Project story
From TCG Scanner to TCG System
An automated scanner became a jointly developed sorting and inventory system.
From the starting point to the system
Scanning was the beginning, not the end.
TCG System did not begin as a finished product idea on a drawing board. The starting point was an automated TCG scanner from the FraensEngineering project. That led to the question of how cards could remain not only digitally known after capture, but also physically organized and easy to find again.
TCG System developed from that idea: a machine that recognizes cards, physically sorts them according to rules, and then connects the sorting run with a local Inventory. The current version is designed for Magic: The Gathering; additional TCGs are to be added only after separate approval.
Franz & Heimo
Two perspectives, one shared system.
TCG System is developed by Franz and Heimo, two long-time friends from Styria, Austria. From the beginning, we have developed the system together – from the first idea to the interaction of all its parts.
Design, 3D printing, electronics, machine control, software, the app, machine integration, and card recognition are not developed in isolation. We work together across all areas, test, continue developing, and make decisions jointly – so that the machine, app, and Inventory function as one coherent workflow in everyday use.
Working together has allowed both of us to learn an enormous amount from each other – across every area.
Development in stages
From capture to a known storage location.
- 1
The starting point
An automated TCG scanner from FraensEngineering made digitizing larger stacks of cards easier.
- 2
Physical sorting
The scanner idea led to the next step: distributing cards into separate destination bins according to clear rules.
- 3
Review results
Review & Transfer keeps uncertain recognitions controllable before they are transferred to inventory.
- 4
Find inventory again
The Inventory connects digital card data with the actual boxes, binders, and other storage locations.
Inside the project
Making the people and development visible.
Development in pictures
From mechanics to control systems.
Project origin
The original scanner
The original scanner remains a separate FraensEngineering project. Its role in the story of TCG System is the starting point, not the sole description of what the project is today.
Discover today's TCG System
Machine, sorter profiles, and Inventory work together in the current system.