processor, a third storage medium that stores configuration
records, a configuration record including at least one
configuration parameter defining a value for accessing a remote
storage device that stores accounting data and an action script
defining a process for causing an image of a receipt to be stored
on a remote storage device that stores accounting data; a display;
a plurality of user input buttons, wherein the display displays
input options to a user; wherein the software instructions enable
predetermined operations comprising: detecting an availability of a
network proximate to the routing apparatus; performing character
recognition on the image of a receipt to be backed up on a remote
storage device that stores accounting data and determining
information regarding a classification of the receipt; receiving
user input via the user input buttons, wherein the user input
defines a classification of the receipt to be backed up which is
used for storing the image of the receipt to be backed up at the
remote storage device; utilizing a configuration record from the
third storage medium based on the classification of the receipt to
be backed up; automatically establishing a connection with the
remote storage device that stores accounting data using a retrieved
configuration record; associating routing information with the
image of the receipt to be backed up based on the classification of
the receipt to be backed up, wherein routing information indicates
a network address of the remote storage device; automatically
uploading the image of the receipt from the routing apparatus to
the remote storage device based on the routing information, thereby
causing the image of the receipt to be backed up to be stored in a
particular location on the remote storage device based on the
classification of the receipt; a fourth storage medium that stores
multi-media data in a database format; a fifth storage medium that
stores configuration records including at least one configuration
parameter defining a value for accessing the one of a plurality of
remote storage devices and an action script defining a process for
causing a data file to be stored on the one of the plurality of
remote storage devices, wherein the plurality of remote storage
devices each store a different type of data, receive different
configuration parameters during authentication, and execute
different processes when data is stored thereon; wherein the
software instructions enable predetermined operations comprising:
automatically recognizing a data type of a data file stored on the
routing apparatus; configuring the plurality of user input buttons
on said apparatus based on the data type of the data file;
receiving user input via the user input buttons, wherein the user
input defines a classification of the data file which is used for
storing the data file in the one of the plurality of remote storage
devices; selecting the one of the plurality of remote storage
locations based on the user input and the data type of the data
file; utilizing a configuration record from the configuration
database based on the user input and the data type of the data
file; associating routing information with the data file based on
the data type and the configuration record, wherein routing
information indicates a network address of the remote storage
device; automatically establishing a connection with the one of the
plurality of the remote storage devices based on the availability
of the network using the retrieved configuration data; and
automatically uploading the data file from the routing apparatus to
the remote storage device based on the routing information, thereby
causing the data file to be stored in a particular location on the
remote storage device based on the classification of the data
file.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of
connection ports that facilitate the connection of multi-media
peripheral devices to the routing apparatus.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a scanning device
operable to scan documents of the multi-media data.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a receptacle that
stores documents associated with the multi-media data in a
collector tray.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising a printing device
that prints a unique identification number on the scanned
documents.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a status indicator
that indicates a status of at least one of memory full, upload
complete, and network detected.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a unique device
identification number associated with the routing apparatus and
stored in at least one of the first storage medium and the second
storage medium.
16. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising configurable
buttons operable to accept user input.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/504,881 filed Aug. 16, 2006 which claims priority to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/790,762 filed Apr. 10, 2006. The
disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to devices and methods for
facilitating management of both paper based documents and
electronic files by providing means to capture, classify,
recognize, temporarily store digital data and images, and then
automate electronic transmission of this information to remote
facilities for backup, storage and/or processing.
BACKGROUND
Need for Remote Storage and Processing of Multiple Digital Data
Types
[0003] Individuals currently utilize multiple personal electronic
devices. These frequently include cell phones, personal digital
assistants, digital music players, digital cameras, and portable
computers. Each of these units stores its information internally in
a suitable but distinct digital format. Because of the limited
internal memory capacity within each of these devices, it has
become common for them to either provide the user the ability to
copy their internal memory or a removable memory chip or stick by
which said user can shuttle the information and thereby backup the
stored data. It is highly desirable to duplicate the information
stored on each of these devices not only because of their limited
memory capacity but also because of the safety that a second copy
affords against accidental loss. It is also necessary to enact
these transfers in order to facilitate any additional processing of
the digital information that needs to be performed.
[0004] In recognition of this requirement for remote storage, a
number of new solutions have been developed to facilitate said
transfer processes. These approaches include, in addition to new
digital storage formats and media, novel devices that facilitate
the usage of said media types to allow their data to be transferred
to a hard disk within a personal computer. However, these backups
to a personal computer all require special purpose software,
complex user interactions, typically a personal computer, and
either an actual physical or wireless connection to be made between
the transfer devices and the user's designated computer.
Technical Difficulties with Processing of Business Documents
[0005] Computerization has improved the productivity of most areas
of business. However the promise of the paperless office has yet to
become ubiquitous. A specific example of a business area in which
the present methods for storage of data are especially cumbersome
is the case of documents for financial transactions. In reality, it
remains a manual and tedious process to perform all the document
handling necessary to compile numerous paper based receipts in
order to itemize expenditures for either an individual or a
business enterprise.
