Information Processing Apparatus for Automatic Arithmetic Expression Definition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face increased burden when setting up arithmetic expressions for numerical operations on forms, particularly in tabular entry fields, as they need to sequentially select and define multiple character string information pieces.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that reads character string information from forms, extracts feature and arrangement information, and automatically defines arithmetic expressions using obtained information to reduce user input burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users sequentially select and define multiple character string information pieces for numerical operations on forms, then arithmetic expressions can be accurately defined, but user burden and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of arithmetic expression definitionVSAvoiduser burden in setting up numerical operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically identifies numerical fields and generates arithmetic expressions without requiring manual user configuration. The processor extracts feature information from the form image, detects numerical fields, and autonomously defines arithmetic operations, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous user intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the form structure and numerical field relationships before the user needs to define arithmetic expressions. By pre-identifying numerical fields and their positional relationships, the system prepares the necessary information in advance, reducing the user's subsequent workload to simple verification rather than complex configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If users manually define arithmetic expressions for each area on a form, then numerical operations can be performed, but time consumption and operational burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform numerical operationsVSAvoidtime required for setting up arithmetic expressions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs the time-consuming tasks of identifying numerical fields, analyzing their relationships, and generating arithmetic expressions. The processor autonomously completes these operations without requiring user time for manual configuration, thereby significantly reducing time loss while maintaining full productivity for numerical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of defining arithmetic expressions with an automated image processing and analysis system. The processor uses optical character recognition, feature extraction, and algorithmic analysis to substitute human manual configuration, eliminating the time required for users to sequentially define each arithmetic expression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the system automatically defines arithmetic expressions based on form structure, then user burden is reduced, but complexity of the processing system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser burden reductionVSAvoidcomplexity of information processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex task of automatic arithmetic expression definition is divided into distinct functional modules: image processing module for reading form data, feature information extraction module for identifying numerical fields, analysis module for determining field relationships, and expression generation module for creating arithmetic expressions. This segmentation manages system complexity by organizing functions into separate, manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer between the form image and the arithmetic expression output. This intermediary includes feature extraction components that analyze positional relationships and numerical field characteristics, serving as a mediator that translates visual form structure into logical arithmetic operations without requiring direct complex user-system interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230306193A1Information processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and method for processing information

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: read plural pieces of character string information written on a form; obtain feature information indicating a feature relating to an arithmetic operation in which numerical information included in the plural pieces of character string information is used and arrangement information indicating a positional relationship between the plural pieces of character string information; and define, on a basis of the feature information and the arrangement information, an arithmetic expression for performing an arithmetic operation using an operator relating to the plural pieces of character string information.