NFC Print Activation Control for Low-Power Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses in power saving or soft power-OFF modes consume unnecessary electrical power when activated by Near Field Communication (NFC) devices for data exchange, leading to wasteful energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An image processing apparatus with a communication unit, storage unit, specifying unit, and control unit that writes data from a communication device, stores operation requests, specifies functions, and activates them only when necessary, minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the printing apparatus is activated by NFC device for data exchange in power saving mode, then data communication is enabled, but unnecessary electrical power is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidelectrical power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus determines the current operation mode before activating functions. By checking the mode in advance (predetermined operation mode check), the system avoids unnecessary full activations and only activates required functions selectively, preventing wasteful power consumption while maintaining NFC data exchange capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus segments the activation process by function. Instead of activating the entire apparatus when accessed by NFC device, only the specific function corresponding to the operation request is activated (selective function activation). This segmentation allows data exchange without consuming power for unnecessary functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrical power is supplied to activate the apparatus for NFC data exchange, then communication functionality is available, but power consumption increases unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication responsivenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus dynamically adjusts its activation state based on real-time conditions. The control unit determines whether to activate functions based on the current operation mode and the specific operation request from NFC device. This dynamic response enables communication when needed while maintaining low power consumption when full activation is unnecessary

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes operational parameters (activation state) based on mode and request type. By transitioning between different activation levels (full activation vs. selective function activation) based on the predetermined operation mode check, the system adapts communication responsiveness to actual needs while optimizing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12526373B2Apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that cause a device to print an image based on a state of the apparatus and a user operation

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 CANON KK

AI summary

A control method performed by an apparatus that communicates with a device and that includes a display screen includes causing the display screen to display a first screen including a scan object used for scanning and a predetermined object different from the scan object, and causing the display screen to display, as a screen corresponding to the scan object, a second screen including a scan setting item. In addition, the display screen is caused to display, as a screen corresponding to the predetermined object, a third screen that does not include the scan setting item and that includes information for prompting a user to put the apparatus close to the device.