A mobile interaction framework for digitizing paper processes in the developing world

ABSTRACT During our work with community microfinance groups in rural India, we found that paper plays a critical role in many local information practices. However, paper-based recordkeeping can be inefficient, so we need to link paper with the flexibility of modern information tools. A mobile phone can be the perfect bridging device. Here we present the CAM mobile document processing system, in which a camera phone is used as an image capture and data entry device. Our system is able to process paper forms containing CamShell programs -embedded instructions that are decoded from an electronic image. By combining 1) paper, 2) audio, 3) numeric data entry, 4) narrative scripted execution and 5) asynchronous connectivity, we have synthesized five years of design experience into a usable and locally harmonious system that has the potential to impact the lives of billions of people