WO2012164580A2

WO2012164580A2 - Method and system for tagging, scanning, auto-filing, and retrieving objects

Info

Publication number: WO2012164580A2
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anupam Singh; Vivek Agrawal
Original assignee: Shared Reach Mobility Services Private Limited
Priority date: 2011-05-30
Filing date: 2012-05-29
Publication date: 2012-12-06
Also published as: WO2012164580A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and a method to at least one of identify a tag for an object, scan, and tag the object, wherein the tag is defined in association with the object to be scanned or tagged. The system may include a tagging scanner facility embedded within a hardware module to perform one of the above mentioned tasks. Further, the system includes a plurality of integrated modules to perform one of at least tag, scan, route, transmit and like functions. The system may be configured to be included in a portable hand-held device to function as hardware module for the system. A digital storage further may be connected to the hardware module via a network connection for the storage of scanned object.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TAGGING, SCANNING, AUTO-FILING, AND

RETRIEVING OBJECTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

[0001] The present invention relates to a system that may be used for providing Secured digital photography along with scanning objects. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system configured to enable a user to tag, scan, auto-file, and retrieve objects in a convenient manner.

BACKGROUND:

[0002] Several devices are available for scanning objects. Conventionally, flat bed scanners or hand-held scanning devices may be used to generate a digital, electronic version of a hard copy of an object. Such scanning devices are connected to image processing devices such as a computer through a wired connection or wireless connection where a digitally recorded data can be downloaded. The process enables the user to download a scanned object to the computer where the object can be manipulated or amended as per the user's satisfaction. However, the conventional flat-bed scanners are bulky and need other image processing devices for manipulating the images such as tagging, editing, and the like. Further, operation of the handheld scanners may be very tiring while scanning a paper-based object such as forms, letters, surveys, and the like.

[0003] With the advancement of time improvements are made in the conventional scanners such as, digital cameras are provided with a scanning feature that enables a user to capture images of objects and scan them using the digital camera. The scanned images may be downloaded and saved on a disk such as a compact disc (CD) by the user. The user may also transfer the images to other machines using the Internet. The saved images can be used later as per the requirement of the user. However, images captured through the digital camera may not be clear due to movement of the user's hand while clicking. In addition, it may be inconvenient for the user to retrieve the images stored or transferred earlier. Also, while transferring the scanned images through the Internet, the images may get saved at any location. Further, the present day cameras with integrated scanners do not allow the user to access the saved images from a remote location. [0004] In view of the disadvantages mentioned above, there exists a need for a system that may enable an imaging device to capture clear images of objects such as by using a support structure that may minimize any blur caused due to shaking of the imaging device. There further exists a need for a system that may enable a user to easily retrieve the scanned objects by tagging the objects prior to and after the scanning. There still exists a need for a system that may enable a user to save the scanned objects at a pre-defined location over the Internet. In addition, there exists a need for a system that may enable a user to access the saved objects from the remote location.

SUMMARY:

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, a system includes a hardware module. The hardware module includes a tagging scanner facility to at least one of identify a tag for an object, scan, and tag the object. The tag is defined in association with the object to be scanned or tagged. Further the system includes a remotely or locally located digital storage. The digital storage is coupled to the tagging scanner facility via a communication network. The system includes a plurality of modules integrated within the tagging scanner facility to facilitate use of functionalities of the tagging scanner facility. In an embodiment, the system with the tagging scanner facility is configured to include in or coupled to a portable hand-held device.

[0006] In an embodiment, the hardware module includes a support structure configured to mount the portable hand-held device on a first location of a support structure. In an embodiment, the support structure includes a second location for the placement of the object at least to be identified for the tag, scanned, and tagged with the use of the portable hand-held device including the tagging scanner facility and positioned at the first location.

[0007] In an embodiment, the support structure is configured to include an adjustable mechanism so as to adjust a distance between the first location and the second location of the support structure.

[0008] In an embodiment, the plurality of modules integrated within the tagging scanner facility further includes at least one of a tagging module to identify the tag for the object, a scanning module to facilitate scanning of the object, a routing module to route a scanned object to an identified destination via the network, and a transmission module to transmit the scanned object along with the tag to a location specified by the routing module.

[0009] In an embodiment, the digital storage is configured to include a plurality of modules, wherein the modules comprising at least one of a receiving module to receive an object via a secured communication network, a routing module to route the object to a location based on an information of the tag associated with the object, a search module to facilitate a user in searching an object stored in the storage, and a retrieval module to facilitate the user in retrieval of the object from the storage.

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention includes a method, wherein the method comprises receiving, tagging information via an integrated tagging module for an object to be tagged. The method further includes identifying tags for the object and tagging the object on the basis of the information received. Also, the method includes identifying a destination for the tagged object to be stored in a storage based on the identified tags. The object is routed with the tags to the identified destination in the storage. Further the method includes transmitting the object to the storage through an authenticated route using a communication network.

[0011] In an embodiment, the method further includes scanning the object, the scanning of the object can be done prior to tagging or after tagging.

