Mixed Media Reality System Bridging Printed and Digital Content
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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 and utilize the benefits of both, such as the tactile feel of printed media and the interactivity of digital media.
Innovation Solution
A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system that combines printed paper with digital content, using a processor, capture device, communication mechanism, and memory with software to create and manage mixed media documents, allowing actions to be triggered by recognizing printed text and images, linking physical documents to digital content and enabling business transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
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 combines printed media and digital media into a single mixed media document. The printed document contains machine-readable code (such as RFID tags, barcodes, or QR codes) that links to digital content, allowing users to access interactive digital information while retaining the tactile and permanent properties of printed media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (machine-readable code or bridge element) that connects the printed media to the digital world. This intermediary enables the printed document to trigger digital actions, access online content, or initiate communications without requiring the printed media itself to be interactive.
2Ease of operation
If digital media is used, then interactivity and ease of transmission are provided, but tactile feel and permanency are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The mixed media document merges the permanency of printed media with the interactivity of digital media. The physical printed document serves as a permanent reference, while the associated digital content provides interactive capabilities, creating a hybrid system that leverages both advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different qualities to different parts of the mixed media document. The printed portion provides permanency and tactile feedback, while the digital portions (accessed through machine-readable codes) provide interactivity and ease of transmission. Each medium is used where its specific qualities are most beneficial.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mixed media documents are created, then benefits of both printed and digital media are exploited, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mixed media document system that can incorporate multiple types of media (printed text, images, digital content, RFID tags, barcodes) within a single document structure. This universal approach allows the same system to handle various media types without requiring separate systems for each medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mixed media document into distinct functional components: the printed portion for permanent reference, machine-readable codes for digital linkage, and associated digital content for interactivity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as an integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A Mixed Media Reality (MMR) system and associated techniques provide 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). The MMR system includes an action processor and methods, and an MMR document with having an associated action. The MMR document specifies different actions for different MMR documents, and creates any number of MMR documents for a particular location on any media, thereby allowing the MMR architecture to serve as a universal trigger or initiator for additional processing. The action processor receives the output of the MMR recognition process which yields an MMR document including at least one action. The action processor executes that action which includes various commands to the MMR system or other systems coupled to the MMR system. The MMR system architecture can perform action such as retrieving the electronic form of the document to the capture device, retrieving the specification for the action, inserting data to a MMR document, transferring data between documents, purchasing items, authoring actions or reviewing historical information about actions.