NFC Information Inputting Apparatus Protrusion Prevents Erroneous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with Near Field Communication (NFC) units are prone to erroneous operations due to the placement surface being at a different level than the operation surface, leading to complex configurations and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An information inputting apparatus with a placement surface and an operation unit where the operation surface protrudes further than the placement surface, and a protrusion is provided between the two, ensuring that the information terminal contacts the protrusion instead of the operation unit, preventing erroneous operations and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the placement surface protrudes further than the operation surface to prevent erroneous operations, then erroneous operations are prevented, but the overall configuration loses unity and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension element (the protrusion) between the placement surface and operation unit to prevent contact between the information terminal and operation unit. This dimensional addition solves the erroneous operation problem while keeping all surfaces (placement surface, operation surface, and protrusion top) coplanar, thus maintaining configuration unity and avoiding the need for multi-level structures.
2Reliability
If a rotatable placement surface is provided separately from the operation panel to prevent erroneous operations, then erroneous operations are prevented, but the configuration becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protrusion structure with the operation panel as a single integrated component rather than providing a separate rotatable placement surface. This integration maintains the erroneous operation prevention function while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs compared to separate movable components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotatable placement surface, the patent employs a static protrusion structure that dynamically prevents contact through its geometric configuration. The protrusion passively blocks the information terminal from reaching the operation unit without requiring any movement or rotation mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the operation surface protrudes further than the placement surface, then the operation unit remains accessible, but the information terminal may contact the operation unit causing erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protrusion as an intermediary element between the information terminal and the operation unit. This mediator structure allows the operation surface to remain protruding for accessibility while the intermediate protrusion blocks the harmful contact path, preventing erroneous operations without compromising operation unit accessibility.
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
The solution effectively prevents erroneous operations of the operation unit when an information terminal is placed on the surface, while maintaining a simple and unified design, reducing manufacturing costs and enhancing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna composing a circuit substrate configured to communicate with an information terminal through Near Field Communication
Data Source
AI summary
An information inputting apparatus includes: a circuit substrate configured to communicate with an information terminal through Near Field Communication; a placement surface on which the information terminal is to be put, the placement surface facing the circuit substrate; an operation unit disposed adjacent to the placement surface, the operation unit having an operation surface parallel to and protruding further than the placement surface; and a protrusion disposed between the placement surface and the operation unit, the protrusion having a height equal to or higher than a height of the operation surface at which the operation unit reacts.