[0012] In an embodiment, the method further includes searching and retrieving the object stored within the storage, based on the tags associated with the object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates an overview of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Fig. 2A illustrates a hardware module assembly of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 2B illustrates a portable hand-held device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0016] Figs. 3A-3D illustrates various perspective view of a support structure of the hardware module assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Fig. 4 illustrates integrated modules of a tagging scanner facility, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Fig. 5 illustrates a digital storage of a system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method for tagging, scanning, auto filing, and retrieving the scanned objects, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0020] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

[0021] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term "another," as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). The term "coupled" or "operatively coupled," as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and/or mechanically.

[0022] The present invention provides a system for enabling a user to capture digital images of objects, artifacts, and the like; identify tags or bookmarks for the captured images; scan the images, associate tags or bookmarks with the scanned images; and store the tagged images in a digital storage via source routing. The system may also enable a user to retrieve the stored images from the digital storage by searching for images on the basis of the tags or bookmarks associated with the objects. The objects as mentioned herein may include, but are not limited to, a form, a fax, a letter, a photo, an image, an artifact, a document and the like. [0023] Referring to Fig. 1, an overview of a system 100 (hereinafter referred as system 100) is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may include a hardware module 108. The hardware module 108 includes a tagging scanner facility 102 to at least one of identify a tag for an object, scan, and tag the object. In an embodiment, the tag can be defined in association with the object to be scanned or tagged.

[0024] The tagging scanner facility 102 may be coupled to a remotely located digital storage 104 via a communication network 106.

[0025] In an embodiment, the communication network 106 may be a public network, a mobile network, the Internet, and the like. Further, the digital storage 104 may facilitate receiving scanned objects that may be transmitted by the tagging scanner facility 102. These received objects may also include the tags or bookmarks associated with the objects. In embodiments, the digital storage 104 may be in a local network or a remote network. The digital storage 104 may further facilitate routing the received scanned objects to an appropriate location in the digital storage 104. Also, the digital storage 104 may facilitate storing the scanned objects along with the tags or bookmarks at the appropriate location. In embodiments, the scanned objects may be stored centrally. Further, the scanned objects may be stored in a distributed network. In addition, the digital storage 104 may facilitate retrieval of the stored objects. The user may retrieve the objects by searching the objects stored within the digital storage 104.

[0026] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes the tagging scanner facility 102 to facilitate use of functionalities that may include, but are not limited to, identifying tags or bookmarks for the objects to be scanned; scanning of the objects; and tagging of the scanned objects based on the context of the object to be scanned. . In an embodiment, the tagging scanner facility 102 may facilitate a user to define tags or bookmarks that may be associated with the object to be scanned. Further, the tagging scanner facility 102 may facilitate identification of a destination for the scanned objects and routing of the scanned objects to the selected destination over a secure communication channel via communication network 106. [0027] In an embodiment, the tagging scanner facility 102 may be integrated in a single custom device such as a portable handheld device. Such a portable handheld device is explained in detail in conjunction with Fig. 2B later.

[0028] Fig. 2A illustrates a system 200 showing the hardware module 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It may be evident for a person skilled in art that the hardware module 108 of FIG. 1 is similar to the hardware module 202 of FIG. 2A. The hardware module 202 may include the tagging scanner facility 102, as shown in FIG. 1. The tagging scanner facility 102 may be integrated within a portable hand held device. An exemplary portable hand-held device 210 is shown in fig. 2B. Referring now to FIG. 2 A and FIG. 2B, the system 200 and the hardware module 202 are described below.

[0029] In an embodiment the tagging scanner facility 102 may be configured to be included in or be coupled to the portable hand-held device 210. The portable hand-held device 210 may include at least one of a mobile, a PDA, a laptop or like devices. In an embodiment, the portable hand-held device 210 may be easily transported from one location to another.

[0030] Further, the portable hand-held device 210 may be configured to include a digital camera 204 configured to capture and scan digital images of objects, artifacts, and the like. In an embodiment the objects may include, without limitation, paper-based objects, banking forms, insurance forms, KYC forms, telecom forms, and the like. In an embodiment, the portable hand-held device 210 may allow a user to capture digital images by manipulating a touch screen button, a key stroke, or any other suitable input of the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment the digital camera 204, as referred here, may be a standalone digital camera or a digital camera integrated in a device such as a mobile phone, a PDA, a fully integrated custom device, and the like for scanning facility. In an embodiment the digital camera 204 may be configured within the portable hand-held device 210 to facilitate a user to perform at least one of scan and image capture tasks.

[0031] In an embodiment, the portable hand-held device 210 may be provided with an aperture adjustment mechanism 218. The aperture adjustment mechanism 218 may facilitate the user to regulate the amount of light that may pass through an aperture of the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the user may manually adjust the aperture of the camera 204. In an embodiment, the aperture adjustment mechanism 218 may facilitate aperture adjustments automatically for the user.

[0032] It may be useful that the portable hand-held device 210 may include a temporary storage facility 220 that may store the scanned objects temporarily in case the portable hand-held device 210 may lost network connection. In an embodiment, the temporary storage 220 may be expandable and may be at least one of the forms of internal memory, internal or external flash memory, and the like. Further, the portable hand-held device 210 may include an automatic retransmission facility 212. In an embodiment, the retransmission facility 212 may enable the tagging scanner facility 102 to automatically transmit any object that may be scanned and saved in the temporary storage of the portable hand-held device 210 to a server, upon restoration of the network connectivity of the portable hand-held device 210.

