Image Capture for Electrical Design Parameter Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical design tools, such as WEBENCH, are more suited for desktop environments and less convenient for mobile devices, limiting their usability and collaboration in team settings, especially when extracting design parameters from schematic diagrams.
Innovation Solution
A digital image capture device with a processing unit and network interface that captures electrical designs, extracts design parameters, and transmits them to a backend server for processing, allowing for the identification and presentation of matching electrical designs on a user interface, enabling easier and more flexible parameter extraction and design selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a web browser interface is used for electrical design tools, then design parameter input and circuit selection functionality is provided, but usability on mobile devices is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical keyboard input interface with an optical image capture interface. Users can photograph schematics or write design parameters on paper, and the system optically recognizes and processes this information, enabling seamless mobile device usage while maintaining full design tool functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal interface that works across both desktop and mobile devices. The image capture device serves multiple functions: capturing handwritten parameters, photographing schematics, and transmitting data to the design engine, making the tool equally effective on any device type.
2Measurement precision
If manual typing of design parameters is required, then precise parameter input is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to prepare design parameters in advance by writing them on paper or drawing schematics, then capture them all at once using the image capture device. This preliminary preparation followed by bulk capture reduces the overall time compared to sequential typing while maintaining accuracy through optical recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy of the design parameters and schematics from physical paper or whiteboard drawings. This digital copy is then processed by the design engine, eliminating the need for manual transcription while preserving the original information accurately.
3Device complexity
If desktop-based design tools are used, then comprehensive design functionality is provided, but collaboration and instant delivery in team environments are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of mobile accessibility to the traditional desktop design tool. By implementing an image capture interface that works on mobile devices, the system enables designers to access and use comprehensive design tools in previously inaccessible locations such as conference rooms, facilitating real-time collaboration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device with image capture capability serves as an intermediary between the physical design discussion environment (whiteboard, paper) and the digital design engine. This intermediary enables seamless integration of collaborative physical discussions with computational design analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Capturing and processing a digital image of a pictorial (e.g., hand-drawn) representation of a schematic or block diagram as a digital image to aid in creation and maintenance of electrical designs is disclosed. Processing of the digital image includes processing to determine design parameters to create an informational format useful as input to other design software. Design parameters may include schematic layout and attributes such as maximum output voltage, minimum input voltage, ambient temperature, etc. The method and system also include storage of information accessible to refine designs and perform simulations of designs as part of an overall electrical design process. Associated devices and methods are disclosed as well.