Patent ID: 7548338

Claim:
A method of using a processor to create an electronically readable output document based on an electronically readable input document having a visual appearance corresponding to a plurality of elements, each element being characterized at least by a z-axis value and a geometry, wherein said plurality of elements are further characterized by a coverage area and a type, the method comprising: for at least two elements in the input document having adjoining z-axis values: (a) determining whether creating a composite element in said output document is desirable, by at least: determining whether types of said at least two elements are compatible, calculating a coverage area of said composite element, and comparing said coverage area of said composite element to the sum of said coverage areas of said at least two elements in said input document: (b) if creating said composite element is desirable, creating at least one composite element in said output document to represent said at least two elements in said input document; (c) if creating said composite element is not desirable, and if said at least two elements do not overlap, altering z-axis values of said at least two elements; and producing an output document in which at least one single composite element respectively replaces at least two said elements in the input document.