Multi-function Device Language Localization via Document Scanning

Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-function devices are often configured with a default language based on geography, making it difficult for users who do not understand this language to operate them, as existing solutions for language change are either cumbersome or unsuitable for users with disabilities.

Innovation Solution

The method involves scanning an input document to identify the local language using character recognition techniques, allowing the device to automatically change its user interface to the user's preferred language, thereby enabling easier operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the device is configured with a default language based on geography, then local users can easily operate the device, but users who do not understand this language cannot operate the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operation for local usersVSAvoidadaptability to different languages

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the language of the input document and changes the user interface language without requiring manual user input. The device serves itself by analyzing the document's language characteristics and autonomously adapting the interface, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate language settings or read manuals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The language detection and interface adaptation occurs automatically before the user needs to operate the device. By detecting the document language at the start of the interaction and pre-adjusting the interface, the system ensures the user encounters a familiar language immediately, avoiding the need to change language settings during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual language selection options are provided, then users can change the language, but this process is time-consuming and may result in errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to change languageVSAvoidtime required for language selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the language of the input document and changes the user interface language without requiring manual user input. The device serves itself by analyzing the document's language characteristics and autonomously adapting the interface, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate language settings or read manuals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the input document as feedback to determine the appropriate language. By analyzing the language characteristics of the document the user intends to process, the system infers the user's preferred language and adjusts the interface accordingly, creating a closed-loop adaptation mechanism that responds to user context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If voice feedback is used for language changing, then accessibility is improved, but it becomes difficult if the person is disabled or has unclear accent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for disabled usersVSAvoidreliability of voice recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the language of the input document and changes the user interface language without requiring manual user input. The device serves itself by analyzing the document's language characteristics and autonomously adapting the interface, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate language settings or read manuals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The input document serves as an intermediary that carries language information from the user to the system. Instead of relying on direct voice commands or manual input from the user, the system extracts language characteristics from the document, which acts as a mediator conveying the user's language preference without requiring the user to directly interact with the language selection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a user-friendly and accessible way for users to operate multi-function devices in their native language, reducing manual intervention and improving usability for all users, including those with disabilities.

Implementation Method 1

A hard copy of an input document is scanned using a multi-function device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical scanning: Photography

Implementation Method 2

One or more character recognition operations are performed to identify the local language of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical character recognition: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentUS10715692B2Systems and methods for localizing a user interface based on an input document

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for localizing a user interface of a device such as a multi-function device, the multi-function device presents a user interface in a pre-defined language. The method includes receiving a document, the document includes text information in a local language of a user. Then, the document is analyzed to identify the local language of the user. Upon identification, the pre-defined language of the user interface is changed to the identified local language of the user. The local language enables the user to operate the multi-function and/or perform one or more functions using the local language.