External Antenna Board Layout for BLE Direction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses lack the capability to detect the arrival direction of a radio wave using multiple antennas, which is necessary for improved performance in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, especially with the added feature of detecting direction in Bluetooth 5.1 standards.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a communication board equipped with a plurality of antennas arranged horizontally along the front side, projecting from the upper surface or side, to detect the arrival direction of radio waves, allowing for efficient direction detection and improved usability by preventing radio wave shielding from the apparatus itself.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple antennas are arranged inside the image forming apparatus for direction detection, then the direction detection capability is improved, but the radio wave strength is shielded and reduced by the apparatus body
Solution Approach 1:
The communication board with multiple antennas is extracted from the internal structure and positioned externally, projecting from the front surface of the image forming apparatus. This extraction removes the antennas from the shielding environment of the apparatus body while maintaining the direction detection capability through the external antenna array configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The antennas are arranged in a horizontal direction along the front surface, utilizing the external spatial dimension rather than internal placement. This dimensional change allows the antennas to operate in a space less affected by the apparatus body's radio wave shielding, improving signal strength while maintaining direction detection functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the communication board is positioned to project from the apparatus, then radio wave strength is improved by avoiding shielding, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication board is merged with the front surface structure of the image forming apparatus, integrating the antenna array into the existing device architecture. This integration approach reduces overall complexity by combining multiple functions (communication, direction detection) into a single modular unit rather than adding separate components.
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 configuration enhances the performance of the image forming apparatus by accurately detecting the direction of communication terminals, improving usability and ensuring sufficient radio wave strength for communication, while avoiding interference from the apparatus's internal components.
Implementation Method 1
detect differences in phase and time of the radio waves which are sent and received between the plurality of antennas
Implementation Method 2
detect differences in phase and time of the radio waves which are sent and received between the plurality of antennas
Data Source
AI summary
Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a plurality of antennas for detecting for an arrival direction of a radio wave was not invented. In the present invention, a communication board including a plurality of antennas for wireless communicating with a communication terminal is provided on a front side with respect to a front-rear direction of an image forming apparatus including an imager forming unit in a vertical direction.