Document Feeder Card Reader Wireless Authentication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses lack a secure and user-friendly method for authenticating users, especially in public facilities where installing authentication devices is difficult or not feasible.

Innovation Solution

An image reading device with a document feeder and card reader that allows for non-contact IC card authentication, where the card reader can be easily attached or removed and communicates wirelessly, facilitating user authentication while maintaining a compact and user-friendly design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an authentication device is installed in an image forming apparatus, then security is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication device is separated from the main image forming apparatus and integrated into the document feeder unit instead. This segmentation allows the authentication function to be added without increasing the complexity of the main apparatus, while still providing security enhancement through a dedicated authentication module in the document feeder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If an authentication device is permanently installed, then security is improved, but ease of operation and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The document feeder unit with integrated authentication device can be dynamically attached or detached from the image forming apparatus. This dynamic configuration allows users to easily operate the system by simply connecting or disconnecting the document feeder, providing flexibility while maintaining security when the authentication function is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a card reader is attached to a document feeder, then authentication functionality is improved, but risk of wire damage during attachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication functionalityVSAvoidwire damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The card reader is connected to the document feeder unit through wireless communication instead of physical wire connections. This substitution eliminates the risk of wire damage during attachment and detachment operations, while still providing robust authentication functionality through non-contact IC card reading.

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

4Reliability

If authentication device is integrated into main unit, then security is improved, but adaptability to different settings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The document feeder unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a document feeding mechanism and an authentication device housing. This multi-functional design allows the authentication capability to be easily adapted to different settings and locations, as the entire document feeder unit can be positioned flexibly while maintaining security functionality.

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

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

Enhances security and user convenience by enabling secure authentication without the need for constant authentication device installation, allowing for flexible use in various settings while preventing issues like wire damage during attachment.

Implementation Method 1

an IC card reader/writer reading, in a non-contact state, information stored in an IC card being an information recording medium adjacent from the outside and electromagnetically connected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3310030B1Image reading device, document feeder device, and image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 CANON KK
  • EP3310030B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3310030B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3310030B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An image reading device (2) includes reading means (12) having a reader (3a) that reads an image on a sheet, and a document feeder (10) turnably provided as to the reader means (12). The document feeder (10) has an attachment portion (25) to which a card reader (18) is detachably attached. The document feeder (10) has a storage portion (23) that stores the USB cable (18b) of the card reader (18).