Handwritten Document Translation via Layout Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Machine translation of handwritten documents in character-based foreign languages is hindered by unconventional character layouts that do not conform to formal rules, making it difficult for existing intelligent character recognition algorithms to accurately translate and understand the document.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that captures images of documents, classifies them based on character layout, determines a strategy for intelligent character recognition, and generates a translated document by rearranging characters into an optimal layout for machine translation, using machine learning models and user feedback to refine the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If existing intelligent character recognition algorithms are used to translate handwritten documents, then the translation process can be automated, but the accuracy is poor due to unconventional character layouts that do not conform to formal rules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of translation processVSAvoidtranslation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of document layouts before applying translation algorithms. By categorizing documents into layout types (e.g., vertical writing, horizontal writing, mixed layouts) in advance, the system prepares appropriate processing strategies beforehand, enabling accurate handling of unconventional layouts while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on the classified layout type. Different layout categories trigger different character recognition and translation parameters, allowing the automated system to adapt to various handwriting conventions and maintain high accuracy across diverse document formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the system adapts to diverse document layouts through classification and strategy determination, then translation accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the translation process into distinct modules: layout classification, strategy determination, character recognition, and translation. Each module handles a specific aspect of the process, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving high translation accuracy through specialized processing at each stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The layout classification system acts as an intermediary between the input document and the translation algorithm. This intermediate layer analyzes the document structure and selects appropriate processing strategies, bridging the gap between diverse unconventional layouts and the translation engine without requiring complex modifications to the core translation algorithm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If user feedback is collected and used to update translations, then translation quality improves over time, but the processing time increases due to monitoring and updating interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetranslation qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where user corrections and interactions are collected and used to update the translation database. This continuous feedback loop progressively improves translation quality for previously encountered layouts and phrases, making the system smarter over time while maintaining efficiency through learned patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores corrected translations and layout patterns in a database for future reference. When similar documents are encountered, the system copies previously learned processing strategies and translations, avoiding redundant processing and reducing time requirements while maintaining improved quality through accumulated knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12080089B2Enhancing machine translation of handwritten documents
Publication Date: 2024.09.03 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US12080089B2 patent drawing
  • US12080089B2 patent drawing
  • US12080089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer-implemented method, a computer system and a computer program product enhance machine translation of a document. The method includes capturing an image of the document. The document includes a plurality of characters that are arranged in a character layout. The method also includes classifying the image by a document type based on the character layout. The method further includes determining a strategy for an intelligent character recognition (ICR) algorithm with the image based on the character layout of the image. Lastly, the method includes generating a translated document by applying the intelligent character recognition (ICR) algorithm to the plurality of characters in the image using the strategy. The translated document includes a plurality of translated characters that are arranged in the character layout.