[0006] The reliability of scanning and imaging hardware and
software currently makes it possible to store digital copies of
paper documents. Advances in optical character recognition (OCR)
software make it further possible to perform fairly reliable
conversion of machine generated text into a digital format
especially when reading a form of fixed and known type. Yet,
despite these technological advances in document scanning, digital
image storage and retrieval, several critical drawbacks remain with
the efficiency of processing, for example, expenditures for
accounting type purposes.
[0007] Key areas of weakness include the lack of portability of the
hardware systems for scanning the documents and the number of steps
necessary for transfer of the scanned documents to the post
processing systems. The present invention introduces a device which
makes possible the streamlining of these steps to the extent of
absolutely minimizing work to be done by the end user.
Digital Device Backup Procedures
[0008] The increased reliance on digital technologies for music,
video, and photographic purposes has resulted in a proliferation of
digital storage solutions. In particular, flash technology was
invented in order to provide replaceable memory for portable
devices. This storage solution is non-volatile in that it does not
require a constant power source to indefinitely retain data. These
kinds of products are solid state, meaning they contain no moving
parts, and therefore provide much greater protection of their data
than conventional magnetic disk drives. A number of formats for
flash memory cards have been created which include among others:
CompactFlash, Secure Digital, SmartMedia, and Sony Memory Sticks.
The storage capacity of these digital devices has grown
exponentially, with advances in technology for storage density on
hard disks and also in volatile memory. While the increased memory
capacity makes backup processes less frequent, the need for filing
disposition which requires human intervention is a problem which is
burgeoning with increases in digital data. Also, in order to
perform the actual transfer process the user is typically required
to operate software on both the sending device and receiving
computer which then initiates execution of the file transmission.
This type of upload process is classic pull technology whereby
action is required on the part of the recipient and cannot be sent
as soon as it is available.
Digital File Transfer Devices
[0009] With the proliferation of digital memory cards and devices
with built in memory, a number of new devices have been invented to
assist in transferring digital files to personal computers. For
example, Memorex has a device called the TravelSync which can
transfer files between two USB mass storage devices without using a
computer. This device allows the sharing of music, photos, or data
between flash cards, USB flash drives, digital cameras, external
hard drives, or MP3 players. SanDisk produces a product called the
ImageMate which can also perform similar file transfer functions
with as many as twelve different formats of flash memory.
[0010] External memory and hard drives now frequently offer
so-called "One-Click" or "One-Touch" backup procedures which use a
single step to initiate automatic computer backup procedures to an
external hard drive. The software programs initiated by a button
press on these hard disks do simplify the backup process. However,
these units cannot automatically perform the classifications to
assist in transfer of data files to their appropriate
locations.
Document Transcription
[0011] Major improvements in transcription services are
attributable to advances in digital recording, and personal
computing. Originally transcription services consisted of a
secretary taking dictation in shorthand. Later, the secretary would
type from their handwritten notes. With improvements in recording
machines, managers became able to make recordings by themselves
without their assistants present. The recording could then be
transferred to the playback machine for transcription by the
secretary. Presently, recording devices can record an audio file
directly into digital format which can be wired over the internet
to any remote location for additional processing. However,
transferring the audio files to various locations for transcription
or translation requires human intervention and slows down the
overall process.
Personal Scanners
[0012] A large number of products are now available to portably
scan documents including specialized devices such as those
dedicated to reading of business cards. These card readers use OCR
to attempt to automatically extract the name, address, phone
number, and fax number fields and export them to a computer
software program that then manages the contacts. These scanning
products are designed to ignore artwork and only import text
information.
[0013] However, all of the above mentioned systems are deficient in
their ability to serve as platforms to expedite data file
processing, routing and storage. This is because they require human
intervention in order to tag their acquired data files with a
unique identifier. Extra operator steps are also necessary for
enacting an upload of the scanned documents and to properly route
the scanned documents to their appropriate locations.
SUMMARY
[0014] In order to alleviate frustration of users and vulnerability
of personal computing platforms during management of information
transmission and receipts, a portable multi-media automatic
authenticating router (PMAAR) is provided. This PMAAR device is a
smart and self-contained information router, which removes the need
for a desk top, or even laptop computer to handle information
passing between a user's personal digital devices and remote
storage facilities.
[0015] Accordingly, a computer program product and PMAAR device for
automatically routing stored data from a single device to at least
one remote storage location is provided. The router device includes
the computer program product. The computer program product includes
a computer readable medium bearing software instructions for
enabling predetermined operations. The predetermined operations
include detecting an availability of a proximal network;
automatically establishing a connection with the at least one
remote storage device based on the availability of the proximal
network; automatically recognizing a data type of a data file
stored on the single device; associating routing information with
the data file based on the data type; and automatically uploading
the data file from the single device to the remote storage device
based on the routing information.
