Image Forming Apparatus Communication Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the separate provision of a communication device for establishing communication with information terminal devices can lead to unintended operations due to contact with the operating panel when users hold their information terminal devices or fingers over the communication device.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a communication device positioned differently from the authentication device for IC cards, featuring a first target display portion for IC cards and a second target display portion, distant from the operating portion, to reduce contact with the information terminal device during authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the communication device is provided adjacent to the operating portion for convenient communication with information terminal devices, then the ease of operation is improved, but unintended operations occur due to contact with the operating panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication function into two separate spatial zones: a first communication device adjacent to the operating portion for frequent operations, and a second communication device distant from the operating portion for authentication operations. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific purpose without interference, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second communication device as an intermediary solution for authentication operations. This device acts as a mediator that handles authentication communications at a distance from the operating portion, preventing direct contact between information terminal devices and the operating panel while maintaining communication functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the communication device is positioned close to the operating portion for user convenience, then the ease of operation is improved, but contact with the information terminal device or user's finger causes unintended operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication operations into two distinct spatial locations: close positioning for general communication convenience and distant positioning for authentication operations. This segmentation eliminates the harmful effect of contact-induced unintended operations while preserving the convenience of communication for non-authentication tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication communication function from the general communication function and positions it separately at a distance from the operating portion. This extraction removes the source of harmful contact interference while maintaining the essential communication capability for authentication purposes.
3Reliability
If the communication device is separately provided from the authentication device, then the reliability is improved by preventing contact interference, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the image forming apparatus to handle different communication operations (general communication and authentication) through two differently positioned communication devices. This universal design allows the system to perform multiple communication functions while maintaining operational reliability through spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the complexity issue by utilizing spatial dimensionality - positioning communication devices at different locations (adjacent to and distant from the operating portion) rather than adding complex functional layers. This dimensional approach maintains reliability through physical separation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 effectively suppresses contact with the operating portion of the image forming apparatus when users hold information terminal devices, enhancing user safety and reducing the likelihood of misoperation.
Implementation Method 1
a communication device for establishing communication with an IC card and information terminal devices such as a smartphone and a tablet
Implementation Method 2
a communication device for establishing communication with an information terminal device held over the second target display portion
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication operation of a communication device is facilitated without making an outer appearance of an image forming apparatus complicated. An image forming apparatus 1 includes an image reading portion 41 for reading an original image, an image forming portion 44 for forming the image on a recording material, communication devices 32 and 33 capable of communication with a storing device 52 for storing information through rear-range wireless communication, and a mounting portion 23 to which the communication devices are mounted, and the mounting portion is provided between the image reading portion and the image forming portion.