[0033] In an embodiment, the portable hand-held device 210 may include an image stabilization facility 214 (hereinafter referred as IS facility). The IS facility 214 may reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera 204 during exposure. In an embodiment, the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210 may be configured to provide stability to an image by reducing blur in photos via software corrections inside the camera 204. In an embodiment the software may enable the camera 204 to create an image from less light. The camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210 may shoot at a faster shutter speed, in order to minimize blur from camera shake.

[0034] Further, the tagging scanner facility 102 may include a plurality of modules 206 also referred to as integrated modules configured to perform at least one of a tagging, scanning and like operations. In an embodiment the portable hand-held device 210 may be configured in a manner that it may allow a user to select the functions available in the plurality of modules 206 to perform at least one of tagging, scanning and like tasks. Further, the integrated modules 206 of the tagging scanner facility 102 may be integrated in the portable hand-held device 210. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the integrated modules 206 may be used with any compatible hardware other than the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the integrated modules 206 may be pre-loaded into the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the integrated modules 206 may be downloaded from a remote web server via the Internet. In an embodiment, the integrated modules 206 may facilitate the user to use various functionalities of the tagging scanner facility 102 through the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the IS facility may be a part of the integrated modules 206 and may then be integrated separately in the portable hand-held device 210.

[0035] In an embodiment, the portable hand-held device 210 may be configured to include a segmentation facility 216. Further, the segmentation facility 216 may automatically create segments of high resolution scans performed by a scanner of the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the segments of the scanned objects may facilitate efficient uploading of the scanned objects such as on a public mobile network. Further, a user may access the portable hand-held device 210 from a remote location and may remotely control the properties of the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, such remote access may allow management of the properties of the portable hand-held device 210 from a central sy stem. In an embodiment, the portable hand-held device 210 may be controlled from a remote server as well as from any device of a local network.

[0036] In an embodiment, the hardware module 200 may be configured to include a support structure 208. The support structure 208 may facilitate in minimizing blurring of an image captured by the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may be explained in detail in conjunction with figs. 3A-3D.

[0037] In embodiments, the system 200 may be designed as per the need of the user. In an embodiment, the system 200 may be configured as a self-standing system by using a tripod stand as the support structure 208. In another example, the system 200 may be mounted on a wall. In yet another example, the system 200 may be reverse standing. Further, the ergonomics of the system 200 may be varied by placing the camera 204 at different locations in the system 200. For example, the camera 204 may be placed in a middle portion that may be connected to a central system. . Accordingly, the integrated hardware components of the system 200 may be customized as per the requirement.

[0038] Figs. 3A-3D, illustrates various perspective views of the support structure 208 of the system 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the support structure 208 according to various embodiments of the invention. In an embodiment the integrated design of the support structure 208 may include a first location 302, wherein the first location 302 may be coupled to mount the portable hand held device 210, and a second location 304 to serve as object holding surface. In an embodiment, the first location 302 may be configured as a camera holding surface and the second location 304 may be configured as a document holding surface.

[0039] In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may be configured to include an adjustable mechanism 306. The adjustable mechanism may be configured to adjust the distance between the first location 302 and the second location 304. In an embodiment the adjustable mechanism may be a pole. Further, the first location 302 and the second location 304 may be configured to be attached by a pole 306. In an embodiment, the first location 302 may include slots for accommodating other electrical fixtures such as lightings, flash, and the like.

[0040] In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may further be configured to include a recharging facility within the first location 302. In an embodiment, the recharging facility may include power cables that may be used for lighting up the support structure 208. Further, the recharging facility may be capable of charging a battery of the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the recharging facility may facilitate storing charge in a battery to deal with situations when power supply may be unavailable. In an embodiment, the recharging facility may provide a battery -based power backup that may allow uninterrupted functioning.

[0041] In an embodiment, the first location 302 of the support structure 208 may be configures to include optical lenses and a control mechanism that may modify the focal length of the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210. Further, the control mechanism may modify the focal length of the camera 204 either statically or dynamically as per the user requirements. In case of a static system, the support structure 208 may include replaceable lens system. In an embodiment, the lens system may remain the same for every kind of camera deployed on the support structure 208, until the lens system may be physically replaced by the user. In case of a dynamic system, the lenses may change their configuration depending on the kind of camera deployed on the support structure 208. In an embodiment, the change in the configuration of lenses may be controlled via software. Further, the identified changes may then be done manually by the user. In an embodiment, the changes in the configuration may be based on the type of camera 204 or lens, size of the object to be scanned, and the like. Accordingly, the control mechanism may enable the user to capture high-quality photos.

[0042] The support structure 208 may include an illumination facility. In an embodiment, the illumination facility may control the illumination provided to the objects to be scanned. Further, the illumination facility may include a light source such as an electric lamp. In an embodiment the light source may be capable of being adjusted into positions such that the object being captured by the camera 204 may be completely illuminated to enable high quality and high resolution digital images by the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210 coupled to the support structure 208. In an embodiment, the illumination facility may include options for providing even illumination. In an embodiment the illumination facility may comprise, but are not limited to, flash, external light sources, and the like. For example, the illumination facility may include more than one light source for constantly distributing light across the objects to be scanned. In an embodiment, the illumination facility may be controlled to provide automatic illumination. In an embodiment, the illumination facility may be programmed to provide illumination only at the time of scanning the object.