[0016] In other features, a multi-media automatic authenticating
router device is provided. The device includes a processor. A first
storage medium stores multi-media data in a database format. A
second storage medium includes software instructions that are
performed by the processor. The software instructions enable
predetermined operations. The predetermined operations include
detecting an availability of a proximal network; automatically
establishing a connection with at least one remote storage device
based on the availability of the proximal network; automatically
recognizing a data type of a data file stored on the router device;
associating routing information with the data file based on the
data type; and automatically uploading the data file from the
router device to the remote storage device based on the routing
information.
[0017] In still other features, a method of automatically routing
stored data from a portable device to at least one remote storage
device is provided. The method includes configuring routing
information related to personal storage accounts; storing
multi-media data files; automatically recognizing a data type of
each of the multi-media data files; associating routing information
with each of the multi-media data files based on the data type;
detecting an availability of a proximal network; automatically
establishing a connection with at least one remote storage device
based on the availability of the proximal network; and
automatically uploading multi-media data files from the single
device to one or more remote storage devices based on the routing
information.
[0018] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a high level overview of software modules of a
computer program that performs automatic authenticating
routing.
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional overview of a multi-media
automatic authenticating routing methodology.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary device configuration file which
assists in generating a routing information file.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows exterior hardware of an embodiment of an
automatic authenticating router device including inputs, outputs
and user interface.
[0024] FIGS. 5a and 5b show block diagrams of exemplary internal
device hardware of an automatic authenticating router device.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of a user interacting with
an automatic authenticating router device.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows a process flow diagram illustrating a method of
configuring an automatic authenticating router device for various
services and information types.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram for illustrating a method
of capturing document data as performed by an automatic
authenticating router device.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram for illustrating a method
of capturing multi-media data as performed by an automatic
authenticating router device.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of
uploading device data as performed by an automatic authenticating
router device.
[0030] FIGS. 11a and 11b are illustrations of exemplary automatic
authenticating router device including a micro-scanner.
[0031] FIG. 12 illustrates an automatic authenticating router
device configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant
PDA or cell phone.
[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a desktop application configured to
collect audio data.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings,
corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding
parts and features.
[0034] The following discussion assumes the reader is familiar with
embedded processor hardware, scanning hardware, OCR software,
accounting procedures, normal business practices for employee
expense reimbursement, and procedures for tax calculation and
record keeping.
[0035] The present disclosure describes various embodiments of
automatic authenticating router devices that comprise elements for
(1) initial setup--as provided by a special routing information
file containing website addresses, login identification, passwords,
and disposition preferences; (2) internal security--as provided by
an embedded device identification to verify that contents to be
uploaded are being transmitted from a trusted source, and as
provided by encryption of stored password information; (3)
multi-media data capture--as provided by multiple connective ports
to permit connection to various digital devices and portable memory
sources; and (4) upload device data--provides means for unattended
routing of internally stored data based upon preferences created
during setup. Various embodiments of an automatic authenticating
router device include various implementations and combinations of
the above described elements as will be described in more detail
below.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows a high level overview of software modules of a
computer program 200 that performs automatic authenticating routing
of multi-media data files while minimizing efforts from the user.
The computer program 200 can be downloaded to or embedded in an
automatic authenticating router device 100 as shown in FIG. 4.
Various software data structures and sub-modules necessary for
performing automatic authenticating routing are encapsulated within
the computer program 200. It is appreciated that the modules shown
may be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly perform
automatic authenticating routing.
[0037] More particularly, various digital hardware units such as an
exemplary digital photo device 130 provide a source for multi-media
data files 116. The multi-media data files are captured and stored
in a multi-media database 156. A data type recognition module 190
processes the individual data files 116 which have been acquired
for routing by the computer program 100. The data type recognition
module 190 determines classifying features such as a data type of
each digital file 116 for input to a routing path determination
module 192. In various embodiments, the data type is automatically
recognized based on data associated with the digital file. For
example, the data type can be extracted from meta-data associated
with the file. The routing path determination module 192 uses the
data type information to configure a routing path based upon the
disposition requirements stored in a configuration database
155.
[0038] The configuration database 155 contains records containing
various action parameters and scripts. For example, an
authentication record may contain information such as a remote
uniform resource locater (URL), user identifications, passwords,
and software instructions in the form of a script which makes
possible execution of login operations. Similarly, an upload record
may contain the disposition information used to automatically
upload the captured multi-media data. A configuration module 193
configures device operation information and then records and stores
them in the configuration database 155. In various embodiments, the
configuration module 193 configures the records based on
information received from a user 110 via a user interface.
Alternatively, the records can be preconfigured on a user pc 120
and uploaded to the configuration database 155 via configuration
software.
