Intelligent translation of text from photos is a rapidly evolving technology. Text-to-image translation software and applications allow users to perform automatic translations from any type of visual material almost instantly. Here we take a closer look at how this type of translation works and its advantages and limitations compared to human translation.
What is an image translation tool?
New technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) continue to develop by leaps and bounds, and image recognition is no exception. This AI technology is used, among other things, to automatically translate text in photos so you can quickly understand their content.
This method makes everyday life easier for foreign language speakers, allowing them to translate signs, menus, labels, and documents simply by taking a photo with their mobile phone or computer.
How does photo translation work?
Instant translation of text in photo format is made possible by mobile apps, software, online platforms, or smartphones with built-in translation functionality. These translation capabilities can be based on a variety of AI technologies, including:
Translation based on optical character recognition (OCR)
This technology extracts text from images, analyzes it, and automatically translates it into the target language. The OCR market is growing at 13% annually (Source:exactitudeconsultancy.com), meeting the needs of a wide range of sectors and industries around the world.
Many image translation programs and software packages are currently based on this technology, including:
Google Translate: Used by nearly 500 million users worldwide, this free tool (source: phonandroid.com) lets you translate images using your phone's camera or by uploading images to a translation application. Images can be translated automatically. Microsoft Translator: This software includes text-to-image translation capabilities. Text Fairy: Image translation and scanning application for Android. Scan & Translate +: iOS application used to scan and translate text in photos. Prizmo: OCR software for MacOS with scanning and image translation capabilities.
Translation based on image segmentation
Some image conversion programs split the image into multiple segments and analyze all of its parts. This step may require advanced image processing techniques (such as character recognition and object registration) to easily locate text on complex visualizations. Translation based on image segmentation is particularly suitable for computer graphics and diagrams. It is used by many intelligent tools such as:
Google Translate: Use image segmentation to detect and separate text on images. Then use OCR to translate the photo into the target language. It also uses this technology to extract text from photos and then translate it into the language of your choice. Asian languages such as Chinese, Japanese, and Korean using image segmentation.
Translation based on context localization
Contextual localization refers not only to the analysis of text within an image, but also to the visual context in which it is embedded (objects, icons, logos, etc.). Taking the latter into account will allow automatic translation features to more accurately adapt to your target market. This is especially useful in the fields of marketing, advertising, and e-commerce.
Translation tools based on context localization include DeepL (an online machine translation system) and Mate Translate (a browser extension).
Computer-assisted translation (CAT)
Computer-aided machine translation (CAT) works by organizing translations that have already been created and storing them in a special database. This technology is used in a variety of ways, from standalone software solutions to mobile applications. It is often used to translate content for social media, e-commerce websites, or documents. CAT applications and software include:
SDL Trados Studio Deja Vu Smart Cat
Automatic photo translation VS professional translators: which one should you choose?
Automatic text-to-photo translations are simple, accessible, and often free, but they don't always give high-quality results. Results vary depending on photo quality (pixelation, clarity, contrast, etc.) and may include errors in image recognition and text extraction. Therefore, you should consider using the services of a professional translator to ensure reliable results.
Alphatrad has a network of 3,500 professionals, including highly qualified native translators. These translators can translate into your native language and create multilingual translations of your content in image format. These translators specialize in your industry, speak over 100 languages, and can translate photos into English, Italian, French, Arabic, German, Spanish, and more.
Our translation team can translate all types of documents in a wide range of formats, including all types of images.
Restaurant menusComputer graphicsImages of printed documents (books, manuals, tourist guides, etc.)Images of handwritten documents (doctors' certificates, reports, summaries, etc.)Visuals for marketing purposes (advertisement posters, flyers, brochures, etc.)Product labels and packaging scanned documents (notarized documents, attachments, passports, ID cards, contracts, etc.).
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Frequently asked questions about photo translation
Yes, iPhone allows you to translate text from images thanks to its built-in feature. The Translate feature is available on iPhone models with iOS 14 or later. Use OCR technology to identify and translate your content into one of 133 supported languages.
You can copy text from images using OCR software. OCR software analyzes images pixel by pixel and recognizes the characters and words that appear. OCR software is available online, on your computer, or through a mobile app.
Translate the screenshot using a CAT application or software with OCR functionality. Simply capture the text and import it into the app or software of your choice. However, errors often occur with this type of tool, so it's best to use a professional translator to effectively translate your screenshots.
