Location Messaging via Optical Address Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current location-based services, such as navigation systems, face challenges in efficiently sending and receiving geographic location information, particularly due to unreliable voice recognition systems and limitations in geosocial networking services that restrict user interaction across different networks and regions.
Innovation Solution
A method for sending geographic location information from a computing device to a receiving device using a ZHIING request, which can be initiated through various means, including a browser applet or plug-in, allowing the receiving device to display maps and directions, and utilizing SMS or other communication mechanisms to facilitate location-based data processing and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If voice recognition system is added to mobile device, then address input is automated, but device cost increases and reliability remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a server and database that mediates between the user and the address information. Instead of relying on unreliable voice recognition, the system captures images of addresses, processes them through OCR technology on a server, and returns the extracted address data to the mobile device. This intermediary approach transfers the complexity and reliability requirements from the mobile device to a dedicated server infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical voice recognition system with an optical-based system. Instead of using acoustic sensors and voice processing algorithms, the system uses camera sensors to capture images of addresses and optical character recognition (OCR) technology to extract text from these images. This substitution leverages the higher accuracy of optical systems compared to voice recognition for address capture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If geosocial networking service is expanded to larger geographic regions, then user coverage increases, but map complexity increases making it difficult to discern individual users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large geographic area into smaller manageable regions or zones. Instead of displaying all users on a single comprehensive map, the system segments the view so that users only see other users within their local region or nearby areas. This segmentation maintains map simplicity while enabling broader geographic coverage through multiple localized views.
3Measurement precision
If manual address entry process is used, then accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-processing and storing address information in a database before it is needed. When a user points the camera at an address, the system has already prepared the OCR processing pipeline and can quickly match the captured image against stored address data. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time manual entry while maintaining accuracy through pre-validated address records.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is directed to location based services, and more particularly to a location-based message system and its methods of operation, such as methods for sending geographic location information for a target address from a computing device to a receiving device that will enable the receiving device to display a map and/or directions from a geographic location of the receiving device to the geographic location of the target address. Methods for processing and distributing location-based data, methods for receiving and responding to location-based data and methods for virally distributing location-based applications are also described.