URL Recognition from Digital Images via OCR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accessing information using codes like QR codes are cumbersome and complicated, requiring specific software and standards, whereas directly displayed URLs or URIs are not easily recognizable or accessible.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that utilize digital image recognition techniques to extract and decode URIs or URLs from photographs taken by devices like cell phones or cameras, allowing direct access to corresponding Web pages, either locally or remotely, using character recognition algorithms and applications that enhance image quality and recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If QR codes are used to access information, then information accessibility is improved, but device complexity and software requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical QR code system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using visual pattern recognition (QR codes), the system captures images of URLs/text and uses optical character recognition (OCR) and image processing algorithms to extract and access web resources directly, eliminating the need for QR code decoding software
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the captured image and the web resource access. The system processes the captured image through multiple stages (image quality assessment, enhancement, OCR, URL extraction) to bridge the gap between visual input and web browsing, replacing the direct QR code-to-url mapping
2Adaptability or versatility
If QR code standards and software are used, then information access is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can handle multiple types of information representations (URLs, text, images) through a single image capture and processing interface. The system is not limited to QR codes but can process any visible text or URL representation, making it more versatile and easier to use across different scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary, on-the-fly image processing and URL extraction without requiring persistent software installations or complex configurations. The system processes images temporarily, extracts necessary information, and discards the processed data, eliminating the need for maintaining complex QR code software environments
3Device complexity
If direct URL display is used, then simplicity is improved, but recognizability and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform image quality assessment, enhancement, and URL extraction without user intervention. The system self-adjusts processing parameters, selects appropriate enhancement techniques, and extracts URLs autonomously from captured images, making the simple direct URL display approach effective through automated intelligence
4Measurement precision
If image processing and character recognition are applied, then URL extraction accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary image quality assessment and enhancement before URL extraction. By pre-processing the image to improve quality (enhancement, noise reduction, contrast adjustment) before the actual OCR and URL extraction steps, the system increases recognition accuracy while optimizing overall processing efficiency through staged operations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are systems are provided that include obtaining a digital image from a digital photograph, such as may be taken by a digital camera or a camera phone. The digital image includes, for example, a URI or URL, which may be contained within a visible frame. A character recognition technique, such as an optical character recognition technique, may be used to recognize the URI or URL from the digital image. The URI or URL may be used to access a corresponding Web page. The character recognition technique may be applied on the digital camera or cell phone itself, or remotely.