NFC Apparatus Display Control for Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near field communication apparatuses face challenges in accurately approximating a mounting part with a near field communication function to a communication partner, especially when the logo mark of the touch point is invisible or not clearly visible, making it difficult for users to detect the correct positioning.

Innovation Solution

A near field communication apparatus with a display control unit that displays a mark indicating the touch point on the display panel, corresponding to the arrangement position of the near field communication unit, allowing users to accurately approximate the mounting part to a communication partner, and optionally includes guide displays to ensure correct positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the logo mark of the touch point is made invisible or not attached, then design properties are improved, but user ability to detect the touch point deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign propertiesVSAvoiduser ability to detect touch point
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the touch point location by displaying a mark on the display panel that corresponds to the physical position of the near field communication unit. This graphical representation allows users to identify the touch point without requiring physical markings on the device surface, thus maintaining design integrity while providing detection guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions the touch point indication from the physical dimension (logo marks on the device surface) to the digital dimension (marks displayed on the display panel). This dimensional shift allows the touch point to be indicated without adding physical elements that would compromise design properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the logo mark is not visible, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but accurate approximation to communication partner deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidaccurate approximation position
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the touch point location by displaying a mark on the display panel that corresponds to the physical position of the near field communication unit. This graphical representation allows users to identify the touch point without requiring physical markings on the device surface, thus maintaining design integrity while providing detection guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel acts as an intermediary between the physical near field communication unit and the user's perception. Instead of directly marking the physical surface, the system uses the display to convey location information, mediating the communication between the invisible component and user awareness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If visual cues are added to indicate touch point, then ease of operation is improved, but display obstruction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of approximationVSAvoiddisplay obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the mark display principle selectively - marks are shown only when near field communication functionality is present and only at locations corresponding to actual touch points. This localized application ensures visual cues are provided where needed without unnecessarily obstructing the display area for other functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of mark display, where the visibility and positioning of marks on the display panel are adjusted based on the operational state of the near field communication unit. This dynamic approach allows the display to serve both as a communication indicator and as a functional display surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2487805B1Near field communication apparatus, display control method, and program
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2487805B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2487805B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2487805B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus including a housing having a first surface (22) and a second surface (24); a display (210) disposed on the first surface of the housing; a near-field communication interface disposed at a first position on or beneath the second surface; and a processor configured to control the display to display a graphic indication corresponding to the near-field communication interface at a second position opposing the first position.