Image Forming Machine NFC Setup for Wireless LAN Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in convenient wireless connectivity with portable terminals due to complex setup processes and inconvenient line-of-sight requirements for wireless LAN connections, particularly when antennas are positioned in non-optimal locations, affecting operability and visibility.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus integrates an NFC circuit in the left portion of the housing, enabling easy connection via NFC, with a wireless LAN circuit positioned on the right, allowing seamless wireless LAN communication after NFC setup, and optimizing antenna placement for improved visibility and operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the antenna is disposed on the upper surface of the cover covering the image forming part, then wireless LAN communication can be established, but the line of sight must be moved between left and right sides of the loading part, which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication functions into separate circuits: NFC circuit for initial connection and wireless LAN circuit for data communication. The NFC circuit is positioned in the left portion while the wireless LAN antenna is positioned in the right portion, allowing each to serve its specific function without interfering with the other's optimal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC circuit acts as an intermediary to establish initial connection with the portable terminal before activating the wireless LAN circuit. This two-step process allows the antenna to be optimally positioned for wireless LAN communication while using NFC to simplify the initial connection process.
2Reliability
If the antenna is disposed on the upper side or lower side of a touch panel, then wireless LAN communication can be established, but the line of sight must be moved in the upper-and-lower direction, which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the NFC circuit and wireless LAN circuit into different spatial locations within the housing. The NFC circuit is in the left portion while the wireless LAN antenna is in the right portion, allowing the antenna to be positioned optimally for communication without requiring line of sight adjustment in the vertical direction.
3Ease of operation
If the touch panel is obscured by the hand holding the portable terminal, then operability is reduced, but wireless LAN connection requires antenna positioning that may conflict with hand position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication functions into NFC and wireless LAN circuits positioned in different locations. The NFC circuit in the left portion can be accessed without hand obstruction, while the wireless LAN antenna in the right portion maintains optimal positioning for communication, resolving the conflict between hand position and antenna location.
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 user experience by simplifying wireless connectivity, improving visibility, and reducing communication interference, thereby increasing operability and reliability of wireless LAN connections.
Implementation Method 1
use of NFC (Near Field Communication) can be considered. A wireless LAN can be connected simply by holding a portable terminal over the NFC circuit provided in the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 2
the wireless LAN circuit performs wireless LAN communication with the portable terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a display operation part, a housing, an NFC circuit, a wireless LAN circuit, and a control part. The main body forms an image. The display operation part displays information and receives operation. The housing is coupled to a front surface of the main body and houses the display operation part. The NFC circuit performs NFC communication with a portable terminal. The wireless LAN circuit performs wireless LAN communication with the portable terminal. The control part transmits and receives data to and from the portable terminal via the wireless LAN circuit after establishing a connection with the portable terminal via the NFC circuit. The NFC circuit is housed in a left portion of the housing.