Image Processing Device Remote Setting via NFC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image processing devices require users to be physically close to designate setting options, limiting convenience and ease of use, especially when using portable terminals for bidirectional short-range wireless communication.

Innovation Solution

The system allows users to designate setting options remotely by transmitting selection information from the image processing device to the portable terminal, enabling users to select and store settings even when the terminal is out of range, using Near Field Communication (NFC) for bidirectional communication and a posture sensor to facilitate option selection through orientation changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user designates setting options while the portable terminal is kept close to the image processing device, then the communication session can be established easily, but the user convenience and ease of operation are reduced due to the need for physical proximity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenience in designating setting optionsVSAvoidcommunication session establishment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing device transmits selection information to the portable terminal before the communication session is fully established or before the terminal moves out of range. This preliminary transmission allows the user to view and select setting options even when the terminal is kept away from the device, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The selection information acts as an intermediary that carries setting option data from the image processing device to the portable terminal. This intermediary allows the user to interact with setting options remotely without requiring continuous physical proximity to the device, improving ease of operation while maintaining communication effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the image processing device transmits selection information during the communication session, then the user can designate setting options remotely, but the communication session must be maintained which may limit flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote setting option designationVSAvoidcommunication session management
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device transmits selection information at an appropriate time before the communication session ends or before the terminal moves out of range. This timing strategy allows remote setting option designation while avoiding the need to maintain complex continuous communication sessions, balancing ease of operation with session management simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user designates setting options multiple times through different communication sessions, then comprehensive settings can be configured, but the time required for configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive setting configurationVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing device transmits comprehensive selection information including multiple setting options in advance during the initial communication session. This preliminary transmission of complete setting information allows the user to configure all necessary settings in one session rather than requiring multiple sequential sessions, reducing configuration time while maintaining comprehensive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 convenience by allowing remote designation of setting options, reducing the need for physical proximity and simplifying the selection process, while ensuring accurate recognition and storage of settings for subsequent image processing tasks.

Implementation Method 1

a near field communication (NFC) unit that establishes, when a portable terminal device comes near the NFC unit, wireless communication with the portable terminal device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC):

Implementation Method 2

using Near Field Communication (NFC) for bidirectional communication and a posture sensor to facilitate option selection through orientation changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosture sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP2575028B1Image processing device and portable terminal
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP2575028B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2575028B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2575028B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image processing device configured to establish bidirectional communication with a portable terminal using short-range wireless communication includes: a processor; and a memory that stores computer-readable instructions therein. The computer-readable instructions may cause the image processing device to transmit first selection information to the terminal during a first communication session, the first selection information including information representing a plurality of first setting options for image processing carried out by the device; receive first item data from the terminal during a second communication session established after the first communication session is disconnected, the first item data representing a particular first setting option designated by a user of the terminal from among the plurality of first setting options; and carry out particular image processing in accordance with the particular first setting option represented by the first item data.