Slip Processing Device Integrating Barcode Scanning and Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for managing data from slips require separate actions for reading barcodes and imaging, leading to time and labor inefficiencies when processing large numbers of slips.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with an imaging unit and barcode scanner that automatically scans one-dimensional barcodes, determines successful data acquisition, and associates the obtained identification information with slip images for storage, eliminating the need for separate input operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate actions are used for reading barcodes and imaging slips, then data accuracy is ensured, but processing time and labor increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the barcode reading function and imaging function into a single integrated operation. The imaging unit captures both the barcode region and the slip image simultaneously in one shot, eliminating the need for separate reading and imaging actions. This merging of functions maintains data accuracy while dramatically reducing processing time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging unit is configured to capture the entire slip image including the barcode region in advance. By preliminarily acquiring the complete slip image, the system can extract barcode information from the captured image data without requiring a separate reading action, thus reducing processing steps while ensuring accurate data acquisition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If separate actions are used for reading barcodes and imaging slips, then functional reliability is maintained, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the barcode reading function and imaging function into a single integrated operation. The imaging unit captures both the barcode region and the slip image simultaneously in one shot, eliminating the need for separate reading and imaging actions. This merging of functions maintains data accuracy while dramatically reducing processing time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs automatic barcode recognition and image association without requiring manual intervention. The processor automatically extracts barcode information from the captured image, associates it with the slip image, and stores the combined data, eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate separate reading and imaging actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic barcode recognition is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging unit serves multiple functions: it captures the slip image for record-keeping, captures the barcode region for automatic recognition, and provides the visual data needed for both functions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high productivity through automatic barcode recognition without adding separate dedicated hardware components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3301616B1Slip processing device, slip processing method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
  • EP3301616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3301616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A slip processing device includes: an imaging unit that images an object; a barcode scanner that reads a barcode; and a processor configured to perform the following: causing the barcode scanner to scan a barcode on a slip to obtain an identification information on the slip; determining whether the obtaining of the identification information has succeeded; when the obtaining of the identification information has succeeded, causing the imaging unit to image the slip to obtain a slip image; and causing the identification information that has been obtained and the slip image that has been obtained to be stored in association with each other in a storage unit.