Portable Device Camera Text Recognition Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in inputting data on portable communication devices, such as mobile phones and smartphones, due to the need to manually enter information for various services, which can be cumbersome, especially when using a numeric or small alphanumeric keypad.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a camera on a portable communication device to capture images, process the image data to recognize and extract text, and output the data in a form noticeable to the user, allowing for simplified data input and utilization across multiple services, with optional external processing units and server support for further processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual data input using numeric or alphanumeric keypad is used, then data can be entered into the portable communication device, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata input easeVSAvoidtime for data entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keypad input system with an optical recognition system using a camera to capture images and extract text data. The camera captures an image containing text, the processor recognizes and extracts the text data from the image, eliminating the need for manual keypad entry and significantly reducing data input time while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing system consisting of a camera and text recognition processor that acts as a mediator between the user and the portable communication device. Instead of direct manual input, the user captures an image containing the desired text data, and the intermediary system automatically extracts and inputs the text, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If camera and image processing functionality are added to the portable communication device, then data input is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata input easeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by using the camera not only for text extraction but also for capturing images that can be used across multiple services. The same camera and processing system serves both as an input device for text data and as an imaging device for various applications, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable communication device performs self-service by automatically capturing images, recognizing text data, extracting relevant information, and inputting it without requiring external辅助设备. The integrated processor automatically handles the entire workflow from image capture to text extraction and service application, simplifying operation while managing device complexity through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2189926B1Method for providing camera-based services using a portable communication device of a user and portable communication device of a user
Publication Date: 2012.09.19 BEYO
  • EP2189926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2189926B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2189926B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for providing camera-based services using a portable communication device (1) of a user comprises the steps of capturing an image of an environment using a camera of the portable communication device (1) of the user to obtain image data, processing the image data such that text data is recognized and extracted from the image data, and outputting data related to the text data in a form noticeable or convertable to be noticeable by the user of the portable communication device (1). Furthermore a portable communication device (1) comprises a camera adapted to capture an image of an environment, a display (3) adapted to display at least one of a plurality of services to be selectable by a user of the portable communication device (1), and outputting means adapted to output data related to text data in a form noticeable or convertable to be noticeable by the user of the portable communication device (1), the portable communication device 81) being adapted to perform the method for providing camera-based services when the user selects the at least one of the plurality of services.