Reinforcement Learning Auto-Correction for Document Scanner OCR Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional OCR technologies are unreliable in processing irregular character forms, handwritten text, blurred text, unusual fonts, and mathematical formulas, lacking machine-learning and user feedback integration for auto-correction.

Innovation Solution

A portable USB device equipped with machine-learning algorithms that connects to a scanner, uses OCR to generate editable PDFs, and incorporates user feedback to auto-correct digital images, employing reinforcement-learning to improve future transformations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional OCR software is used to convert digital images to machine-readable text, then the processing speed is fast, but the accuracy is poor for irregular character forms, handwritten text, blurred text, unusual fonts, and mathematical formulas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetext recognition accuracyVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by capturing user corrections to auto-corrected text and using this feedback to retrain the machine learning model. The user interface allows users to review and correct auto-corrected text, and these corrections are fed back into the training dataset to improve future auto-correction accuracy. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by continuously improving recognition accuracy while maintaining automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies self-service through automated correction algorithms that automatically fix OCR errors without requiring manual intervention for every error. The machine learning model autonomously identifies and corrects errors in handwritten text, blurred text, unusual fonts, and mathematical formulas, reducing the need for complex manual processing while improving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If machine-learning algorithms with user feedback are incorporated to improve text recognition accuracy, then the recognition reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetext recognition reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The portable USB device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a scanner and a processing unit with integrated machine learning capabilities. By combining scanning, OCR processing, auto-correction, and model retraining in a single universal device, the system improves reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity, as one device performs what would otherwise require multiple separate systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary auto-correction of text before final output, using pre-trained machine learning models to anticipate and correct errors. The model is pre-trained on diverse datasets including handwritten text, blurred text, and unusual fonts, allowing it to proactively improve recognition reliability before user review, reducing the complexity of post-processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a portable USB device with integrated processing is used, then the system portability improves, but the processing power and memory capacity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoidcomputational resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the processing tasks by separating the OCR engine from the auto-correction model. The OCR engine processes the image to extract text, while the machine learning model focuses specifically on identifying and correcting errors. This segmentation allows the portable device to handle complex processing within limited resources by dividing work into manageable specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes computational parameters by using lightweight machine learning models designed for resource-constrained environments. The model architecture and processing parameters are tuned to balance accuracy with the computational limitations of portable USB devices, enabling sophisticated text correction while maintaining portability and acceptable processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10607041B2Reinforcement learning based document scanner
Publication Date: 2020.03.31 BANK OF AMERICA CORP
  • US10607041B2 patent drawing
  • US10607041B2 patent drawing
  • US10607041B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for transformation of a digital scanner image using machine-learning algorithms are provided. The apparatus and methods may include a portable USB device configured for connection to a scanner port. The device may access and store a scanned digital image captured by the scanner. A device processor may use OCR to generate an editable PDF file and use one or more machine-learning algorithms to apply auto-corrections to the PDF file. The processor may communicate with a user interface configured to display each line from the scanned digital image in line with the corresponding auto-corrected text. The user interface may receive separate inputs accepting each line of auto-corrected text. Auto-correction acceptance data may be transmitted to the device processor. Each accepted auto-correction may be associated with a quantified value. A machine-learning algorithm may be configured to maximize a total value for auto-corrections in a scanned document.