Image Forming Apparatus Power Saving State RFID Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses in a power saving state cannot perform user authentication via RFID tag communication due to the high power consumption of RFID tag readers, requiring users to manually switch modes and hold authentication cards close, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus delivers an interrupt signal to return from a power saving state upon detecting an authentication card, allowing it to perform authentication processing after activation, enabling user authentication with a single action of holding the card over the reader, even when in a power saving state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the image forming apparatus is in power saving state to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but user authentication cannot be performed because the RFID tag reader-writer is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit prepares to receive authentication data in advance by detecting the approach of the authentication card (external device) even before the apparatus fully returns from power saving state. This preliminary detection and data reception preparation enables seamless authentication once the apparatus is active.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit acts as an intermediary that can operate independently in a low-power mode to detect external devices and receive authentication data, bridging the gap between the powered-off RFID reader-writer and the main control unit that needs to be active for authentication processing.
2Ease of operation
If the RFID tag reader-writer is kept powered on to enable authentication, then user authentication can be performed, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication function is segmented into two parts: the communication unit that handles low-power detection and data reception, and the control unit that processes authentication when active. This segmentation allows the high-power RFID reader-writer to remain off while authentication capability is preserved through the low-power communication unit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the apparatus is in power saving state, then power consumption is reduced, but the user must perform two actions (depress button and hold authentication card) which reduces user friendliness
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit automatically detects the approach of the authentication card and initiates the authentication data reception process without requiring user intervention. The apparatus self-activates the authentication sequence by detecting the external device, eliminating the need for users to manually press buttons or time their card placement.
4Speed
If handover during NFC authentication is required, then higher-speed communication is enabled, but the apparatus must not be in power saving state which limits adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on the authentication process stage. The communication unit operates in a dynamic low-power mode during initial detection and data reception, then transitions to full power mode for handover and high-speed communication, enabling both power saving and high-speed authentication.
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
Enables seamless user authentication by one action of holding an authentication card over the card reader, improving user friendliness and efficiency by allowing the apparatus to return from a power saving state and perform authentication without additional manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC protocol enables not only communication between an RFID tag and an RFID tag reader-writer but also communication between reader-writers
Implementation Method 2
an image forming apparatus configured to perform user authentication by bringing an authentication card with an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag close to the image forming apparatus equipped with an RFID tag reader-writer
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus capable of returning from the power saving state and performing user authentication by one action of holding an authentication card over a card reader even when the apparatus is in the power saving state. The apparatus performs short-distance wireless communication with an external device. A controller performs control processing including at least authentication processing. When short-distance wireless communication with the device is started, a short-distance wireless communication section delivers a return-starting interrupt, to the controller, receives authentication data from the device to thereby store the authentication data during returning of the apparatus. The controller performs authentication processing based on the stored authentication data after returning of the apparatus from the power saving state, and notifies the device of an authentication processing result by a different channel.