Camera-Based Text Input with Keyword Detection and OCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile communication devices with integrated cameras require cumbersome manual text input, especially for keywords or phone numbers, which can be difficult due to limited camera precision and angle variations, and lack efficient methods for optical text recognition and selection.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based method that captures an image of a text page, analyzes it for keyword detection using OCR and probability determination rules, and indicates likely keywords for selection, allowing text input without manual typing, even on devices with limited camera quality and processing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual typing is used for text input, then text can be entered accurately, but the input process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual typing process with an optical recognition system. The camera captures an image of the text source, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology automatically converts the visual text into digital text input, eliminating the need for manual keyboard entry and significantly improving input efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy of the text by capturing an image with the camera, then processes this copy through OCR to extract the text content. This allows the device to work with a replicated version of the source text rather than requiring direct manual transcription
2Productivity
If camera-based text recognition is implemented, then text input becomes faster, but accuracy decreases due to limited camera precision and angle variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image processing operations before OCR recognition, including capturing multiple images from different angles and positions. The system pre-processes these images to identify and select the best quality image for text recognition, thereby improving accuracy before the actual text extraction occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the captured image quality is evaluated, and if the quality is insufficient (due to angle variations or focus issues), the system prompts the user to recapture the image. This feedback loop ensures that only sufficiently clear images are processed for text recognition, maintaining accuracy
3Loss of information
If all text in captured image is extracted, then complete text input is achieved, but difficulty in selecting specific keywords increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and highlights specific keywords from the complete captured text based on predefined criteria such as font size, bold formatting, or user-defined importance markers. This extraction process separates the key information from the rest of the text, making it easier for users to identify and select relevant keywords without manually searching through all extracted text
4Measurement precision
If advanced image processing and keyword detection algorithms are used, then text recognition accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the text recognition process into distinct modules: image capture, image pre-processing (filtering, enhancement), OCR text extraction, keyword detection and highlighting, and text input. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making it more manageable despite the advanced processing required
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a camera based method for text input and detection of a keyword or of a text-part within page or a screen comprising the steps of: directing a camera module on the printed page and capturing an image thereof; digital image filtering of the captured image; detection of word blocks contained in the image, each word block containing most likely a recognizable word; performing OCR within each word block; determination of A-blocks among the word blocks according to a keyword probability determination rule, wherein each of the A-blocks contains most likely the keyword; assignment of an attribute to each A-block; indication of the A-blocks in the display by a frame or the like for a further selection of the keyword; further selection of the A-block containing the keyword based on the displayed attribute of the keyword; forwarding the text content as text input to an application.