Dual NFC Units for Alternating Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information processing systems face challenges in efficiently managing near field communication with multiple devices, particularly in alternating communication protocols and ensuring secure authentication for printing operations across different communication objects like non-contact IC cards and mobile terminals.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates dual near field communication units and a communication controller that alternately transmits wireless signals to detect and prioritize communication objects, enabling secure authentication and data transfer between an image forming apparatus and mobile terminals through distinct communication protocols, ensuring efficient printing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single near field communication unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The near field communication unit is segmented into multiple independent communication units (first NFC unit and second NFC unit), each capable of handling different communication protocols. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously support multiple communication objects with different protocols without increasing overall system complexity, as each unit operates independently with dedicated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication controller is designed with universal functionality to manage both the first and second NFC units, selecting appropriate communication objects based on detected protocols. This multi-functional controller consolidates the complexity management, allowing the system to adapt to various communication objects (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PCs) through a single intelligent control architecture rather than requiring separate dedicated controllers for each unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple near field communication units operate simultaneously, then the communication capability with multiple objects is improved, but the reliability of authentication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller implements periodic detection of communication objects, sequentially activating different NFC units based on detected protocols. This periodic action ensures that authentication is performed systematically with proper verification at each stage, maintaining reliability by not attempting simultaneous authentication with multiple objects but rather cycling through detection and authentication in a controlled periodic manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the communication controller continuously monitors communication status and authentication results from both NFC units. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts which unit remains active and manages the authentication process, ensuring that reliable authentication is maintained even when multiple communication units are available, by using feedback to prevent conflicting authentication attempts.
3Productivity
If the system detects communication objects continuously, then the productivity of communication operations is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication controller dynamically adjusts the detection and communication activities of the first and second NFC units based on real-time needs. Instead of continuous operation, the controller activates specific units only when communication objects are detected or when communication operations are required, optimizing the balance between productivity and energy consumption by making detection and communication activities adaptive to actual system state rather than static and continuous.
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
This solution ensures secure and efficient communication and authentication processes, allowing for seamless printing operations by prioritizing communication based on detected objects and utilizing multiple protocols to enhance system reliability and user access control.
Implementation Method 1
a first near field communication unit that transmits a first wireless signal for performing first near field communication with a first communication object
Implementation Method 2
a second near field communication unit that transmits a second wireless signal for performing second near field communication with a second communication object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an information processing apparatus, including a first near field communication unit that transmits a first wireless signal for performing first near field communication with a first communication object, a second near field communication unit that transmits a second wireless signal for performing second near field communication with a second communication object that is capable of being the first communication object, and a communication controller that controls the first and second near field communication units to perform the first or second near field communication with the first or second communication object when the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal are alternately transmitted, and existence of the first or the second communication object is continuously detected plural times through transmission of one of the first and second wireless signals.