[0043] The object to be scanned may be kept on the second location 304. In an embodiment^' the second location 304 lies geometrically below the first location 302 in order to capture the image to be scanned. Further the second location 304 may include fasteners for holding the object to be scanned. In an embodiment, the second location 304 may also include a pair of guides for facilitating in adjusting the area of the object to be scanned. In an embodiment the first location 302 and the second location 304 may be connected by means of the pole 306.

[0044] The object required to be scanned may vary in dimensions. In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may require adjustment between the first location302 and the second location 304. In an embodiment the support structure 208 may provide a facility to vary the distance between the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210 and the object to be scanned by adjusting the height of the pole 306. In an embodiment, the distance may be adjusted by adjusting the height between the first location 302 and the second location 304. Further, the distance may be adjusted such that the camera 204 may be able to capture the entire object by taking into account the camera's aperture, size of the object to be scanned, focal length of the camera, and the like. In an embodiment, a user may manually adjust the distance between the first location 302 and the second location 304. In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may facilitate automatic adjustment of the distance between the camera 204 and the object.

[0045] Fig. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the support structure 208. In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may include the first location 302, wherein the first location includes an aperture 308 for the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210. In an embodiment, the aperture 308 may facilitate adjustment of the optical distance between the camera 204 and the object to be scanned.

[0046] Fig. 3C is a perspective view of the support structure 208 similar to that shown in Fig. 3A. In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may be configured as a monopod. Further, the support structure 208 may be mounted on a wall. In an embodiment, the various mounting options may be adjusted for controlling the height of the camera 204 based on the size of the objects. In an embodiment the above-mentioned mounting options may hold the camera 204 in place, thereby facilitating operation of the camera 204 in obtaining an image of an object to be imaged. Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the support structure 208 may be mounted in other ways than those described above. In an embodiment, the support structure 208 may include at least one of monopod, duopod, tripod, quadrapod, and the like.

[0047] Fig. 3D, illustrates top and bottom views of the first location 302. Fig. 3D illustrates various slots of the first location 302such as slots for lighting fixtures, slot for flash, aperture for camera, and the like.

[0048] In use, the object to be scanned may be kept on the second location 304of the support structure 208. The object may then be illuminated by the illumination facility of the support structure 208 before capturing an image of the object. The camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210 may be adjusted on the first location 302 above the object. The support structure 208 may enable the user to keep the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210 steady, which may result in minimizing blurring of an image of the object. Further, the support structure 208 may be designed to be compatible with various configurations of the portable handheld device 210. [0049] Fig. 4 illustrates various modules of the integrated modules 206 of the tagging scanner facility 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the integrated modules 400 are similar to the integrated modules 206. Further, the integrated modules 400 may be explained in conjunction with Fig. 2. In an embodiment, the integrated modules 400 may be configured to include a tagging module 402, a scanning module 404, a routing module 406, and a transmission module 408).

[0050] In an embodiment, the tagging module 402 may provide secure access of the tagging scanner facility 102 to a user. In an embodiment, the user may need to provide some information; the information may include a login ID and a password for accessing the tagging scanner facility 102. In an embodiment, the tagging module 402 may provide a user interface to the user for enabling the user to input the required information, wherein the user interface may be displayed through the portable hand-held device 210 of the tagging scanner facility 102. In an embodiment, the user interface may include at least one of a touch interface, external buttons of the portable hand-held device 210. The tagging module 402 may also facilitate identification and creation of metadata tags, wherein the tags may be based on at least one of parameter a login ID of the user, type of object to be scanned, purpose of the object, and the like.

[0051] The tagging module 402 may be configured to identify the tag for the object. The tagging module 402 may enable the user to identify tags from the object prior to capturing the image of the object. In an embodiment, the user may assign a keyword or term to the object to be scanned. Each tag may contain metadata that may describe the contents of the object. In an example, if the user needs to scan a bank account statement, the user may create metadata tags related to at least one of a bank of the user, account type of the user, month of the account statement, name of the account holder, and the like. The tagging module 402 may thereafter receive user inputs for defining metadata tags based on the context of the object to be scanned. In an embodiment, the tagging module 402 may present a list of pre-configured metadata tags to the user. In an embodiment, the tagging module 402 may provide timestamps to the objects to be scanned. Further, the tagging module 402 may include location parameters such as the name of the place where the object is scanned, the latitude/longitude of the place where scanning is being carried out, and the like. [0052] In an embodiment, the tagging module 402 may capture a context based on which scanning may be performed for the object. In an embodiment, the captured context may be associated with fields (tags or bookmarks) and an Extensible Markup Language (XML) object may be prepared with the context fields. Further, the XML object may include name of the scanned object as the object name may be based on the context fields. In an embodiment, the context captured by the tagging module 402 may be a combination of various types of data such as the name of the user who logged in to scan, time of scanning, type of object being scanned, specific IDs related to the object, and the like.

[0053] In an embodiment, the tagging module 402 may include recording a set of metadata elements in a sequence (tuple) that may be attached to each specific object that may get scanned. Further, the tagging module 402 may attach the metadata elements in the form of tags or bookmarks as data field may be transmitted together with a scanned object. In an embodiment, the metadata elements may be attached by associating the data tuple with the information that may be sent separately from the object such as object name, object ID, and the like. In an embodiment, the metadata elements may be tagged with the scanned object as watermarks. In an embodiment, the scanned object may be tagged by associating the metadata in a file format such as exif file format.

