Printed Page Recognition for Synchronized Book Audio Playback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional printed books lack integration of synchronized audio content without intrusive or costly modifications that alter their appearance or tactile experience.

Innovation Solution

A system integrating image capture, computer vision, and wearable technology to recognize printed pages and trigger synchronized audio playback, using cloud-based databases and AI-driven audio generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If synchronized audio content is integrated into printed books using QR codes, specialized printing techniques, or physical sensors, then audio functionality is achieved, but the book's appearance and tactile experience are altered or compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio content integrationVSAvoidbook appearance and tactile experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device that captures images of book pages without any physical modification to the book itself. The camera acts as a mediator between the book and the audio content, allowing synchronization functionality while preserving the book's original appearance and tactile properties. No QR codes, sensors, or specialized printing are embedded in the book.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical systems (embedded sensors, QR codes, specialized printing elements) with an optical system (camera-based image capture). This substitution eliminates the need for physical modifications to the book while achieving the same page identification and audio synchronization functionality through digital image processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If e-books are used to provide audio and media syncing features, then synchronized audio content is achieved, but the tactile experience of physical books is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudio content synchronizationVSAvoidtactile reading experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a hybrid system that combines the best features of both physical and digital books. The physical book provides tactile engagement and visual appeal, while the camera-based system adds digital audio synchronization capabilities. This multi-functional approach allows users to enjoy both the tactile experience of holding a physical book and the audio features of e-books simultaneously.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The camera and processing system serve as an intermediary that bridges the physical and digital realms. It captures the physical book's pages and triggers corresponding audio content without converting the entire book into a digital format, thus preserving the tactile experience while adding audio functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If cloud-based databases and AI-driven audio generation are used, then audio content synchronization accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepage recognition accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into distinct functional modules: image capture (camera), image processing (computer vision algorithms), page identification (pattern matching), audio retrieval (database querying), and audio playback. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by clearly defining boundaries and responsibilities between components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs AI-driven automatic page recognition and audio synchronization without requiring manual intervention. The computer vision algorithms automatically identify pages, match them with corresponding audio content, and trigger playback seamlessly. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex user interfaces and manual configuration, simplifying the user experience despite the sophisticated backend processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12561111B1System and method for synchronizing audio content with printed media
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 FICTUM CASEY LEE
  • US12561111B1 patent drawing
  • US12561111B1 patent drawing
  • US12561111B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The system enhances printed material with synchronized audio content by capturing images of printed pages using an image capture. The captured images are then processed using a computer vision algorithm to recognize specific pages or page spreads. A database of corresponding audio files is stored, and the playback triggers and controls audio playback based on recognized pages. Additionally, a wearable positioning system allows hands-free positioning of the image capture device.