Portable Terminal NFC Switch Locator for Image Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in locating the main power switch of image forming apparatuses, especially when they are installed against a wall, and verbal explanations over the phone are insufficient for clear assistance, leading to challenges in operating these devices.

Innovation Solution

A device information acquisition system utilizing near field communication (NFC) between a portable terminal and an image forming apparatus, where the portable terminal reads information from an RF tag to determine the power state and location of the main power switch, displaying this information on a touch panel to assist users in finding and operating the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the main power switch is located on the rear face of the apparatus against a wall, then the apparatus can be installed in tight spaces, but the user has difficulty finding the power switch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidpower switch location

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A portable terminal device serves as an intermediary between the user and the image forming apparatus. The terminal communicates with the apparatus to obtain information about the power switch location and displays it to the user, eliminating the need for the user to physically search for the switch location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the physical power switch location information and transmits it to the portable terminal. The terminal displays this copied information (such as an image or description of the switch location) to help the user identify and operate the apparatus without physically locating the switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If verbal explanation over the phone is used for assistance, then the help desk can provide guidance, but the explanation may not be sufficient for clear assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehelp desk efficiencyVSAvoiduser understanding

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on verbal descriptions, the system creates and transmits visual copies of the power switch location information to the portable terminal. The terminal displays images or graphical representations of the switch location, providing clear visual assistance that eliminates ambiguity in phone-based guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/verbal communication channel with an automated information transmission system. The portable terminal automatically communicates with the image forming apparatus to obtain and display location information, substituting the manual phone consultation process with an automated digital information delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of energy

If the device is in sleep mode to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but the user may accidentally operate the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower savingVSAvoidincorrect operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The portable terminal receives feedback information from the image forming apparatus about its current operation mode (sleep mode or ready state). The terminal displays this status information to the user, providing feedback that prevents accidental operation by making the device state visible and understandable to the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual status indicators (such as different display states or color coding) to indicate the operation mode of the image forming apparatus. When in sleep mode, the terminal displays specific visual information that alerts the user to the device state, preventing accidental activation while maintaining power savings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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 system enhances user convenience by visually indicating the location of the main power switch and preventing incorrect operation when the device is in sleep mode, improving user experience and reducing reliance on verbal assistance.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2998856B1Device information acquisition system, device information acquisition method, and device information acquisition program

Publication Date: 2019.12.18 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

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AI summary

A portable terminal issues a response request to an electronic device. According to a response of the electronic device to the response request, the portable terminal determines a power state of the electronic device and issues a notification of a determination result of the power state. The portable terminal acquires, from an information carrier, location information indicating a location of a main power switch of the electronic device and issues a notification of the location information.