NFC Control Method for Image Forming Apparatus Key Operation Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems using Near Field Communication (NFC) face issues with unintended key operations due to the proximity of NFC tags to operation keys on image forming apparatuses, leading to errors during jobs like printing or scanning.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a control method that detects key operations and determines whether they are intended or not, by displaying confirmation screens and ignoring or canceling key operations during NFC jobs to prevent unintended processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If NFC tag is positioned close to operation keys for compact design, then device size is reduced, but unintended key operations occur during NFC communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of key operations before executing NFC communication. By detecting key operations in advance and determining their validity, the system prevents unintended operations caused by NFC communication, thus resolving the contradiction between compact design and operational reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring key operations during NFC communication, determining whether they are valid based on communication state, and providing appropriate responses (execution or cancellation). This feedback mechanism ensures operational accuracy while maintaining compact device design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If key operation detection is always enabled, then user responsiveness is improved, but operation errors occur during NFC communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser responsivenessVSAvoidoperation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts key operation detection based on NFC communication state. During NFC communication, the system determines validity of detected operations and cancels invalid ones, while maintaining full responsiveness outside communication mode. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between user responsiveness and operational accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication function is added to image forming apparatus, then functionality is enhanced, but unintended processing errors occur due to key interference

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidprocessing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary validation mechanism between NFC communication and key operation execution. By detecting key operations and determining their validity based on communication state, the system acts as a mediator that prevents unintended processing errors while preserving both NFC communication functionality and key operation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2983299B1Communication apparatus, control method therefor, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2017.02.22 CANON KK

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AI summary

An operation for an operation unit is detected. If the operation is detected (S701) and a communication unit executes close proximity wireless communication with an external apparatus (S704), a confirmation screen for confirming execution of processing corresponding to the operation for the operation unit is displayed (S705).