Embedding Hotspots in Imaged Documents for Mixed Media
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a gap between the physical world of printed media and the virtual multimedia-based world, as users lack the tools to seamlessly integrate information from printed documents with electronic media, missing out on the benefits of both formats.
Innovation Solution
A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system that converts printed documents into imaged documents, extracts features, adds hotspots, and stores them for accessing information, enabling the linking of printed and digital media through a content-based retrieval database, allowing for interactive multimedia experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If printed media is used, then tactile feel and permanency are provided, but interactivity and ease of transmission are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges printed media and digital media into a single mixed media document. The printed document retains its physical form and permanency while incorporating embedded digital content (URLs, multimedia links, interactive elements) that provide interactivity and ease of transmission. This combination allows the document to function as both a stable physical reference and an accessible digital resource.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hotspots as intermediary elements within the printed document. These hotspots are visually distinct markers (such as colored squares or symbols) embedded in the printed media that serve as bridges between the physical document and digital content. When scanned or recognized by a device, hotspots trigger the retrieval and display of associated digital content, enabling interaction without compromising the printed document's physical integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital media is used, then interactivity and ease of transmission are provided, but tactile feel and permanency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interactivity of digital media with the permanency of printed media in a mixed media document. The printed portion provides a stable, permanent reference that does not require power or storage media, while embedded hotspots and associated digital content provide interactivity and ease of transmission. This hybrid approach allows users to benefit from both the reliability of print and the versatility of digital formats.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a link between printed and electronic media is created, then mixed media benefits are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixed media document into distinct functional components: the printed document body, visually distinct hotspots, and associated digital content stored separately. This segmentation allows each component to be processed independently - the printed document provides structural stability, hotspots serve as simple recognition markers, and digital content is stored and retrieved separately. This modular approach reduces overall system complexity compared to attempting to integrate all functions into a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hotspots as intermediary elements that simplify the connection between printed and electronic media. Rather than requiring complex integrated systems, the hotspots serve as simple, visually distinct markers that can be easily recognized by scanning devices. This intermediary approach decouples the complexity of digital content management from the simplicity of printed media, allowing each to function independently while maintaining their connection through the hotspot mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques are disclosed. The MMR system provides mechanisms for forming a mixed media document that includes media of at least two types (e.g., printed paper as a first medium and digital content and/or web link as a second medium). In one particular embodiment, the MMR system includes a method, system, and computer program product for adding a hotspot to an imaged document. A source document is converted to an imaged document, from which features are extracted. Hotspots are added to the imaged document, and the imaged document, hotspot definitions, and the feature representation are stored.