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 eCopy Overview  |   Image Enhancement Service  |   Barcode Recognition Service  |   Batch REnew Connector

FAQ’s: Open Archive Document Service for eCopy

 

General FAQs  | Image Enhancement Service FAQs  | Barcode Recognition Service FAQs  | Administrative FAQs
Product Overview Questions
What is the Open Archive (OA) Service?
The Open Archive Service is an eCopy Document Services solution that is based on the Batch REnew Connector. The Batch REnew Connector is being replaced by the two Services that make up the OA Service. All the barcode handling is now part of the Barcode Recognition Service. All the image clean-up functions are now contained in the Image Enhancement Service. The Services, designed to work separately or together, support eCopy ShareScan 4.2 and later.
Who is Open Archive Systems?
Open Archive Systems, an eCAP partner with eCopy since early 2006, initially developed the Batch REnew Connector for eCopy. This is now being replaced by the Open Archive Service. Open Archive Systems, established in 1994, specializes in developing and integrating imaging software solutions. OAS software includes document management, raster editing and specialty software that provides barcode handling and image clean up. Open Archive Systems is a wholly owned subsidiary of Service Point Solutions (Barcelona). For more information, visit our ecopy page and www.servicepoint.net.
How is the OA Service different from the Batch REnew Connector?
Services for eCopy are different from connectors in the sequence that the software runs. Connector software runs after all other eCopy functions are concluded whereas service software runs in the middle of eCopy processing. Software that is run as a service can be implemented with other service software as well as with any supported connector. The Barcode Recognition Service supports most of the eCopy developed connectors and services, please see list below. The Image Enhancement Service is supports all connectors and services.
Can the Barcode Recognition Service and the Image Enhancement Service be used together?
Yes, both services are designed to work individually and together.
Does the OA Service support color images?
Yes, this is managed with the eCopy ShareScan software.
Does the OA Service support PDF files?
Yes, this is managed with the eCopy ShareScan software.
Can I use the OA Service with profiles?
Yes, both the Barcode Recognition and Image Enhancement Service can be configured to work seamlessly with any supported connector or service. The Barcode Recognition Service can be used with all eCopy developed connectors and services and third party connectors on a case by case basis. The Image Enhancement Service can be used with all connectors and services.
Does the OA Service support embedded MFP devices?
Yes, the OA Service supports all of the same MFP’s as eCopy in the same standalone or embedded environments.
How does it work in embedded environments?
This is determined on a case by case basis. eCopy will evaluate the demands on the server and let you know the best way to meet client goals.
Are all MFP devices supported?
Yes, if the MFP device is supported by eCopy then the OA Service can be used.
Does the OA Service work with all versions of eCopy ShareScan?
No, the OA Service can only be used with ShareScan 4.2 and later. For previous versions of ShareScan, please refer to the Batch REnew Connector, available from Open Archive Systems (www.openarchive.com).

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Image Enhancement Service FAQ's
What does the Image Enhancement Service do?
Image enhancement creates clear and legible images which can eliminate the need for rescanning and increase the accuracy of OCR. Some of the common image enhancement features included in the Image Enhancement Service are:
  • deskew - straightens crooked images
  • despeckle - removes unwanted dots on a document
  • crop - cuts off extra space around a file
  • thicken or thin - adds or removes pixels if scanning produces an image that is too light or too dark
  • smooth - softens the edges of characters to improve legibility

Unique image enhancement features in this Service include:
  • advanced clarify - removes color behind text while keeping the text legible
  • forms clarify - a group of settings for forms that includes advanced clarify, despeckle and deskew
  • remove gridlines - removes lines in tables and forms that might interfere with OCR
What other Connectors/Services support the Image Enhancement Service?
The Image Enhancement Service can be used with all eCopy and third party connectors and services.
What does "advanced clarify" do?
Advanced clarify removes the background color on a page or on areas of a page while preserving all of the text. This is often needed when scanning forms that have light colored areas that contain text. Without using a color removal process, the text in these areas is very hard to read and difficult to OCR.
How is "advanced clarify" different from "form clarify"?
Advanced clarify is the background color removal process. Form Clarify uses a group of image enhancement settings which includes advanced clarify. This group of settings is specifically designed to create the best possible scanned form.
How do users select image clean up functions?
Image clean up settings are managed by the eCopy administrator and processed using profile buttons on the eCopy console.
What does "smooth characters" do?
Character smoothing takes the hard edge off characters which makes them more legible.
How do I test the image clean up settings?
A special utility, called the Open Archive Utility, is included with the OA Service. The OA Utility can be used to open files, validate barcodes and check image enhancement settings. This is a non-commercial product so there isn’t any licensing or file saving. More information on the Open Archive Utility can be found on our eCopy overview page.
What are the benefits of the Image Enhancement Service?
Image clean-up eliminates rescans, increases OCR accuracy, improves legibility and provides higher quality post scan printing. The Image Enhancement Service goes beyond basic image clean-up with options for background color and half-tone removal. Any shaded areas, whether color or black and white, interfere with legibility of the text and OCR results. Removing the color or shaded areas while retaining text information significantly improves scanning results for invoices, purchase orders and other common forms.

