NFC Tag Connection via Optical Bar Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face the cumbersome and error-prone task of manually inputting connection information for NFC tags attached to image forming apparatuses, which is necessary for handover from NFC to wireless LAN communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that includes a printing apparatus with a display unit showing a bar code for wireless setting information and a communication apparatus with a reading unit to generate and write this information to an NFC tag using short-range wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connection information is manually input to an NFC tag, then the handover function can be realized, but user input mistakes occur and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical input method (user typing connection information) with an automated optical recognition system. The communication terminal uses its camera to capture and automatically parse the bar code displayed on the printing apparatus, eliminating manual keyboard input and thereby preventing user input mistakes while simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the printing apparatus to automatically generate and display its own connection information in bar code format. The communication terminal then automatically reads and writes this information to the NFC tag without requiring user intervention for data entry, making the system configure itself autonomously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an NFC module is implemented in the image forming apparatus, then handover can be executed, but the device cost increases and compatibility with existing apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bar code as an intermediary medium between the printing apparatus and the NFC tag. Instead of requiring direct NFC communication capability in the printing apparatus, the system uses a visually displayable bar code that can be captured by any communication terminal with a camera, thereby enabling handover functionality without adding NFC modules to the printing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (bar code) of the connection information that can be read and transferred to the NFC tag. This copying approach allows the connection information to be reproduced and transferred without requiring the printing apparatus to have NFC writing capabilities, thus maintaining simplicity while enabling handover.
3Ease of operation
If connection information is displayed as a bar code, then automatic reading is enabled, but the display area is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent encodes connection information in a two-dimensional bar code format, which efficiently utilizes display space by packing data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. This allows comprehensive connection information to be transmitted in a compact area, minimizing the impact on the display while maximizing the automation benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique by which it is possible to prevent a user inputting mistake from occurring when writing, from a communication apparatus (communication terminal) to a wireless communication tag (NFC tag), connection information for connecting to a printing apparatus (image forming apparatus) is provided. The image forming apparatus converts connection information for connecting to the image forming apparatus by a WLAN scheme into a corresponding image pattern, and displays the image pattern on a display unit. A communication terminal photographs the image pattern displayed on the display unit by a camera. The communication terminal restores the corresponding connection information from the image pattern photographed by the camera, and generates NDEF data based on the restored connection information. The communication terminal writes the generated NDEF data to the NFC tag by NFC communication.