Optical Sensor Document Reader for Direct Printed-to-Sound Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OCR and voice synthesis technologies require visually impaired individuals to manually capture printed documents with cameras or scanners, making it difficult to convert printed documents into electronic data, especially when documents include less useful texts and illustrations.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a light-transmitting optical sensor and processing circuit that acquires images from a sheet-like medium and generates sound information, allowing for direct conversion of printed documents into sound without the need for manual capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera or scanner is used to capture printed documents, then image acquisition is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and difficult for visually impaired people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image capture function directly into the earphone device by integrating an optical sensor, merging the functions of audio output and image acquisition into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate camera or scanner operations, significantly simplifying the process for visually impaired users.
Solution Approach 2:
The earphone device performs image capture autonomously when placed on the document, requiring no manual operation from the user. The optical sensor automatically detects and captures the document image, and the processing circuit independently converts it to audio output, making the system self-servicing.
2Productivity
If conventional OCR technology is used, then text recognition is achieved, but the process requires manual document capture which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is pre-integrated into the earphone device, so the capture capability is already in place and ready to use. When the user places the earphone on the document, image acquisition immediately begins without requiring any preliminary setup or separate device preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging image capture and audio output functions into a single device, the system eliminates the sequential steps of capturing with one device then transferring to another for processing. The integrated architecture allows simultaneous capture and conversion, dramatically reducing total processing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a camera or scanner is used, then document images can be captured, but additional devices are required increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The earphone device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an audio output device and an image capture device. The optical sensor and processing circuit enable the earphone to function as a document scanner, making a single device universal for both listening to audio and reading documents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions (audio playback and document scanning) into a single integrated device. This consolidation reduces the number of devices from two (earphone + camera/scanner) to one (multi-functional earphone), simplifying the system while maintaining adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easier conversion of printed documents into sound, reducing the difficulty for visually impaired individuals and enabling accurate image acquisition and sound output.
Implementation Method 1
acquire an image on a sheet-like medium in contact with or in proximity to one surface of the optical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect, a detection device includes: a light-transmitting optical sensor in which a plurality of sensor pixels are arranged in a planar configuration; and a processing circuit configured to acquire an image on a sheet-like medium in contact with or in proximity to one surface of the optical sensor and generate sound information based on the image.