Mobile Device Visual Input System Using OCR Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable devices like smartphones and PDAs face limitations in user interface capabilities for information input due to size constraints and lack seamless integration of non-keyboard input methods, disrupting user operations and intuitiveness.
Innovation Solution
The system enhances image capture and processing on mobile devices by using image recognition software and OCR technology to detect relevant information in images, overlaying it on the screen with actionable controls, and encoding images with detected data for further processing on a network server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If image recognition and OCR technology are added to mobile devices, then information input capability and usability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image processing system into two segments: the mobile device captures and preliminarily processes images using OCR technology, then uploads selected images to a server for advanced processing. This segmentation allows the mobile device to provide enhanced input capabilities without bearing the full processing complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the mobile device and the final information processing. The server handles complex image analysis, pattern recognition, and data extraction, while the mobile device focuses on capture and user interaction. This intermediary approach resolves the complexity contradiction by offloading heavy processing tasks.
2Loss of information
If image processing and analysis functions are enhanced on mobile devices, then information extraction capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information processing workflow between mobile device and server. The mobile device performs initial OCR recognition and image capture (low energy), then uploads selected images to the server for comprehensive analysis (high energy). This segmentation ensures that energy-intensive operations occur on the server rather than consuming mobile device battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial processing on the mobile device (basic OCR and image capture) and excessive/comprehensive processing on the server (detailed pattern recognition and information extraction). This partial action approach on the mobile device provides sufficient functionality without the excessive energy consumption of complete local processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more processing functions are integrated into the mobile device, then user interface capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universally capable of multiple functions: capturing images, performing basic OCR recognition, displaying results, and uploading to servers. Rather than adding dedicated hardware for each function, the device uses its existing components (camera, display, processor) for multiple purposes, maintaining portability while enhancing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that provides additional processing functionality without being integrated into the mobile device. This allows the mobile device to offer enhanced user interface capabilities through software and network connectivity rather than through additional physical components that would increase device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for processing an image on a mobile device, including a mobile device with a camera for capturing a digital image, a display for displaying the captured image, and an image processing module configured to detect one or more types of information contained in said captured image. The image processing module is configured to overlay the detected information as a separate layer over the captured image for view on the display. The system further includes a wireless connection coupling the mobile device to the remote server such that the captured image and detected information may be uploaded to the remote server for further processing.