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Barcode Recognition Service FAQ's
What does the Barcode Recognition Service do?
The Barcode Recognition Service splits, names and routes files using barcodes. Barcodes can also be used for three index fields - Matter, Client ID and Billing Codes. These are designed for use in the legal market.
What other eCopy Connectors support the Barcode Recognition Service?
File naming and splitting is supported by the following connectors, which is essentially any 4.2 connector that could feasibly batch (excludes Fax connectors, Copy/Print and imageWARE as it is not yet 4.2)
  • Exchange
  • Lotus Notes
  • LDAP SMTP
  • Documentum
  • Livelink ECM
  • SharePoint
  • Quick Connect
  • Scan to Desktop

Index fields are supported by
  • Captaris RightFax
  • Interwoven Worksite
  • Livelink eDOCS DM
What kind of barcodes does it support?
All common barcode fonts are supported by the Barcode Recognition Service of the OA Service. This includes code 3 of 9 also known as code 39, extended code 39, code 128, Code 25 Interleaved, Code 25 non-Interleaved, Codabar, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E and Patch Codes. It also supports one 2D barcode, PDF417.
What if there are multiple barcodes on a page?
The software provides handling for multiple barcodes. The administrator can specify which barcode(s) to use for naming the file or using in the supported index fields. If there are barcodes on multiple pages within a file, we recommend the use of the OASeparator Page.
What is an OA Separator page and how is it used?
The OA Separator page is included with the software (OASeparator.tif) as a mechanism for splitting under special circumstances and does not contain barcode information for file naming. The OA Separator page is only used when clients don’t want to split and name at every page that contains a barcode. When the software encounters the OA Separator page, it knows to split the file using the next barcode it reads and then follow the barcode naming rules that the administrator set. All of the subsequent pages remain part of that file, even if there are pages that contain barcodes, until the software encounters the next OA Separator page. If the OA Separator Page is not used, the software will automatically split and name a file at every barcode it encounters.
How are barcodes created?
There are quite a few sources for barcodes. Many documents already have barcodes, many software programs can automatically generate barcodes and there are barcode fonts that can be downloaded online. The OA Service also has a Barcode Generation Tool that is available to create barcode separator pages (please contact eCopy for pricing). If clients don’t already have barcodes on their documents, they can use this tool to create and print barcode separator pages for naming their files.
How can barcodes be tested?
The Open Archive Utility, included with the OA Service, will read the barcode type and data. It includes most of the settings that are found in both the Barcode Recognition and Image Enhancement Services. More information on the Open Archive Utility can be found on our eCopy overview page.
What are the benefits of the Barcode Recognition Service?
Barcode processing is a hands free and highly accurate process. This increases batch scanning throughput, eliminates bottlenecks at the device, minimizes user errors and simplifies the user experience. There are also post scan benefits that improve the usability of scanned information as result of intelligent file names.

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Administrative FAQ's
How do I order the Barcode Recognition and/or Image Enhancement Services?
The OA Service is sold and distributed through eCopy’s Professional Services. Please contact your local eCopy representative or reseller.
Who supports the OA Service?
eCopy is providing technical support for the OA Services.
Can I purchase maintenance and support?
Yes, maintenance and support can be provided. Please contact your local eCopy representative for more information.
Is there installation support?
Installation support can be provided by eCopy.
Is a pilot installation required?
eCopy Professional Services strongly recommends a pilot installation to verify the client solution. If this is a smaller installation or standard image clean up, please contact your eCopy TC to see what options might be available.
Can I get an NFR version of the OA Service?
Yes, NFR versions of the OA Service are available. You must already have ShareScan 4.2 installed. Please contact Open Archive or your eCopy representative to get more information.
Can my customer get a trial version of the OA Service?
Yes, there are trial versions of the software available. Your client must have ShareScan 4.2 installed and running.Please contact Open Archive or your eCopy representative to get more information.

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