Image Forming Apparatus NFC and USB Port Spatial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses often have difficulty in making both short-range wireless communication and USB ports readily identifiable to users, leading to confusion and potential interference between devices.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a distinct indication for short-range wireless communication and a USB port positioned on one end of the apparatus, with the USB port located at a different up-down position than the indication, allowing users to easily identify and use both features without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both short-range wireless communication portion and USB port are included in the image forming apparatus, then communication functionality is improved, but device complexity increases and identifiability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the USB port and short-range wireless communication portion at different locations in the width direction of the image forming apparatus. The USB port is located at one end while the wireless communication portion is located at the other end, creating spatial separation along the width dimension. This dimensional arrangement allows both communication functions to coexist without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction between improved communication functionality and increased device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If USB port is located at front or side surface for user convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but identifiability of both ports deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing distinct visual indications for each communication port. The short-range wireless communication portion has a specific indication mark, while the USB port has its own indication mark, allowing users to easily distinguish between the two different types of communication interfaces. This localized differentiation enhances identifiability without compromising user convenience, as each port remains accessible from convenient locations.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If short-range wireless communication portion is made visible from above, then identifiability is improved, but interference with USB port usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication functions by physically separating the USB port and short-range wireless communication portion into different locations on the apparatus. The USB port is positioned at one end in the width direction while the wireless communication portion is positioned at the other end. This segmentation prevents interference between the two communication methods while maintaining visibility and identifiability of both ports from above.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first casing, a second casing, a support portion, an indication, and a USB port. The first casing includes a sheet discharge tray disposed at a top surface thereof. The indication is located at a portion of one of the top surface of the first casing and the support portion, and is positioned outside the sheet discharge tray in a width direction. The portion is located closer to one end of the image forming apparatus in the width direction than the other end of the image forming apparatus opposite to the one end in the width direction. The USB port is disposed at a portion of one of the second casing and the support portion closer to the one end than the other end in the width direction, and is located at a different position in an up-down direction from the indication.