Image Forming Apparatus With Side NFC for Unobstructed Touch Panel Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with wireless communication functions face inconvenient operation and reduced operability due to the need to move the line of sight between different directions for wireless LAN connections, and NFC-based connections obscure the touch panel, affecting usability.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus integrates an NFC circuit in the left portion of the housing, allowing for wireless LAN connection via NFC, with the NFC circuit positioned to avoid overlap with the display operation part, and uses a short signal line to minimize noise interference, enabling improved visibility and operability by maintaining a consistent line of sight and reducing communication disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is disposed on the left side of the loading part and the operation panel is disposed on the right side of the loading part, then wireless communication function is provided, but it is necessary to move the line of sight between the left side and the right side of the loading part, which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC circuit and the display operation part are merged into the same housing structure, with the NFC circuit specifically positioned in the left portion of the housing. This integration allows both the wireless communication function and the display operation to be accessed from the same viewing area, eliminating the need to move the line of sight between separate locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is disposed on the upper side or the lower side of a touch panel, then wireless communication function is provided, but it is necessary to move the line of sight in the upper-and-lower direction, which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC circuit is positioned in the left portion of the housing at the same horizontal level as the display operation part, creating a localized arrangement where both functions are accessible from the same viewing zone. This local quality arrangement eliminates the need for vertical line of sight movement while maintaining wireless communication functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the touch panel is obscured by the hand holding the portable terminal, then NFC communication is enabled, but operability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC circuit is extracted from a position that would be obscured by the portable terminal and is instead positioned in the left portion of the housing. This extraction ensures that the NFC communication area does not overlap with the display operation part, allowing users to hold the portable terminal without obscuring the touch panel while still enabling NFC communication.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) includes a main body (20), a display operation part (19), a housing (21), an NFC circuit (31), a wireless LAN circuit (32), and a control part 82). The main body (20) forms an image. The display operation part (19) displays information and receives operation. The housing (21) is coupled to a front surface of the main body (20) and houses the display operation part (19). The NFC circuit (31) performs NFC communication with a portable terminal (40). The wireless LAN circuit (32) performs wireless LAN communication with the portable terminal (40). The control part (2) transmits and receives data to and from the portable terminal (40) via the wireless LAN circuit (32) after establishing a connection with the portable terminal (40) via the NFC circuit (31). The NFC circuit (31) is housed in a left portion of the housing (21).