[0039] Also as shown in FIG. 1, a proximal network detection module
194 detects a network within a proximity of the device. For
example, the proximal network detection module 194 polls onboard
hardware devices which seek wireless, wired and modem connections
for activity. If a network is detected to be within a proximity of
the device, either directly connected to or within range of a
network, a proximal network connection module 196 establishes a
network connection. During configuration of the device by the
configuration module 193, preferences can be set as to which
connection should take precedence when multiple connection options
are available. However, given detection of at least one proximal
network, the proximal network connection module 196 secures a
connection and performs not only the necessary login steps but also
uploads the data file 116 to an appropriate remote storage device
175 via a wide area network 170. The configuration module
configures predetermined protocols for each upload location based
on information received from the user 110.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a functional overview of a multi-media
automatic authenticating routing methodology 300 as performed by
various embodiments of the computer program 200. More particularly,
FIG. 2 illustrates various processes for performing device setup,
capture of multi-media data, and upload of device data. As shown in
FIG. 2, a user 110 can either employ a personal computer 120 to
initiate a setup device process 310 or provide manual information
via a user interface to initiate the setup process 310. To initiate
the process of capture of multi-media data, a user 110 either
attaches a digital device 130 to a port on the device 100 or scans
documents 115 directly into the routing device. The upload device
data process is automatically initiated when the device setup
process and the capture of multi-media data process are
complete.
[0041] The setup device process is shown generally at 310. The user
110 selects the source of the setup information at 312. By usage of
an external personal computer 120 the user 110 is stepped through
questions in a program which assists in assembly of the device
setup information. Alternatively, the user 110 directly answers
questions displayed by the user interface to provide setup
information which is sufficient to complete the configuration
record 150. The configuration record 150 includes among other
fields website addresses, login identifications, password
information and disposition information for each file type and
classification. The configuration records are combined and may use
an embedded device identification number 160, if specified in a
record parameter, for authentication or any other operation or
action. The collection of such records makes up the configuration
database 155.
[0042] The capture multi-media data function is shown generally at
320. Data from a digital multi-media device 130 or printed
documents 115 are input based on the source at 322. The source 322
from which data will be captured can be selected by synchronizing
with a connected digital device 130 as shown at 324. Alternatively,
the documents 326 can be scanned as shown at 326. Both of these
cases result in creation of a digital data file which is then
automatically assigned a unique document identification number at
327. Class selection of the captured digital data can be performed
at 328 before it is combined with upload information and operations
at 329. The digital data and upload information and operations are
then stored in the internal multi-media database at 156.
[0043] The class selection allows for data organization, indexing
and retrieval. In different usage scenarios, class selection 328
may perform different roles. For example, while uploading the
picture data, the class selection may present the predetermined
choices such as vacation or birthday, which are further used to
disposition the data in an appropriate folder on the remote server.
However, while dealing with an accounting document, such
classification schemes may provide information such as chart of
account or account to charge in order to accurately make a journal
entry in a bookkeeping database.
[0044] The upload device data process is shown generally at 330. If
a proximal network is detected, the user 110 is not needed to
participate any further in the upload device data process 330. If
the multi-media database 156 contains digital data which needs to
be backed up the file, file type, and disposition information 332
are retrieved for each set of data to be uploaded. A network
connection is secured at 334. Remote connection, login, and
identity verification are performed at 336. Identity verification
is performed by using the previously stored login ID and password
information 150 and in some cases, for extra security, including
the unique device identification 160. Once connection is secured
for the next set of files from the multi-media database 156, the
digital files are transmitted to free internal memory at 338. The
digital files are thereby sent over a wide area network 170 to the
appropriate remote storage site 175.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary configuration record 150. The
record format is designed to provide simplicity and versatility.
The format, as shown, achieves an intended simplicity by limiting
user tasks to button pushes. Each button push can be captured by
means of actions. If there exists a hierarchy of actions, nested
action blocks are used to traverse the action hierarchy. In
addition, each action type includes parameters which are used to
complete the action. For example, an authentication action may have
login, password, and web URL as its input parameters. Furthermore,
each action configured can be accompanied by an optional script
block that can help accurately execute the actions to compensate
for the frequently changing web environment.
[0046] Thus, configuration records include configuration parameters
and action scripts. The configuration parameters such as login id,
password, and web URL are provided by the user during the device
setup procedure. Since the web is a continuously changing
environment, supporting many types of object models, a simple
script to authenticate may not work well with all the remote sites.
