Semi-Transparent Overlay for Cross-Application Data Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face the challenge of manually consolidating or transferring data across different applications, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and often delayed due to the tedious nature of key-entry, leading to potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically acquires data from one application by overlaying a semi-transparent layer, allowing users to draw shapes around desired data items, which are then extracted and imported into another application, either on the same or different devices, using various communication methods including OCR and exposed interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual key-entry is used to transfer data between applications, then data transfer can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying through screenshot capture to extract data from the source application display. Instead of manual typing, the system captures visual representation of data and uses OCR to convert it into machine-readable format, dramatically speeding up the transfer process while reducing time investment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual keyboard entry with an automated optical recognition system. The OCR technology substitutes human manual input mechanisms with computer-based optical-to-text conversion, eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual data entry
2Reliability
If manual key-entry is used to consolidate data, then data can be transferred between applications, but the process is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By capturing the display output directly through screenshot, the system creates an exact visual copy of the source data. This eliminates human interpretation errors and transcription mistakes that occur during manual entry, significantly improving data transfer accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual typing operations with automated OCR recognition, substituting human cognitive and motor processes with machine-based optical character recognition. This substitution eliminates human error sources while maintaining ease of operation through automated processing
3Ease of operation
If data transfer is delayed until absolutely necessary, then users avoid the tedious key-entry process, but significant data may need to be transferred later and some data may be forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The screenshot-based copying mechanism allows users to capture data visually without the burden of manual entry. This makes the process so easy that users can perform it regularly and incrementally, preventing data loss by transferring data before it's forgotten while avoiding the pain of manual key-entry
Solution Approach 2:
The OCR-based system performs the data extraction and conversion automatically without requiring manual typing. This self-service capability makes data transfer easy enough to perform frequently in small batches, ensuring data completeness while eliminating the tediousness that would otherwise cause delays
4Ease of operation
If a transparent overlay layer is added to the display, then data can be selected visually, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-transparent overlay layer acts as an intermediary between the user and the source application display. It provides selection functionality without blocking the view of underlying data, enabling easy visual selection while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through layer-based graphics
Solution Approach 2:
The overlay uses transparency and visual properties to indicate selected data regions. By manipulating the visual characteristics of the overlay layer (transparency, color, shape), the system enables intuitive data selection without adding complex structural elements to the display architecture
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
Enables efficient and accurate data transfer without manual key-entry, reducing the risk of data loss and streamlining the consolidation process across multiple applications.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring the item of data can involve creating a screen shot of the display. The system then performs an optical character recognition (OCR) process on the screen shot
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that automatically acquires data from an application and imports the data into a second application. During operation, the system receives at a data-acquisition tool a command from a user to acquire data from the application. In response to the command, the system overlays a semi-transparent layer over at least a portion of a display which is generated by the application, so that the data within the display is still visible to the user. Next, the system receives a drawing command from the user to draw a shape around an item of data within the display. In response to the drawing command, the system draws a shape around the item of data within the display, wherein the shape is drawn on the semi-transparent layer. The system then acquires the item of data bounded by the shape.