Receipt Duplex Scanner Front Rear Image Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing receipt processing methods require users to manually select and discard the rear image of receipts, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when the rear is not blank and contains store information or advertisements.
Innovation Solution
A receipt processing apparatus that performs duplex scanning, uses multiple determination items (blank side, used color, numerical, character string direction, repeat, and specific character string) to automatically identify the front and rear, and allows user intervention for incorrect determinations, reducing the need for manual selection and processing load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If duplex scanning is performed to read both front and rear of receipts, then the advantage is that receipts can be collectively set without conscious regard to front/rear, but the disadvantage is that user time and effort is required to select and discard the rear image
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining which side of the receipt is the front and which is the rear through image analysis. The determination section analyzes patterns on both scanned sides and autonomously identifies the front image, eliminating the need for user intervention in image selection and resolution of ambiguous cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of user selection is replaced with an automated image analysis system. The determination section uses pattern recognition algorithms to automatically distinguish front from rear images based on visual characteristics, substituting human judgment with computational analysis.
2Extent of automation
If the technique in JP-A-11-219408 is applied to determine rear by checking for blank paper, then the advantage is that automatic determination is achieved, but the disadvantage is that it is insufficient when rear contains store information, advertisements, or other content
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the determination parameter from simple blankness detection to pattern analysis. Instead of checking whether the rear is blank, the determination section analyzes the presence and characteristics of patterns (text, logos, advertisements) on both sides to reliably identify the front image, even when the rear contains various content.
Solution Approach 2:
The simple blank-detection mechanism is replaced with a sophisticated image analysis system that uses pattern recognition to determine front/rear orientation, enabling reliable automatic determination regardless of what content appears on the rear side.
3Device complexity
If single-side scanning is used to read only the front, then the advantage is that processing is simpler, but the disadvantage is that users must manually align front/rear in the scanner device
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning system is made multi-functional by performing duplex scanning that captures both front and rear images. This universal approach allows the system to handle various receipt orientations and types, automatically determining the correct front image regardless of how the receipt is loaded, thereby simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining front/rear orientation through image analysis, eliminating the need for manual alignment. The determination section autonomously identifies the correct orientation by analyzing patterns on both scanned sides, making the process simpler for users.
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis section for performing a predetermined image analysis processing for each of a first image and a second image generated by a performance of duplex scan by a scanner section and a receipt processing apparatus for determining an image of a front of a receipt on the basis of an analysis result of the analysis section.