OCR Program User Control Output Document Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical character recognition (OCR) technologies lack user control over output file types, data formats, document structures, and content arrangements, limiting their practical usefulness beyond basic character recognition.

Innovation Solution

The OCR program is enhanced with user input features allowing sample documents as references for generating output documents, real-time user instructions for data rearrangement, and the ability to input designated file types and format structures, enabling more control over the output document organization and structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional OCR programs perform primitive recognition operations only, then the recognition process is simple and fast, but the user control over output file types, data formats, and document structures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser control over output formats and document structuresVSAvoidOCR program functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The OCR program is divided into multiple functional modules: a recognition module for character recognition, a command recognition module for interpreting user instructions, and a file management module for output control. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, providing comprehensive user control without overwhelming system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The OCR program is designed to perform multiple functions beyond basic character recognition, including command interpretation, file format conversion, document structure organization, and data extraction. This multi-functionality enables the single program to satisfy diverse user needs across different document processing scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the OCR program provides only basic character recognition, then the processing speed is fast, but the practical usefulness is greatly limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepractical usefulness of OCR programVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by providing an initial draft document with recognized text before final output generation. Users can review and modify the draft, and the system then uses this feedback to generate the final formatted document automatically, improving both versatility and maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The OCR program automatically performs file management tasks, document formatting, and data organization without requiring extensive manual intervention. The system self-adjusts based on user preferences and document requirements, enhancing practical usefulness while maintaining efficient processing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the OCR program allows extensive user control over output formats and document structures, then the flexibility is improved, but the program complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in output controlVSAvoidprogram structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A command recognition module serves as an intermediary between user input and the OCR processing system. This intermediary layer interprets user instructions in natural language or predefined commands, translating them into appropriate processing parameters, thereby providing extensive control flexibility while shielding users from underlying program complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of time

If the OCR program performs only initial recognition operations, then the processing time is short, but no further management and processing can be done

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime for document management and processingVSAvoiddocument management capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The OCR program implements continuous useful action by automatically performing a sequence of operations: initial character recognition, command interpretation, document formatting, data extraction, and final output generation. This continuous automated processing minimizes manual intervention time while maintaining ease of document management and processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS8200009B2Control of optical character recognition (OCR) processes to generate user controllable final output documents
Publication Date: 2012.06.12 LIN BO IN
  • US8200009B2 patent drawing
  • US8200009B2 patent drawing
  • US8200009B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical character recognition (OCR) system that includes a user-input function for receiving a user input sample for executing said OCR system for optically recognizing a document to generate an output file using the user input sample as a reference.