[0054] In an embodiment, the system 100 may be used as an enterprise resource management tool. Further, a user may associate multiple tags or bookmarks with a single object. The multiple tags or bookmarks may comprise combinations of the user-defined tags, new tags identified by the user, tags identified by the tagging module 402, and the like. In an embodiment, the tags or bookmarks may include, but are not limited to, a Customer ID, a Client ID, a User ID, Object Type, End-User Channel, and the like. In an embodiment, the Customer ID may include name of a customer, number of a customer, address or any other unique information of a customer for whom the object may be scanned. In an embodiment, the user may be the customer.

[0055] Further, the Client ID may include information for identifying the Client such as an Enterprise or Company. In an embodiment, the metadata tag may include the name or unique information of the Enterprise or Company, similarly the User ID may include the name of the user, location (address, latitude, longitude), or any authentication information that may verify a valid user for sending the scanned object. Further end-User Channel may relate to an identifier for an end-user of the scanned object. In an embodiment, a specific department within the Enterprise or Company to whom the scanned object needs to be sent.

[0056] Further, once the object has been scanned, the tagging module 402 may allow the user to associate the pre-defined metadata tags with the object. In an embodiment these metadata tags may enable efficient search of the objects by searching the metadata tags contained in the objects. In an embodiment, additional tags may be identified after scanning the object.

[0057] In an embodiment, the scanning module 404 may facilitate scanning images of the objects captured by the portable hand-held 210. Further the scanning module 404 may facilitate scanning of the object based on the context identified by the tagging module 402. In an embodiment the scanning module 404 may be configured to automatically include information from at least one of user name, client name, time of scanning, location of scanning, and the like. In an embodiment, the scanning module 404 may facilitate the user to select the parameters of scanning, wherein the parameter may be at least one of size of image, portion of the object to be scanned, and the like. In an embodiment scanning of the object may be configured automatically based on the context identified by the tagging module 402. Further, once the image of the object is scanned, name of the scanned image may be set on the basis of the context. In an embodiment the scanning of the object may be facilitated by controlled illumination, image stabilization, and power recharge of the scanner integrated in the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 210. Further, the scanning module 404 may be configured to process the captured images. In an embodiment, the scanning module 404 may correct the edges of rectangular objects such as papers, business cards, and the like. In an embodiment, the scanning module 404 may improve sharpness, brightness, contrast, remove noise, and reduce file size of the captured images.

[0058] Once the object is scanned, the routing module 406 may be configured to route the scanned objects to the identified destination via the network. In an embodiment, based on the specified route, the object may be transmitted to destination storage via the secure transmission. The routing module 406 may facilitate source-routing of the scanned objects on the basis of the metadata tags associated with the scanned objects. In an embodiment, multiple Clients and Client End-User channels may use the system 100 simultaneously. In an embodiment when a object is pre-tagged, additional tuples of routing information may be generated at the tagging module 402. Further these additional tuples may be used while transmitting the object. In an embodiment the specific identities of the Client System and Client End-User IDs within the Client (there could iteratively be multiple levels of nested systems that would be specifically identified) that may allow the object to be routed to the correct destination storage system.

[0059] The routing module 406 may facilitate identification of the destination storage on the basis of the metadata tags. In an embodiment, the scanned objects may be stored locally. In an embodiment, the scanned objects may be saved on a computer that may be in use on a computer network. In an embodiment, a remote destination may be selected by the routing module 406 for storing the scanned objects. In an embodiment, the scanned objects may be saved on a computer that may be connected to a computer network but may not be in use.

[0060] Further, the routing module 406 may store the scanned objects in a distributed network/cloud. In an embodiment this may enable various users to access the scanned objects from remote locations. Once the identification of a destination is made, the routing module 406 may route the scanned objects to the selected location.

[0061] Finally, the transmission module 408 may be configured to transmit the scanned- objects along with the tag such as the metadata tags to the location specified by the routing module 406. The transmission module 408 may facilitate transmission of the scanned objects to the identified storage over a secure communication channel. Further, the transmission module 408 may authenticate a user prior to transmission of any object. For example, the transmission module 408 may provide a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) based security over the Internet. In an embodiment the transmission module 408 may be configured to transmit the scanned objects by using public or private key cryptography methods. In an embodiment the cryptographic methods may transform a written message into a form that may be read only by the intended recipient. The transmission module 408 may be configured to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the objects being transmitted. In an embodiment it may be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may utilize any known technique of secure data communication without any limitation. [0062] In an embodiment, the transmission module 408 may allow transmission through a wired network. In an embodiment, the transmission module 408 may allow transmission of the scanned objects through a wireless network. In an embodiment the wireless network may be at least one of a mobile network such as Infrared, Bluetooth™, and the like. Further, the transmission of the objects through the transmission module 408 may either take place through a public network or a private network.

[0063] In an embodiment the transmission module 408 may be centrally managed by management services that may be configured to control remote scanners, storage areas for scanned objects, and the like. The management services may be capable of setting scanner configuration, user information, and the like. In an embodiment the transmission module may be used to set routing information such that the source routing tables may be set based on various parameters.

