Mobile Phone Number Recognition via Optical Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies require manual input of phone numbers from printed or digital sources, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, and existing text detection technologies do not facilitate direct phone call or message sending from detected numbers.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device system that uses a camera to capture images or videos of text, including phone numbers, and employs text detection, misclassification handling, phone number validation, and classification modules to automatically extract and validate phone numbers, displaying them for immediate calling or messaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual input of phone numbers is used, then accuracy of phone number entry can be maintained, but time consumption and operational effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephone number entry speedVSAvoidtime required for manual input

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual typing process with an optical recognition system. The camera captures an image of the phone number, and image processing algorithms automatically extract and recognize the numerical information, substituting the mechanical action of manual input with automated optical character recognition and pattern matching processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the phone number to be automatically captured and extracted from the image without requiring user intervention for typing. The device performs the entire phone number extraction and dialing process autonomously after the user captures an image of the number.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual input of phone numbers is used, then flexibility in entering any number format is maintained, but error rate increases and user convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of phone number entryVSAvoidaccuracy of phone number entry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the recognized phone number is displayed to the user for verification before dialing. The system also provides feedback by highlighting the detected number in the image and allowing users to confirm or correct the recognition, ensuring both convenience and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary recognition and validation of the phone number format before the user initiates the calling action. The image processing and number extraction occur in advance, preparing the data for immediate use while allowing user verification to ensure accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If text detection technology is used to extract phone numbers from images, then time consumption is reduced, but the ability to directly initiate calls from detected numbers is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephone number extraction speedVSAvoidautomation of call initiation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: image capture, optical character recognition, phone number validation, and call initiation. These previously separate steps are combined into one automated workflow where the phone number extracted from the image is directly passed to the dialing interface, enabling seamless transition from detection to action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides multi-functionality by serving as both an image processing tool for text detection and a communication tool for initiating calls. The same application that detects and extracts phone numbers also directly facilitates the calling function, eliminating the need for separate manual steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250078539A1Method of phone number recognition and system for using the same

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 RAKUTEN SYMPHONY INC

AI summary

A mobile device includes a display, a non-transitory computer readable medium configured to store instructions thereon, and a processor connected to the non-transitory computer readable medium and the display. The processor is configured to execute the instructions for receiving image data. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions for determining a phone number based on the imaging data. The processor is further configured to execute the instructions for, in response to the phone number being determined, automatically causing the display to: display the phone number, wherein the display is configured to receive instructions for contacting the displayed phone number.