To overcome the underlying challenge, three or more models are
provided to communicate to remote sites for desired outcomes. In
scenario (1), the method uses exported webservice objects from the
underlying sites. Webservice is rapidly transforming the business
to business communication over the web. Provided that the service
provider has implemented such a model, this scripting model can
readily plug into these services and accomplish the user preferred
actions. Under the scenario (2), business partners may choose to
select standards defined by the device communication and scripting
model and support it over the web for their customers. In scenario
(3), the remote site implements a complete proprietary object model
over the web. For example, the remote site may choose to use Java
Objects, ActiveX components, or Flash elements for ease of user
interactions. For such service providers, the automated scripting
environment will directly interact with the website's graphical
elements for data input and outputs. Such features can easily be
implemented using testing frameworks used for automatically testing
the graphical user interfaces. The challenge here is generation of
scripts that can cope with the wide array of services available
over the web. In such scenarios, various embodiments will provide
computer tools which will aid users to record their interactions
over the web for specific actions and generate the scripts
automatically for their custom use. For popular sites such as
apple.com, istorage.com, myspace.com, or Kodak.com, pregenerated
and tested scripts are provided to work robustly for their
services. In a preferred environment, users may also contribute
their recorded scripts to the provided database for
distribution.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows exterior hardware of an embodiment of an
automatic authenticating router device including inputs, outputs
and user interface. In various embodiments, the PMAAR device 100
includes a scanner 50, a number of colored LED's or some other type
of device status indicators 10, a receptacle for catching the
scanned documents in a collector tray 80, a graphical display 70
which can show the available selections for the setup process 310,
status of the current scanning process, the current job status,
status of job transmittal, document number, and remaining memory
capacity among other status levels. Status indicators could also
indicate remaining battery life or need for charging.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the reconfigurable buttons 90 can be
used for selection of menu items shown on the display 70 or the
display itself may be a touch sensitive device. The buttons 90 can
in some cases consist of a whole alphanumeric keyboard. The
connectors 30 shown are a partial selection of those which are most
common at this time and include modem 31, USB 34, Ethernet 32, and
Firewire 33. Communication is also possible through the PMAAR
device 100 providing a wireless port 35. Connection ports 60 which
allow easy insertion of memory cards such as compact flash 61, or
secure digital 62, are also part of the preferred embodiment.
Access to the scanner 50 which includes a powered mechanism for
feeding the documents at an optimum speed is provided to allow its
un-jamming which can be necessary for any paper feed type
mechanism. Also shown is a connector for connection to an exterior
power supply 20 although the device 100 will contain an internal
battery driven power supply.
[0049] The embodiments of FIG. 4 can vary according to scanner
size. A personal model is constructed to be able to accept up to
four inch wide receipts which are most commonly printed by cash
registers. The personal version may also be designed to be as small
as possible and for that reason may not have all the listed
communication ports, a catch drawer, or even a motor or display.
The larger desktop version will be designed to handle the width of
a full 8/12 inch page. The desktop version is thereby able to scan
virtually all size accounting documents. The software within the
PMAAR 100 may include an intelligent print recognizer such that the
user is informed that the document must be rescanned in the
alternate direction or which is able to rotate the image once so
scanned.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the PMAAR device 100 is highly portable
which is important in its role as the physical basis of a "scan and
forget" system by which the user can for example scan key financial
documents into device memory. Pre- or post-scanning the operator
uses the reconfigurable control switches or buttons 90 to make a
class selection 329, for example between entertainment or gasoline
expenses, then in coordination with the scanning process 326, the
built in printer 55 assigns and automatically prints a unique
document ID on the receipt. In this embodiment, after digitization
by the device scanner 50, the scanned document can be placed in the
collector tray 80 for convenience. The device 100 stores the image
information from the scanned receipts indefinitely. In an
embodiment with sufficient computing power, onboard hardware and
software can perform document deskewing, denoising and enhancement
of images for OCR. Depending on the capabilities of the computing
hardware beyond the basic device 100, the scanned images can be
compressed to save memory space and even encrypted to protect
privacy of the stored data.
[0051] Further, the device 100 has external interfaces such as USB
34, Firewire 33, Ethernet 32, and WiFi 35. As soon it is able to
make use of these internal communication capabilities, the routing
device 100 uses the internet or other information transmission
medium to send the stored data to data management services such as
remote transcription operations which can extract key accounting
data and reformat it such that it can be exported directly to
proprietary online accounting systems.
[0052] FIGS. 5a and 5b show block diagrams of exemplary internal
device hardware of an automatic authenticating router device. As
can be seen in FIG. 5a, a basic device 100 includes a simple
embedded processor which can display simple text messages and
execute file storage commands. A router processor must also be able
to send commands to communication circuitry. The device hardware
includes internal memory holding the routing information in the
configuration database 155 and additional memory storage for
holding the software instructions and buffering of the multi-media
metadata and multimedia files prior to uploading them to the wide
area network 170, users pc 120, or remote server 175 among other
locations.
