NFC Tag Data Synchronization via Terminal Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive type non-contact IC tags on information processing apparatuses, such as multifunction printers, cannot be immediately rewritten when the power supply or error state changes, leading to potential inconsistencies between the apparatus's status and the stored information.
Innovation Solution
A system where the information processing apparatus transmits changed information to a terminal apparatus, which then writes and notifies the processing apparatus of the completion, ensuring the NFC tag's contents are updated, even if the apparatus is in a power-saving or power-off state, using a combination of NFC and WLAN communication for data synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a passive type non-contact IC tag is used to reduce cost and save space, then the apparatus can be more compact and affordable, but the IC tag cannot be immediately rewritten when the power supply state or error state changes, leading to potential inconsistencies between stored information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal apparatus as an intermediary between the information processing apparatus and the passive type non-contact IC tag. The terminal apparatus receives changed information from the information processing apparatus via WLAN, writes it to the NFC tag, and notifies the information processing apparatus of completion. This mediator enables indirect rewriting of the passive IC tag without requiring direct electrical connection, thus maintaining both cost-effectiveness and information consistency.
2Reliability
If the information processing apparatus directly rewrites the non-contact IC memory when state changes occur, then information consistency can be maintained, but this requires an active type IC with electrical connection, increasing cost and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal apparatus serves as a mediator that enables rewriting of the passive IC tag through wireless communication. It receives changed information from the information processing apparatus via WLAN, performs the writing operation on the NFC tag, and confirms completion. This approach achieves direct rewriting capability without requiring direct electrical connection between the information processing apparatus and the IC tag.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (active IC with direct electrical connection) with a wireless communication system. The terminal apparatus uses WLAN for high-speed communication between the information processing apparatus and itself, and NFC for writing to the passive IC tag, eliminating the need for direct electrical connection while maintaining rewriting capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If another mobile terminal is used to rewrite the passive type non-contact IC, then the IC can be updated externally, but this requires additional mobile terminals and cannot guarantee immediate updates when the apparatus state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the information processing apparatus transmits changed information to the terminal apparatus, which writes it to the NFC tag and then notifies the information processing apparatus of the writing completion. This closed-loop feedback ensures that updates occur immediately when state changes occur and provides confirmation that the rewriting was successful, eliminating timing delays and ensuring synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus on which a non-contact IC tag can be mounted transmits information to a terminal apparatus when a state of the information processing apparatus changes. The information is the changed information which should be written to the non-contact IC tag.