[0064] Fig. 5, describes a digital storage 500 of the system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. It may be evident to a person skilled in the art that the digital storage 500 is similar to the digital storage 104. In an embodiment, the digital storage can be configured to include the plurality of modules including at least one of a receiving module 502, a routing module 504, a search module 506, and a retrieval module 508. In an embodiment, the digital storage 500 may be configured to store the scanned objects transmitted by the transmission module 408 of the integrated modules 400. The destination storage may be in a local network. In an embodiment, the destination storage may be in a remote network. In an embodiment, the scanned objects may be stored at a central location with secure access to at least one of view, edit, and retrieve the scanned objects. However, the scanned objects may be stored in a distributed location which may enable various users to access the scanned objects from remote locations.

[0065] The digital storage 500 may include the receiver module 502 that may be configured to receive the scanned objects over a communications network such as the Internet, Intranet, and Extranet. In an embodiment the receiver module 502 may receive the scanned objects from the tagging scanner facility 102 along with the metadata tags associated with the scanned objects. Further, the digital storage 500 may include the routing module 504 that may be configured to route the scanned objects received by the receiver module 502 to an appropriate location in the digital storage 500. In an embodiment the routing module 504 may route the scanned objects on the basis of the metadata tags associated with the scanned objects. Further, the scanned objects may get stored at the appropriate location identified by the routing module 504.

[0066] Once the router module 504 routes the object to a defined destination the object gets stored. In an embodiment, in order to retrieve such an object from the storage 500 we require the search module 506. The search module 506 to facilitate a user in searching the objects stored in the digital storage. In an embodiment, the digital storage 500 may also provide an interface for searching the stored objects. The metadata tags associated with the scanned objects may facilitate searching of the scanned objects. In an embodiment, the user may search the stored objects by using keywords that may include at least one of object, Client ID, User ID, and the like. In an embodiment the search module 506 may also allow searching of the scanned objects on the basis of time of scan, location of scan, and the like.

[0067] The digital storage 500 may further include the retrieving module 508. In an embodiment. The retrieving module 508 may be configured to facilitate the user in retrieval of the object from the storage. In an embodiment the scanned objects may be retrieved by the end- client as well as by the user on the basis of the User ID, Client ID, End-User ID, type of object, and the like. In an embodiment, the user may retrieve objects that may be scanned on a particular date.

[0068] Further, the scanned objects may be optionally processed at the digital storage 500. As mentioned herein, the processing of the scanned objects may be done to improve sharpness, contrast, remove noise, reduce file size of the scanned image, and the like. Fig. 6 represents a flowchart of a method 600 for tagging, scanning, auto filing, and retrieval of the scanned objects is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method 600 may be explained in conjunction with Figs. 1-5. The method 600 may start at step 602. At step 604, in formation for tagging of the object may be received via an integrated tagging module 402 is received. In an embodiment, tags or bookmarks may be determined for the object to be scanned. The tags or bookmarks may be determined on the basis of the context of the object to be scanned. The tags or bookmarks may be based on various parameters such as purpose of the object, type of the object, and the like. Further, the tags or bookmarks may be defined by the user. In an embodiment, the tags may include name of the user, name of an end- user, and the like. Once the tags or bookmarks may be identified, the camera 204 such as the camera 204 of the portable hand-held device 2210 may scan an image of the object. The object may be scanned via the scanning module 404 that may be integrated within the portable handheld device 210. The scanned images may be processed to improve sharpness of the images, adjust contrast, brightness, and the like. .

[0069] Further, at step 606, the method 600 includes identifying tags for the object. At step 608 tagging of the object may be done on the basis of the information received. In an embodiment the information for tagging may include the client information. In an embodiment the client information may be of at least of a type including bank detail, account no, and the like. Thereafter at step 610, the tagged object may require the identification of a destination in a storage based on the identified tags attached to the object. Once the identification of destination for storage is completed at step 610, the destination storage may be identified for routing the objects along with associated tags at step 612. Thereafter, the objects may be securely transmitted at step 614. The transmission may take place through the authenticated route. In an embodiment, the user may need to provide identification information before transmitting the scanned objects to the destination storage. The transmitted objects may be received at the digital storage such as a digital storage 104 at step 614. The objects received may be associated with the metadata tags and ending the method of storage of tagged object may be done at step 616 .

[0070] In an embodiment, the method may include scanning of the object. In an embodiment the scanning may comprise attaching a tag prior to scanning of the object or attaching a tag after scanning the object.

[0071] The method further comprising searching and retrieving the object stored within the storage, based on the tags associated with the object. In an embodiment the searching of the stored object can be performed with the assistance of the associated tag with the object.

[0072] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software, program codes, and/or instructions on a processor. In an embodiment, the processor may be part of a server, client, network infrastructure, mobile computing platform, stationary computing platform, or other computing platform. A processor may be any kind of computational or processing device capable of executing program instructions, codes, binary instructions and the like. In an embodiment, the processor may be or include a signal processor, digital processor, embedded processor, microprocessor or any variant such as a co-processor (math co-processor, graphic co-processor, communication co-processor and the like) and the like that may directly or indirectly facilitate execution of program code or program instructions stored thereon. In an embodiment, the processor may enable execution of multiple programs, threads, and codes. Performance of the processor may be enhanced by simultaneously executing the threads. The simultaneous execution of the threads may also facilitate simultaneous operations of the application. In an embodiment, by way of implementation, methods, program codes, program instructions and the like described herein may be implemented in one or more thread. The thread may spawn other threads that may have assigned priorities associated with them; the processor may execute these threads based on priority or any other order based on instructions provided in the program code. Further, the processor may include memory that stores methods, codes, instructions and programs as described herein . The processor may access a storage medium through an interface that may store methods, codes, and instructions as described herein. The methods, codes, and instructions are capable of being executed by the computing or processing device. In an embodiment, the storage medium associated with the processor may include but may not be limited to one or more of a CD-ROM, DVD, memory, hard disk, flash drive, RAM, ROM, cache and the like.