[0053] In various embodiments the device hardware comprises the
items in the lower rectangle and any combination of the items in
the upper rectangle. With addition of the device identification 160
embedded in the hardware, derived by means of processor's unique
id, MAC of the networking interface, or factory programmed in an
ROM, each device is associated with a specific identity. Such
identity could be of a form of an end user or a department in a
business setting. With addition of a built-in scanner 50, the
router can most efficiently be used to upload receipts for expense
reports and other business accounting purposes. Inclusion of an LCD
or other form of graphical or even text display 70 is useful for
either feedback to the user of simple device status information
such as memory or battery charge condition. However, the display 70
when combined with an user interface 90 can allow the user 110 to
further improve the specificity of the routing process. For
example, as a document is scanned the user 110 can view
classification options on the display 70 and via the user interface
90 select the appropriate option. This document image will then be
routed to exactly the correct location. Inclusion of printing
hardware 51 within the device hardware 400 will allow the scanned
documents to have their unique document identification number
printed directly on the original document which can assist in
locating the hardcopy version of a document that has been filed for
audit purposes. The external interface 420 is used to capture the
data from external multimedia devices such as cameras, camcorders,
or scanners. The use of universal plug and play determines the
device and content type in this scenario. Similarly, network
interface 430 is used to connect the device to the external
servers, computers and storage facilities for data routing,
synchronization, or device configuration operations.
[0054] FIG. 5b illustrates device hardware architectures
corresponding to the external hardware design shown in FIG. 4. A
central processor unit (CPU) 201 executes the core processing
algorithms. A memory interface module 202 presents a system level
interface between central processing unit 201 and the memory
embodied in the volatile system memory 203 and non-volatile flash
memory 204. A companion chip 205 provides interface for the central
processing unit module 201 to peripherals chips such as memory
controller, and graphics. A display interface module 275, and
graphical display module 270 provide graphical user interface which
can preferentially consist of a touch screen display. While this
graphical display is sufficient to display any information, the
device 100 also contains status indicators 210 which can quickly
indicate conditions to the user such as memory full, or battery
low, or status of internet communications. A power supply module
220 provides a rechargeable power source for the device 100. The
external memory interface module provides an interface for external
memory components such as among others compact flash, and memory
stick.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 5b, other components include a scanner
hardware module 250 which performs optical scanning of the
documents fed by a scanner motor control module 255 which drives
the motor that helps feed the paper documents. A printer module 257
includes a permanent marking mechanism that physically prints the
unique identifier during assignment of document identification 327
for each document and also inserts the same identifier
electronically within the scanned digital data file.
[0056] An Ethernet module 232 provides a physical layer for a wired
external network interface module 230. A wireless interface module
295 provides a physical layer of 802 XX RF link to make possible
wireless communication. A modem module 231 presents a physical
interface that uses phone and phone lines as a medium to transmit
and receive digital data. A USB module 234 provides a universal
system bus interface. A Firewire module 233 provides an IEEE 1394
interface. ATAPI, SATA or SCSI presents a controller interface to
the large non-volatile storage devices.
[0057] In summary of FIGS. 1-5, the PMAAR device 100 provides
functionality and features to overcome the problems in device
uploading. As shown, various embodiments of the automatic
authenticating router device: 1) are portable such that a user
could take it with them on business trips and in their car so that
they can soon upon acquiring a receipt, process it using the
invention and thereby be protected from both loss of the receipt,
or degradation of the document with time; 2) incorporate a scanner
to acquire the document image and memory to store that image; 3)
preferably contain means to connect directly to phone lines using
an internal modem or to the local or remote computer via
internetworking; 4) contain means for storing captured information
in a non-volatile memory; 5) include means to capture information
manually entered by the user; 6) contains means to execute OCR
algorithm software embedded to automatically capture document
information; 7) contain means to print a unique document id on each
scanned document; 8) contain means to physically store scanned
papers; 9) contains means to generate a report of the scanned data
designed to be compatible with the accounting standards in general
and the users accounting software in particular.
[0058] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of a user interacting with
an automatic authenticating router device. The invention user 110
can perform operations to handle various media types 410 as shown
in the leftmost column. The user 110 can be an individual, an
accountant, or an employee or a business. The user is assisted in
capture of photographs 41 and letters or documents or receipts 42.
Connection of external devices to the ports as shown in FIG. 3 and
described above facilitates capture of email 43 from personal
computers, digital video 44 from camcorders, and audio files 45
from mp3 and other music players.
[0059] The middle column in FIG. 6 shows all operations 420 the
user can perform with the invention subsequent to performing the
setup device 310 process. Setup procedures include establishing
routing information in the configuration database 155 for account
authorizations and establishing locations for remote databases.
Capture of multi-media data 320 includes that from all digital data
sources 410 including paper based documents using scanning
functions. The captured data has identification, class type, and
disposition information attached to it before storage. The scanned
image and additional meta-data information is stored into the
multi-media database 156 located in nonvolatile memory until the
upload device data 330 function can be performed. The upload data
function can make use of all communication means to transmit files
via ethernet, wi-fi, or modem to the network environment 430.
