Document Feeder Card Reader Attachment for Image Reading Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack a secure and convenient method for user authentication, particularly in public facilities where installing authentication devices is difficult or not feasible, and existing solutions do not efficiently manage the attachment and operation of non-contact IC card readers.
Innovation Solution
An image reading device with an integrated automatic document feeder and a non-contact IC card reader that can be easily attached to the image forming apparatus, featuring a storage portion for the USB cable to prevent damage and facilitate attachment, and a design that allows for secure and convenient user authentication without requiring a standard card reader installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a non-contact IC card reader is added to the image forming apparatus, then user authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IC card reader is designed as a detachable attachment that can be separately installed on the document feeder, rather than integrating it into the main apparatus body. This segmentation allows the authentication capability to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the core image forming apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment unit serves multiple functions: it houses the IC card reader for authentication, provides a storage portion for the USB cable, and includes a weight to prevent the document feeder from tilting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while adding authentication capability.
2Reliability
If the IC card reader is permanently integrated into the image forming apparatus, then authentication reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The IC card reader is implemented as a separate attachable unit rather than a permanently integrated component. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process of the main image forming apparatus while allowing reliable authentication functionality to be added through a standardized attachment interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment unit is pre-equipped with a USB cable and storage portion during its manufacturing process, so that when attached to the document feeder, the authentication system is immediately functional without requiring additional installation steps for cable management or structural support.
3Ease of operation
If the USB cable is left exposed outside the document feeder, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to cable damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The USB cable is stored within a dedicated storage portion that is nested inside the attachment unit. This nesting protects the cable from external damage while keeping the attachment unit compact and the cable accessible when needed for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage portion acts as an intermediary structure between the USB cable and the external environment. It provides mechanical protection and organized routing for the cable, preventing direct exposure to damage risks while maintaining operational accessibility.
4Ease of operation
If the attachment unit is made lightweight, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates causing document feeder tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment unit incorporates a weight specifically at its lower end, creating localized mass distribution. This local quality enhancement provides ballast that prevents the document feeder from tilting forward, while the overall attachment unit remains relatively lightweight and easy to handle during installation and removal.
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
The solution provides secure user authentication and easy attachment of the IC card reader, reducing the risk of cable damage and improving user experience by ensuring the card reader is an optional feature that can be added without compromising the device's functionality or increasing its size.
Implementation Method 1
a card reader which is a communication device capable of wireless communication with the user
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An image reading device (2) includes a reader unit (12) having reading means (3a) that read an image on a sheet, and a document feeder (10) turnably provided as to the reading means (3a). The document feeder (10) has a card reader (18). The document feeder (10) has a motor (M) and an attachment part (25) to which the card reader (18) is attached. In a Y direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of a hinge (22), the attachment part (25) is disposed on one side of the center of the document feeder (10), and the motor (M) is disposed on the other side of the center of the document feeder (10).