[0073] In an embodiment, a processor may include one or more cores that may enhance speed and performance of a multiprocessor. In an embodiment, the processor may be a dual core processor, quad core processors, other chip-level multiprocessor and the like that combine two or more independent cores (called a die).

[0074] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through a machine that executes computer software on a server, client, firewall, gateway, hub, router, or other such computer and/or networking hardware. In an embodiment, the software program may be associated with a server that may include a file server, print server, domain server, internet server, intranet server and other variants such as secondary server, host server, distributed server and the like. The server may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces that may be capable of accessing other servers, clients, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. Further, the server may be capable of executing the methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere. In an embodiment, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the server.

[0075] The server may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, clients, other servers, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. In an embodiment, coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of program across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more location without deviating from the scope of the invention. In an embodiment, any of the above-mentioned devices attached to the server may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, code and/or instructions. Further, a central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In an embodiment, with such implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.

[0076] The software program may be associated with a client that may include a file client, print client, domain client, internet client, intranet client and other variants such as secondary client, host client, distributed client and the like. The client may include one or more of memories, processors, computer readable media, storage media, ports (physical and virtual), communication devices, and interfaces capable of accessing other clients, servers, machines, and devices through a wired or a wireless medium, and the like. The methods, programs or codes as described herein and elsewhere may be executed by the client. In an embodiment, other devices required for execution of methods as described in this application may be considered as a part of the infrastructure associated with the client.

[0077] In an embodiment, the client may provide an interface to other devices including, without limitation, servers, other clients, printers, database servers, print servers, file servers, communication servers, distributed servers and the like. In an embodiment, such a coupling and/or connection may facilitate remote execution of program across the network. The networking of some or all of these devices may facilitate parallel processing of a program or method at one or more location without deviating from the scope of the invention. In an embodiment, any of the above-mentioned devices attached to the client may include at least one storage medium capable of storing methods, programs, applications, code and/or instructions. Further, a central repository may provide program instructions to be executed on different devices. In an embodiment, in such an implementation, the remote repository may act as a storage medium for program code, instructions, and programs.

[0078] The methods and systems described herein may be deployed in part or in whole through network infrastructures. The network infrastructure may include elements such as computing devices, servers, routers, hubs, firewalls, clients, personal computers, communication devices, routing devices and other active and passive devices, modules and/or components as known in the art. The network infrastructural elements may be capable of executing the processes, methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere. The computing and/or non-computing device(s) associated with the network infrastructure may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as flash memory, buffer, stack, RAM, ROM and the like.

[0079] The methods, program codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on a cellular network having multiple cells. In an embodiment, the cellular network may either be frequency division multiple access (FDMA) network or code division multiple access (CDMA) network. The cellular network may include mobile devices, cell sites, base stations, repeaters, antennas, towers, and the like. The cell network may be a GSM, GPRS, 3G, EVDO, mesh, or other networks types.

[0080] The methods, programs codes, and instructions described herein and elsewhere may be implemented on or through mobile devices. In an embodiment the, mobile devices may include navigation devices, cell phones, mobile phones, mobile personal digital assistants, laptops, palmtops, netbooks, pagers, electronic books readers, music players and the like. In an embodiment, the mobile devices may include, apart from other components, a storage medium such as a flash memory, buffer, RAM, ROM and one or more computing devices. The computing devices associated with the mobile devices may be enabled to execute program codes, methods, and instructions stored thereon, in an embodiment, the mobile devices may be configured to execute instructions in collaboration with other devices. The mobile devices may communicate with base stations interfaced with servers and configured to execute program codes. The mobile devices may also communicate on a peer to peer network, mesh network, or other communications network. The program code may be stored on the storage medium associated with the server and executed by a computing device embedded within the server. The base station may include a computing device and a storage medium. In an embodiment, the storage device may store program codes and instructions executed by the computing devices associated with the base station. In an embodiment, the computer software, program codes, and/or instructions may be stored and/or accessed on machine readable media that may include: computer components, devices, and recording media that retain digital data used for computing for some interval of time; semiconductor storage known as random access memory (RAM); mass storage typically for more permanent storage, such as optical discs, forms of magnetic storage like hard disks, tapes, drums, cards and other types; processor registers, cache memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory; optical storage such as CD, DVD; removable media such as flash memory (e.g. USB sticks or keys), floppy disks, magnetic tape, paper tape, punch cards, standalone RAM disks, Zip drives, removable mass storage, off-line, and the like; other computer memory such as dynamic memory, static memory, read/write storage, mutable storage, read only, random access, sequential access, location addressable, file addressable, content addressable, network attached storage, storage area network, bar codes, magnetic ink, and the like.

