Patent ID: 8711419

Claim:
A computer implemented method for preserving markings made to a hardcopy of an original document, the method comprising: receiving an image of an original document; extracting one or more embedded objects within said original document to create a first list of objects embedded in said original document, said embedded objects being separable content that includes at least one of text, graphics, pictures, plots, user markings, and line art; receiving, using an image input device, an image of a marked document containing at least one user marking; extracting one or more embedded objects in said marked document to create a second list of objects embedded in said marked document, said embedded objects being separable content that includes at least one of text, graphics, pictures, plots, user markings, and line art; comparing said first list to said second list in order to identify said extracted user marking; generating an object identification record comprising a plurality of data fields containing information about said extracted user marking and information which enables said extracted user marking to be associated with a particular location within a given page of said original document; associating said object identification record with said extracted user marking; storing said extracted at least one user marking to a storage device; and storing said generated object identification record to a database.