NFC Initial Setup for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require users to manually input various settings such as language, date, and network configurations during initial setup, which can be inconvenient, especially in shared environments where settings may vary among users.
Innovation Solution
An initial setup method using Near Field Communication (NFC) that allows an image forming apparatus to receive initial setup data from a mobile terminal, simplifying the process by displaying a menu and allowing NFC tagging to transfer and store settings like language, country, time, administrator account, and time zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input method is used for initial setup, then user can control all settings, but operation convenience deteriorates and setup time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile terminal pre-stores initial setup data (language, country, time zone, administrator account) before the user needs to set up the image forming apparatus. When the user initiates NFC tagging, this pre-stored data is automatically transmitted to the apparatus, eliminating the need for manual input during setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the initial setup data from the mobile terminal and transfers it to the image forming apparatus through NFC. This copied data replica allows the apparatus to be configured without requiring the user to manually enter each setting, thereby improving convenience and reducing setup time.
2Loss of time
If NFC automatic setup is used, then setup time is reduced, but device complexity increases due to NFC module and data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC module in the image forming apparatus serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of a mobile terminal, receives initial setup data, and can potentially establish wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving automatic setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal acts as an intermediary that stores and provides the initial setup data. Instead of requiring the image forming apparatus to have all setup information pre-configured or for users to manually input data, the mobile terminal mediates the data transfer process through NFC, simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Ease of operation
If manual setup is required, then data accuracy can be verified, but operation convenience deteriorates in shared environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service setup by automatically detecting and applying user-specific initial setup data from the mobile terminal through NFC. The apparatus autonomously configures itself based on the transmitted data without requiring manual verification or input from the user, which is particularly convenient in shared environments where each user has different settings preferences.
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 method streamlines the initial setup process by automatically configuring the image forming apparatus with settings from a mobile terminal, reducing user input and improving convenience, especially in shared environments where settings can differ among users.
Implementation Method 1
a NFC module for performing wireless communication with a mobile terminal supporting NFC
Data Source
AI summary
An initial setup method of an image forming apparatus using near field communication (NFC) according to an embodiment includes determining whether initial setup of the image forming apparatus is needed; displaying an initial setup menu on a display unit of the image forming apparatus when it is determined that the initial setup is needed; receiving initial setup data stored in the mobile terminal through NFC by the image forming apparatus when the mobile terminal is NFC tagged with the image forming apparatus; and performing initial setup of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the received initial setup data.