OCR and Automated Translation for the Navigation of non-English Handsets: A Feasibility Study with Arabic

In forensics, mobile phones or handsets store potentially valuable information such as Contact lists, SMS Messages, or possibly emails and Calendar appointments. However, navigating to this content on non-English configured handsets, when the operator is untrained in the language, becomes a difficult task. We discuss a feasibility study that explored the performance of optical character recognition (OCR) systems against Arabic menus on handset LCD screens. Further, a method of automated spell correction and translation is explored considering fully automated or user-interactive workflow options. A capability technology demonstrator for non-English handset navigation was implemented based on outcomes of these studies, providing a platform for investigating workflow and usability.