MFP Power-Off Device Info Access via NFC
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Multi-Function Printers (MFPs) require a power-on state to confirm and set device information, which is impractical for large-scale MFPs due to long initialization times and high power consumption, and cannot acquire or set information when the power is off, leading to inefficiencies and potential forgotten settings.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a management unit, communication unit, and control unit that allows device information to be stored in a first storage unit and written to a second storage unit when the power is off, enabling read/write operations via short-distance wireless communication, such as NFC, even when the MFP is in a power-off state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the power supply of the MFP is turned on to confirm device information, then the device information can be accessed, but the user has to wait a long time for initialization and consumes large power
Solution Approach 1:
The MFP stores device information in a storage unit that remains accessible even when the power supply is OFF. This preliminary action of preserving information allows the user to access device information without waiting for initialization, resolving the time loss problem while maintaining information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a storage unit as an intermediary between the power supply system and the device information. This intermediary allows information to be accessed independently of the power state, eliminating the need to wait for initialization while maintaining continuous accessibility.
2Reliability
If the power supply of the MFP is turned on to set device information, then the information can be updated, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by storing device information in a persistent storage unit that survives power-off states. This allows information setting and updating to occur without requiring the power supply to be ON, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining setting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit provides self-service by maintaining accessibility and retainability of device information independent of the power supply state. This eliminates the need to power on the device for information setting, reducing energy consumption while preserving reliability.
3Loss of information
If the power supply is turned on temporarily to access device information, then the information can be confirmed, but the power consumption is impractical for large-scale MFPs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing device information in a persistent storage unit that remains accessible without requiring power-on. This eliminates the need for temporary power-on operations, reducing energy consumption while maintaining information accessibility for large-scale MFPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The persistent storage unit acts as an intermediary that decouples information accessibility from the power supply state. This allows the MFP to provide device information without consuming energy for initialization, resolving the contradiction between information accessibility and power consumption.
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 the acquisition and setting of device information regardless of the power state, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for lengthy initialization, while ensuring accurate and updated settings without user forgetfulness.
Implementation Method 1
a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device according to short distance wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises: a management unit configured to manage device information of the electronic device by storing the device information in a first storage unit; a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device according to short distance wireless communication; a storage control unit configured to control, when the electronic device transits from a power-on state to a power-off state, to write the device information stored in the first storage unit in a second storage unit; and a control unit configured to control, upon receiving a read request or write request of the device information from the external device via the communication unit, to read or write the device information stored in the second storage unit when the electronic device is in the power-off state.