Scanning System with Server-Linked Active Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing code scanning systems, such as those for one-dimensional barcodes and QR codes, provide limited information and lack a mechanism for two-way communication, primarily offering one-way information dissemination without enabling manufacturers or sellers to gather user data or preferences.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a scanning device to capture a scannable element with a two-dimensional code, decodes it to identify active data stored on a server, and pushes rich media or interactive content directly to the device, allowing for bi-directional communication and enabling user preferences to be collected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional one-dimensional barcodes or QR codes are used for scanning, then the system structure remains simple, but the information returned is limited and communication is one-way

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation returnedVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the information delivery process into multiple stages: initial code scanning provides basic information, while additional active data (videos, images, documents) are separately retrieved and pushed to the user's device based on the scan result, enabling comprehensive information delivery without overwhelming the initial scanning interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary server that mediates between the scanning user and the data sources. The server receives the scanned code, retrieves relevant active data from databases or external sources, and pushes the information to the user's device, thereby enabling enhanced information delivery without requiring direct complex connections between users and data sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If QR codes directing to websites are used, then promotional material can be assisted, but the system remains one-way communication with little user feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiduser feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by enabling two-way communication: users scan codes and receive information, but can also send queries, preferences, and feedback through the scanning device to the server, which then provides targeted responses. This creates a closed-loop communication system where user input directly influences subsequent information delivery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system transitions from static one-way information delivery to dynamic two-way interaction. The server adapts information delivery based on real-time user responses, preferences, and behavior patterns captured during scanning interactions, making the communication flexible and responsive to user needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If existing barcodes are augmented with two-dimensional codes, then rich media content can be delivered, but the scannable element requires modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverich media contentVSAvoidelement modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a universal mapping layer where any existing scannable code (barcode, QR code, alphanumeric string) can serve as an entry point to retrieve diverse active data types. The same scanning infrastructure handles multiple code formats, and the server universally processes these codes to deliver appropriate rich media content without requiring physical modification of the original scannable elements

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of modifying physical scannable elements, the system creates digital copies and associations in the database. Each existing code is linked to its corresponding active data in the server's database, allowing the original physical elements to remain unchanged while their digital representations enable enhanced information delivery through the networked system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Reliability

If a database lookup system is implemented to check for associated two-dimensional codes, then the system becomes more organized, but the scanning process requires additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode associationVSAvoidscanning process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-associating scannable codes with their corresponding active data in the database before scanning occurs. This pre-mapping allows the scanning process to quickly retrieve pre-prepared information without requiring complex real-time processing or multiple sequential lookups, reducing the time penalty while maintaining reliable code associations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the delivery of augmented content and user data collection without modifying existing scannable elements, providing a two-way communication channel and enhancing user engagement through rich media delivery and data exchange.

Implementation Method 1

the scannable element is optically captured by the scanning device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical capture: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3907632A1A scanning system
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SMARTGLYPH
  • EP3907632A1 patent drawing
  • EP3907632A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system comprising a scanning device and a physical scannable element. The scannable element is optically captured by the scanning device and associated with a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is then decoded and translated into a vector to identify active data stored on a server and the vector is sent to the server via a suitable network and active data is pushed to the scanning device.