ML Diagram Label Recognition for Unstructured Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated systems fail to accurately associate labels with diagram components in unstructured images, particularly in hand-drawn diagrams, due to ambiguity in shape and edge correspondences, leading to time-consuming and error-prone manual processes.

Innovation Solution

A machine learning-based approach employing object detection and text block relation scoring to identify correct shapes and edges corresponding to labels, using deep learning models and OCR services to decode textual content and determine reading orders within bounding boxes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automated label recognition is implemented using simple proximity-based association, then automation extent is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambiguity in hand-drawn diagrams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of label recognitionVSAvoidlabel association accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the label association problem into multiple independent analysis dimensions: spatial proximity analysis, textual content analysis, graphical structure analysis, and contextual relationship analysis. Each dimension processes specific features independently and their results are combined to make the final association decision, thereby maintaining high automation while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary machine learning model that acts as a mediator between raw diagram features and label associations. This model integrates multiple feature types (spatial, textual, graphical) and uses learned relationships to determine associations, resolving the ambiguity that simple proximity-based methods cannot handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual label association is performed to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel association accuracyVSAvoidtime for manual processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automated label recognition by having the machine learning model independently analyze diagram features, generate associations, and produce results without human intervention. The model serves itself by learning from training data and automatically applying learned patterns to new diagrams, achieving both high accuracy and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary extraction and analysis of spatial, textual, and graphical features before the actual label association decision. By pre-processing and organizing features in advance, the system prepares comprehensive input for the machine learning model, enabling fast and accurate association without time-consuming manual processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If simple proximity-based label association is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to improper entity association

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of association methodVSAvoidcorrectness of label association
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the association method into distinct modular components: feature extraction module, machine learning model module, and association decision module. Each component handles specific tasks independently, making the overall system manageable despite its complexity while ensuring reliable associations through systematic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The machine learning model serves as an intermediary that bridges simple feature extraction and reliable association decisions. It processes multiple feature types and learns complex relationships between labels and diagram entities, ensuring reliable associations without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If multiple feature types are analyzed for label association, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel association accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the multi-feature analysis system into independent feature extraction modules (spatial features, textual features, graphical features) that process different types of information separately. This modular segmentation allows the system to analyze multiple feature types comprehensively while keeping each component relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240193976A1Machine learning-based diagram label recognition
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 SAP SE
  • US20240193976A1 patent drawing
  • US20240193976A1 patent drawing
  • US20240193976A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Mechanisms are disclosed for machine learning-based diagram label recognition in connection with diagrams represented by unstructured images. An unstructured image of the diagram is received. A plurality of text blocks associated with the diagram is detected. The text blocks are associated with labels contained within the diagram. Textual contents of the text blocks and the labels are recognized. The labels are associated with corresponding edges and shapes within the diagram.