Printer NFC Layout to Prevent Operation Panel Mis-Touches
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing image forming apparatuses, a mobile terminal can cause malfunction of the operation panel during wireless communication due to accidental contact with operation keys.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a short-range wireless communicator positioned on the upper surface of the housing in a range where the mobile terminal does not come into contact with the operation panel, and the operation panel is rotatable to prevent such contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the short-range wireless communicator is provided on the operation panel, then wireless communication with mobile terminal is enabled, but the mobile terminal may touch the operation key and cause malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing surface into distinct functional zones: the operation panel area and the wireless communicator area. By spatially segmenting these components, the patent ensures that the mobile terminal can establish wireless communication without physically contacting the operation keys, thus preventing malfunction while maintaining wireless connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The short-range wireless communicator is extracted from the operation panel and positioned separately on the upper surface of the housing. This extraction eliminates the harmful interaction between the mobile terminal and operation keys, as the communicator is now located in a position where it does not interfere with the operation panel functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the operation panel is fixed, then the operation keys are easily accessible, but the mobile terminal may accidentally contact the operation panel during wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing the vertical dimension (up-down direction) to position the wireless communicator above the operation panel. This dimensional separation allows the mobile terminal to approach the communicator from above without making contact with the operation keys, thereby eliminating the harmful contact while preserving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If the wireless communicator is positioned close to the operation panel, then the device structure is compact, but the mobile terminal cannot be brought close enough for reliable wireless communication without touching the operation panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the operation panel rotatable relative to the housing, introducing dynamic adjustability. This allows the operation panel to be tilted to an appropriate angle for user operation while the wireless communicator remains in a fixed position on the housing upper surface. The dynamic adjustment enables reliable wireless communication and comfortable operation simultaneously without requiring the mobile terminal to contact the operation panel.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a housing that houses an image former that forms an image on a sheet; an operation panel that is provided at an edge of an upper surface of the housing so as to be rotatable such that an operation surface that receives an operation of a user is inclined in an up-down direction; and a short-range wireless communicator that is provided on the upper surface of the housing and performs wireless communication with a mobile terminal. The short-range wireless communicator is provided on the upper surface of the housing in a range in which the mobile terminal does not come into contact with the operation panel when the mobile terminal is brought close to the short-range wireless communicator.