[0081] The methods and systems described herein may transform physical and/or or intangible items from one state to another. The methods and systems described herein may also transform data representing physical and/or intangible items from one state to another.

[0082] The elements described and depicted herein, including in flow charts and block diagrams throughout the figures, imply logical boundaries between the elements. However, according to software or hardware engineering practices, the depicted elements and the functions thereof may be implemented on machines through computer executable media having a processor capable of executing program instructions stored thereon as a monolithic software structure, as standalone software modules, or as modules that employ external routines, code, services, and so forth, or any combination of these, and all such implementations may be within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, examples of such machines may include, but may not be limited to, personal digital assistants, laptops, personal computers, mobile phones, other handheld computing devices, medical equipment, wired or wireless communication devices, transducers, chips, calculators, satellites, tablet PCs, electronic books, gadgets, electronic devices, devices having artificial intelligence, computing devices, networking equipments, servers, routers and the like. Furthermore, the elements depicted in the flow chart and block diagrams or any other logical component may be implemented on a machine capable of executing program instructions. Thus, while the foregoing drawings and descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of software for implementing these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context. It will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. In an embodiment, all such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0083] The methods and/or processes described above, and steps thereof, may be realized in hardware, software or any combination of hardware and software suitable for a particular application. In an embodiment, the hardware may include a general purpose computer and/or dedicated computing device or specific computing device or particular aspect or component of a specific computing device. The processes may be realized in one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors or other programmable device, along with internal and/or external memory. Further, the processes may also, or instead, be embodied in an application specific integrated circuit, a programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or any other device or combination of devices that may be configured to process electronic signals. In an embodiment, it may further be appreciated that one or more of the processes may be realized as a computer executable code capable of being executed on a machine readable medium.

[0084] The computer executable code may be created using a structured programming language such as C, an object oriented programming language such as C++, or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly languages, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and technologies) that may be stored, compiled or interpreted to run on one of the above devices, as well as heterogeneous combinations of processors, processor architectures, or combinations of different hardware and software, or any other machine capable of executing program instructions.

[0085] In an embodiment, each method described above and combinations thereof may be embodied in computer executable code that, when executing on one or more computing devices, performs the steps thereof. In an embodiment, the methods may be embodied in systems that perform the steps thereof, and may be distributed across devices in a number of ways, or all of the functionality may be integrated into a dedicated, standalone device or other hardware. In an embodiment, the means for performing the steps associated with the processes described above may include any of the hardware and/or software described above. All such permutations and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0086] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a computer program product configured to store computer codes or programs or instructions capable of executing the various methods or steps of the methods of the present invention as described above.

[0087] While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In an embodiment, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

[0088] All objects referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:

a hardware module comprising a tagging scanner facility to at least one of identify a tag for an object, scan, and tag the object, wherein the tag is defined in association with the object to be scanned or tagged; a remotely or locally located digital storage coupled to the tagging scanner facility via a communication network; and a plurality of modules integrated within the tagging scanner facility to facilitate use of functionalities of the tagging scanner facility.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tagging scanner facility is configured to be included in or coupled to a portable handheld device.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the hardware module further comprising a support structure configured to mount the portable handheld device on a first location of the support structure.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first location is a camera holding location.

5. The system of claim 3, and the support structure comprising: a second location for placement of the object at least to be identified for the tag, scanned, and tagged with the use of the portable handheld device including the tagging scanner facility and positioned at the first location.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second location is an object holding location.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the support structure is configured to include an adjustable mechanism configured to adjust a distance between the first location and the second location of the support structure.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of modules further comprising: a tagging module to identify the tag for the object; a scanning module to facilitate scanning of the object; a routing module to route a scanned object to an identified destination via the network; and a transmission module to transmit the scanned object along with the tag to a location specified by the routing module.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the digital storage is configured to include a plurality of modules, the plurality of modules comprising: a receiving module to receive a object via a secured communication network; a routing module to route the object to a location based on an information of the tag associated with the object; a search module to facilitate a user in searching an object stored in the storage; and a retrieval module to facilitate the user in retrieval of the object from the storage.

10. A method comprising;

receiving, tagging information via an integrated tagging module for an object to be tagged; identifying tags for the object; tagging the object on the basis of the information received; identifying a destination for the tagged object to be stored in a storage based on the identified tags; routing the document along with the tags to the identified destination in the storage; and transmitting the document to the storage through an authenticated route using a communication network.

1 1. The method of claim 10, further including scanning of the object, wherein scanning of the object is done prior to tagging or after tagging.

12. The method of claim 10, and the method further comprising searching and retrieving the object stored within the storage, based on the tags associated with the object.

13. A computer program product for use with a computer, the computer program product comprising a computer usable medium having a computer readable set of instructions embodied therein for: receiving, tagging information via an integrated tagging module for an object to be tagged; identifying tags for the object; tagging the object on the basis of the information received; identifying a destination for the tagged object to be stored in a storage based on the identified tags; routing the document along with the tags to the identified destination in the storage; and transmitting the document to the storage through an authenticated route using a communication network.

14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the computer readable set of

instructions further performing:

scanning of the object, wherein the scanning of the object is done prior to tagging or after tagging.

15. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the computer readable set of

instructions further performing:

searching and retrieving the object stored within the storage, based on the tags associated with the object.