Batch Ticket Image Tracking for Multi-Job Process Management

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face limitations in managing job progress and location in a limited space due to the restricted number of code images that can be arranged without overlapping, leading to inefficiencies in managing multiple processes.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that generates and manages print data for a second slip (batch ticket) associated with multiple objects, allowing for the detection and updating of object locations or processes using imaging devices, even in spaces where objects are mixed, by employing a batch ticket with a secondary color code to collectively identify and manage multiple jobs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple code images are arranged in a limited space, then the number of jobs that can be managed increases, but the code images overlap and cannot be properly captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of jobs managedVSAvoidcode image capture
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual job tickets with separate code images are merged into a single batch ticket that contains one code image representing multiple jobs. The imaging device captures this single code image, and the system identifies and manages multiple jobs through one captured image, resolving the contradiction between managing more jobs and maintaining captureability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing multiple physical code images on separate tickets, the system creates a single code image that represents multiple jobs. This virtual copying approach allows the system to manage multiple jobs through one physical code image, eliminating the overlapping problem while maintaining the ability to track individual job progress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If individual job tickets are used for each job, then job tracking precision is high, but the space required to arrange and capture multiple tickets increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejob tracking precisionVSAvoidspace for arranging tickets
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual job tickets are merged into a single batch ticket that consolidates information about multiple jobs. This single ticket is captured by the imaging device, reducing the physical space required while maintaining the ability to track each job individually through the batch ticket's code image and associated job identification data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a one-to-one relationship (one ticket per job) to a one-to-many relationship (one batch ticket for multiple jobs). This dimensional change in the ticket-job relationship allows multiple jobs to be represented in a single physical object, reducing spatial requirements while preserving tracking precision through digital association.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4250086B1Information processing system, information processing method, carrier means, and information processing apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4250086B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4250086B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4250086B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing system (1), an information processing method, a non-transitory recording medium, and an information processing apparatus (14). The information processing system (1) captures a plurality of images at respective locations each associated with a location where the object is managed, or a process performed on the object to be managed, generates print data of a second slip associated with the plurality of objects to be managed, the second slip being different from a first slip associated with each of the plurality of obj ects, and updates, based on detection of the printed second slip from the image captured by the imaging device (18), the plurality of objects to be managed associated with the printed second slip, as being placed at the location or the process associated with the imaging device that captured the image of the second slip.