NFC Operation Panel Position Adjustment for Unintended Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image processing apparatuses with near field communication units integrated into operation panels face challenges in preventing unintended initiation of near field communication when users inadvertently hold terminals over the touch areas, especially due to movable operation panels that change positions, leading to potential interference and unwanted communication.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a near field communication portion in the operation panel that adjusts its communication distance and determines whether to initiate communication based on the panel's position, using a hardware processor to control the communication distance and decide on initiating near field communication, thereby minimizing unintended connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the near field communication portion is arranged in the operation panel, then the operation for starting near field communication is easy, but near field communication may be started against user's intention when the user inadvertently holds a terminal over the touch area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the operation panel into different regions with different functions: a touch area for general touch operations and a separate near field communication area with a specific marker. By localizing the NFC function to a distinct region with unique visual identification, the system enables easy NFC initiation while reducing unintended activation in other areas of the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual markers or indicators (such as colored regions or symbols) to designate the specific area where near field communication should be initiated. This visual differentiation helps users identify the correct placement area for their terminal, ensuring intentional activation while maintaining ease of operation through clear visual guidance.
2Ease of operation
If the operation panel position is changed to improve operability, then user operability is improved, but the likelihood of terminal being held over the touch area against user's intention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the operation panel with clearly marked NFC activation areas and visual indicators before the user interacts with the device. This preliminary setup ensures that regardless of panel position adjustments, the designated NFC area remains visually distinct and identifiable, preventing unintended activation while maintaining flexible operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual markers and indicators as intermediaries between the movable operation panel and the near field communication function. These visual elements serve as a stable reference that remains effective regardless of panel position changes, mediating between the flexible panel positioning and the need to prevent unintended NFC activation.
3Ease of operation
If the communication distance in near field communication is increased to facilitate communication, then communication ease is improved, but unintended communication with terminals passing by increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized communication zone by defining a specific geographic area on the operation panel where NFC activation occurs. Even though the communication distance is increased to facilitate communication, the activation is spatially constrained to the marked area, preventing unintended communication with terminals that are merely passing by outside this designated zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely distance-based communication activation with a position-based activation system using visual markers and coordinate detection. Instead of relying solely on increasing communication distance, the system uses the detected position of the terminal relative to the marked NFC area to determine whether to activate communication, allowing for longer communication range while maintaining intentional activation requirements.
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 solution effectively reduces unintended near field communication instances by adjusting the communication range and sensitivity in accordance with the operation panel's position, ensuring that communication is only initiated when intended, enhancing user control and reducing interference.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication portion arranged in the operation panel and configured to carry out near field communication with the terminal by receiving radio waves transmitted from the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing apparatus includes an operation panel, a near field communication portion, and a hardware processor. The operation panel is attached to a main body of the image processing apparatus such that a position relative to the main body is variable. The near field communication portion is arranged in the operation panel and carries out near field communication with a terminal by receiving radio waves transmitted from the terminal. The hardware processor is configured to change a communication distance in near field communication with the terminal through the near field communication portion in accordance with a position of the operation panel.