[0060] Usage in the network environment 430 is depicted in the
rightmost column of FIG. 6. Transmission of files is through a wide
area network 170 to remote sites that includes the user personal
computer 120, video site 176, digital photo site 177, and an
accounting site 178 for storage of accounting database information
61 among others. The novelty and usefulness of the invention
derives from the fact that after providing data sources 410 and
setup of the device 310 and performance of data capture 320 by the
user, the device operates automatically in the network environment
430 without requiring any interaction from the user.
[0061] FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 when combined can illustrate the overall
use structure when applied towards accounting purposes. For this
application area, the activities the user of the invention performs
are the setup device 310, scanning of paper based financial
documents and receipts. The device 100 then prints a unique id
number on the receipt 327, acquires classification data 328 from
the user, stores the scanned information into internal memory 156
and then may perform localized OCR on the image to capture the key
information. The user empties the collection tray 80, and puts the
month of collected reports in a labeled folder. An advanced version
of the device verifies the captured data with the images,
correcting the errors, and either synchronizes the collected
information 330 (scanned images and OCR data) with local computer
based accounting software 120 or transmits information to a remote
server 175 through modem, removable flash media, USB, Firewire,
serial, wireless or ethernet connections.
[0062] Various embodiments of the device lend themselves to
different operational modes. A standalone embodiment of the
invention is designed in a compact form for portability and usage
primarily on a desktop or in a vehicle. As described, the PMAAR
device 100 is preferably used in applications where its portability
is of benefit. This embodiment may for example be carried in a
pocket, or kept in the user's car. The portability allows it to be
used to scan and electronically store receipts as they are
acquired. The buttons are kept to a minimum as well, in order to
allow the device to be small, but it still embodies controls to
allow the user to select receipt types and select operational
modes. This standalone configuration may contain embedded OCR
software which can read key fields and capture their value for
accounting and/or business purposes. The portable device can
synchronize the scanned information with the user's accounting
system via either the removable memory card, one of the
communication ports such as USB, or wirelessly.
[0063] Another embodiment is designed to be connected directly to a
personal computer. This connection may be via a wireless or wired
connection using the above mentioned protocols. Alternatively a
memory stick can be used to shuttle files between the device 100
and the user PC 120. The accompanying software for personal
computers can perform more advanced OCR processing than any
embedded software running in the standalone embodiment. The desktop
software will extract more complete and accurate information from
the receipt or other documents. The computer program 100 will work
compatibly with the personal or business accounting software that
may be installed on the PC. The personal computer based software
can also manage the collection of associated accounting documents
for indexing, retrieval and report generation.
[0064] Another embodiment provides a device connected to a remote
server via Ethernet, a modem or internet connection. The computing
power of the remote server conveys advantages to this
configuration. After the scanned information is transmitted to the
server, the server manages the client account and data.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram that details the steps for a
user to perform the setup device 310 process summarized in FIG. 2.
The device 100 will come with default accounts entered, which can
either be accepted or altered. There can be at least three main
means to set the routing information. In the first case, the device
is connected to a local personal computer. In this case, the user
is prompted with various choices to input the information regarding
authentication, classification, and the desired information
dispositions. In some cases the classification information can be
extracted from the databases used by the user for various tasks.
For example, if found, the chart of accounts and the chart of
vendors and any other charts which may be present in an accounting
application database can be used to automatically create
classification information for PMAAR device's to be used for
financial document management.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, in the middle branch of the flowchart
for the setup process, the device 100 is connected to the remote
server via a wide area network. This configuration, in particular,
is useful for the customers who are not computer savvy. Similar to
setup employing the personal computer, the main task of remote
machine is to prepare user specific configuration information. Such
information can be prepared again using a set of questions and
answer choices on the web or by the user having a telephonic
conversation with a support operator. Once a user routing profile
is created on the remote server containing the user authentication,
classification and disposition information, this profile is
downloaded by the device using wide area network connection. The
device's unique hardware identification number can be used to
manage the association between user and its profile.
[0067] The final form of device setup, as shown in FIG. 7,
configures the routing information manually. Again, a set of
questions are presented to the user to capture various data type
routing and classification information. The answers are used to
create the routing information file, which is later used for
multimedia document classification and routing to remote
servers.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating a method of
capturing multi-media data 320 as shown in FIG. 2 to scan
documents. The user inserts the document in the scanner feeder.
Upon processing and extracting datatypes, if the information is
found for a single action match, no further interaction is needed
from the user to route this information. In the case when multiple
desired user actions are found in the database for processed
datatypes, the user is asked to select the document type using
either the reconfigurable buttons 90 or touch screen of the display
70. Single touch classification or action can be prompted via
frequently used shortcuts programmed via monitoring the user's
daily use of the device. Several classifications may be necessary
which are already present in the preconfigured memory as setup in
FIG. 7. For example, if this document is of the type expense
receipt then the user may also select its payment type. In
addition, the device will assign a unique identification number to
the scanned document. In the preferred embodiment, the device
contains a printer, which through some print mechanism, imprints
the identification number on the document as it is scanned. In a
key embodiment, the device software performs OCR and extracts the
key datatypes. The device stores both the user entered information,
the OCR captured datatype information and the document image
information (preferably in compressed form). In other embodiments,
it is possible that the functions of the touch screen controls or
buttons can be replaced with voice activated controls such as in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 13.
