Calculator Outputting Structured Data and QR Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scientific calculators lack the ability to output data in a format that allows external devices to acquire reference information, such as calculation object data and analysis data, effectively, even when using QR code conversion methods.

Innovation Solution

A calculator system that includes a scientific calculator with a processor configured to select calculation functions, input data, and output calculation object and result data as external data, which is then converted into a QR code and processed by a compute server to generate appropriate reference information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If QR code conversion method is used to share data between devices, then data can be transmitted without communication function, but the external device cannot acquire calculation reference information in an appropriate format

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidcalculation reference information
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data output into multiple formats: QR code for basic data transmission, and simultaneously outputs calculation object data and analysis data in structured formats (such as JSON, XML, or CSV) that external devices can directly acquire and process. This segmentation allows different devices to receive appropriate data types for their specific needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data structure that bridges the calculator and external devices. This intermediary format serves as a common language that allows the calculator to output data in a way that is both human-readable (via QR code) and machine-parseable (via structured data formats), enabling external devices to acquire calculation reference information effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate calculator is used to interpret and analyze calculation process, then calculation analysis can be performed, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation analysis capabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the calculator universal by enabling it to output data in multiple formats simultaneously. The same calculator can serve both as a basic calculation device (using QR code output) and as a data source for external analysis devices (using structured data output), eliminating the need for a separate specialized analysis calculator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The calculator performs self-service by generating all necessary output formats internally. Instead of requiring external devices to reconstruct calculation processes, the calculator itself produces ready-to-use calculation object data and analysis data in appropriate formats, reducing the need for additional analytical devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If QR code is displayed for data output, then data can be viewed on external device, but data is not in appropriate format for further processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata viewingVSAvoiddata processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the output into two distinct channels: visual output (QR code) for easy viewing and verification by users, and structured data output (JSON, XML, CSV) for machine processing. This segmentation allows each output type to optimize for its specific purpose without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the data format parameter based on the intended use. For human viewing, data is encoded as QR code with visual parameters optimized for scanning. For machine processing, data is output in structured formats with parameters optimized for parsing and analysis, allowing the same underlying data to serve multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2998876B1Calculator, recording medium and compute server
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP2998876B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2998876B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2998876B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A calculator includes an input unit and a processor. The processor is configured to perform following processes: receiving a selection of a calculation function type according to a user's operation; receiving an input of calculation object data according to the selected calculation function type, according to a user's operation; and outputting at least one of the calculation object data and calculation result data obtained by a calculation based on the input calculation object data, as external data.