Image-Based Reference Retrieval on Portable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for enhanced mobile-enabled systems and processes to provide users of scholarly and scientific research with seamless and immediate access to cited reference and authoritative databases, as existing technologies do not adequately meet the expectations for 'always-on' connectivity and data availability on-the-go.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of image-based retrieval methods using portable computing devices, which capture and process images of text to extract unique alphanumeric identifiers, such as DOIs, to retrieve cited reference data from authority databases, employing OCR, ICR, or IWR processes for character recognition and comparison with stored identifiers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional desktop-based reference management systems are used, then comprehensive access to cited reference databases is achieved, but mobile accessibility and on-the-go connectivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables portable computing devices to perform reference management functions previously available only on desktop systems. The mobile device can capture images, extract identifiers, query databases, and display reference information, making the system universally accessible across multiple platforms and device types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary server that receives image data from portable devices, extracts identifiers using OCR/ICR/IWR processes, queries the cited reference database, and returns results to the mobile device. This intermediary architecture bridges the gap between mobile limitations and database accessibility requirements.
2Productivity
If image-based retrieval is implemented on portable devices, then on-the-go access to cited references is enabled, but processing complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential identifier information from captured images using OCR, ICR, or IWR processes. Rather than processing entire documents or complex data structures, the system isolates and processes only the unique alphanumeric identifiers needed for database queries, reducing computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures an image copy of the identifier from the physical or digital document and processes this visual copy rather than requiring direct text input or complex document parsing. This copying approach simplifies the interaction model and reduces the complexity of text extraction and validation processes.
3Measurement precision
If character recognition processes (OCR, ICR, IWR) are used to extract identifiers from images, then accurate identifier extraction is achieved, but processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies character recognition processes selectively to extract only the identifier portion from captured images, rather than processing entire documents. By focusing on partial extraction of specific identifier patterns, the system achieves accurate results with reduced processing time compared to full document analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the processing parameters by using multiple recognition approaches (OCR, ICR, IWR) and selecting results based on confidence thresholds and pattern matching. This allows the system to adjust processing depth based on image quality and identifier type, optimizing the balance between accuracy and processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to implementing image-based retrieval of a cited reference in a written work. A unique alphanumeric identifier extracted from an image taken of a portion of a written work can be programmatically compared to stored identifiers in an authority database in response to a request received from a portable computing device. Cited reference data can be retrieved from the authority database in response to a favorably comparison of the unique alphanumeric identifier to at least one of the stored identifiers associated with a reference stored in the authority database and the cited reference data can be provided to the portable computing device for output on the display of the portable computing device.