[0069] FIG. 9 details the steps the device 100 executes when
capturing the multimedia information such as digital pictures,
video and music data. Since such information is readily available
in capturing devices (cameras, camcorders, and music players), the
PMAAR 100 simply acts as a switch that uploads this information to
the remote server 175. When connected to these multimedia devices,
the PMAAR device automatically detects the data type associated
with the stream and presents some classification and dispositioning
choices for user input. For example, while connected to a digital
camera the PMAAR device may ask additional classification for the
specific photo shoot such as vacation, birthday party, and
graduation among others. In the case of a music player, the PMAAR
100 may for example solicit choice of data synchronization versus
simple data upload. Digital video may go through additional
transcoding before uploading to the remote backup site. While
working with multimedia data, the internal memory is used for
optimizing the upload, synchronization or transcoding and uploading
tasks as selected by the user.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram that details the steps for a
user to perform the upload device data 330 process summarized in
FIG. 2 by which the device 100 transmits stored multi-media
metadata 156 to the remote server 175. Because of its compact size,
the device 100 may only store a limited amount of information and
therefore must periodically upload the scanned information to the
server for processing and permanent storage. If the device 100 is
not continuously connected to a means for data transmission, a
memory usage status indicator 10 will inform the user that no more
receipts can be stored without archiving the already scanned
information. The user is thereby conditioned to attach the device
100 to a communication port when the memory is low. When the device
100 recognizes a connection has been physically made, it checks to
see if any transactions are in the queue for transmission. If not,
the device deactivates the transmission process. If the memory
contains information for transmission, the device connects to the
server, performs an automatic login, sends the image and OCR data
and upon completion disconnects the communications. Once sent, the
data is deleted from the device.
[0071] FIGS. 11a and 11b are illustrations of exemplary automatic
authenticating router devices including a micro-scanner. The small
handheld device in FIG. 11a is used such that the operator selects
a button and then runs the device tip over that item. This allows
the software to quickly capture the pertinent information without
needing to scan the whole document. As noted, more classification
categories can be included with additional control inputs or with a
smart user interface. A small numeric keypad can be used to enter
amounts, which are not amenable to scanning and OCR
recognition.
[0072] The embodiment shown in FIG. 11b includes a small display,
preferably an LCD, which can show either a one line summary of
performance or the captured image and OCR output immediately side
by side for verification by the user. Any problems can be corrected
with a numeric keypad and the other buttons.
[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates an automatic authenticating router
device configured to communicate with a personal digital assistant
PDA or cell phone. As shown in FIG. 12 the device 100 is connected
directly or via wireless or wired means to a PDA device. The PDA
can then act to provide the computing power and memory for the
device 100 connected to it. In the case when the PDA is connected
directly to the device 100, the device hardware can be minimized to
take advantage of processing power within the PDA. This could make
the device 100 more compact and inexpensive for users that already
have a PDA. The device 100 scanner may optionally have a document
collection tray 80 as shown in FIG. 3. From the PDA, the data can
easily be moved to other computing systems or accounting software.
The synchronization process between PDA and personal computers can
be performed via WiFi, USB, serial, or infrared or any other
physical layer existing in this embodiment.
[0074] FIG. 13 illustrates a desktop application of the device
configured to collect audio data. This variation of the device
includes a microphone and speaker and controls for regulating the
microphone input. The software of the device includes functionality
to record the voice and recognize the spoken commands. The
necessary commands are limited in quantity of required vocabulary.
The document fields to be captured can be verbally enunciated by
the user reading the various accounting fields necessary to be
captured off the receipt. The constrained vocabulary permits better
recognition on a limited computing powered device. Vocabulary
necessary will include the classification categories, the numerals
and units of monetary measure, among other key words. This voice
input functionality can be made easier to operate by allowing an
unconstrained grammar along with the intelligent recognizer. The
recognizer performs similar functions to those of the OCR
recognizer in assisting the user to capture the key field
information. This voice control could also be used in coordination
with the desktop verifier software as well as be used by the server
based verifier software to speed data entry by the verification
staff. The side-by-side OCR and original data can be presented to
the verifier and instead of keying in the corrections the voice
input can be used instead of or in conjunction with a keyboard
entry device.
[0075] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this disclosure has been described in connection with
particular examples thereof, the true scope of the disclosure
should not be so limited since other modifications will become
apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings,
specification, and the following claims.
* * * * *