Slip Printing System for Door-to-Door Sales Order Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door-to-door sales order receiving/placing systems are inefficient due to manual data entry, leading to human errors and delayed order processing, as salespersons must write and re-enter order details by hand, lacking real-time stock status information.

Innovation Solution

A slip printing system comprising a host computer, mobile terminal device, and mobile printer that enables data communication and automatic generation of order slips, reducing manual input and allowing real-time stock updates and payment method-dependent print data generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual data entry is used for order receiving, then flexibility in customer interaction is maintained, but productivity and data flow efficiency deteriorate due to repeated manual input

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in customer interactionVSAvoidorder processing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses optical character recognition (OCR) technology to capture handwritten text on the order slip and automatically convert it into digital data. This copying process eliminates the need for manual re-entry of order information into the computer system, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the flexibility of handwritten order taking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry with an automated image recognition and data processing system. The handheld device captures the slip image, extracts text automatically, and transmits data to the central system, substituting human manual input operations with automated technological processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If information is written by hand on order slips, then customer orders can be recorded flexibly, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to human errors in writing and calculation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorder recording flexibilityVSAvoiddata accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The OCR technology accurately copies the handwritten text from the order slip into digital form, preserving the original handwritten information while eliminating transcription errors. This automated copying process significantly improves data accuracy compared to manual re-entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback mechanisms including display of captured text on the handheld device for verification, and automatic transmission to the central system for confirmation. This feedback loop allows detection and correction of potential errors before final processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If data is not input into the computer system immediately, then salespersons can focus on customer service, but loss of time occurs in order processing and stock status information is not updated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer service focusVSAvoidorder processing delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data capture and processing at the point of sale using the handheld device. The order information is captured, validated, and transmitted to the central system immediately, preparing the data for processing before the salesperson completes customer service tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous data transmission and processing without interrupting the sales process. Orders are captured and transmitted in real-time, maintaining continuous updates to inventory and order status while allowing salespersons to continue serving customers uninterrupted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If real-time data transmission is implemented, then productivity and information availability improve, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware and software requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata flow efficiencyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handheld device serves multiple functions: capturing order slip images, performing OCR text recognition, validating data, and transmitting information to the central system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated tool.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device acts as an intermediary between the physical order slip and the central computer system. It bridges the gap by capturing data from the slip, processing it locally, and transmitting it to the central system, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7528975B2Slip printing system
Publication Date: 2009.05.05 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US7528975B2 patent drawing
  • US7528975B2 patent drawing
  • US7528975B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A slip printing system which can be employed in a service management system is configured to include a host computer, a mobile terminal device, and a mobile printer that is capable of receiving data from the mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device includes a service information input module. The service information input through the service information input module is transmitted to the host computer. A print data generating module of the host computer generates print data to in accordance with the service information. The print data generated by the print data generating module is transmitted to the mobile terminal device. The mobile terminal device transmits the print data which has been transmitted from the host computer, and the mobile printer prints an image on a slip in accordance with the print data transmitted from the mobile terminal device.