Printer RFID Tag Reader for Contactless Image Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional printers require time and labor for users to connect and transmit image data from external devices, making the printing process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A printer with a built-in RFID tag reader and operation buttons that allows for non-contact reading of identification information from a display medium, enabling simple selection and printing of images without the need for external device connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional printer is connected to an external device in a wired or wireless manner to transmit image data, then printing functionality is achieved, but it requires time and labor for connection and data transmission operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting operation simplicityVSAvoidtime for connection and data transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The printer performs self-service by automatically reading identification information from RFID tags on display media and autonomously retrieving and printing image data without requiring user connection operations to external devices. The printer's control unit automatically manages the entire process from RFID reading to image printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

RFID tags on display media serve as intermediaries between the user and the printer's data system. Instead of directly connecting to external devices, users simply place display media with RFID tags on the printer, which automatically reads the identification information and retrieves corresponding image data for printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a printer uses wired or wireless connection to external devices for printing, then image data can be transmitted, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting efficiencyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical connection operations (plugging cables, pairing devices) with electromagnetic field-based RFID communication. The printer's RFID reader automatically reads identification information from tags on display media through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connections and complex pairing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the printer automatically reads RFID tags and prints images without external device connection, then user labor is reduced, but the printer requires built-in RFID reading and image storage capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser labor reductionVSAvoidprinter internal system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Image data is preliminarily stored in the printer's storage unit before printing operations are needed. The control unit reads RFID tags on display media, retrieves corresponding pre-stored image data, and prints it automatically. This preliminary storage approach eliminates the need for real-time external device connections during printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Simplifies the printing process by allowing users to quickly select and print images using a display medium with embedded RFID tags, reducing user labor and eliminating the need for complex device connections.

Implementation Method 1

a reading part 44 reads a plurality of pieces of identification information from RFID tags 88 on the display medium 36 in a non-contact manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4166034B1printer
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP4166034B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4166034B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4166034B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A printer (2) including a reading part (44), a determination part (94), and a print control part (96) is provided. The reading part (44) reads specific identification information in a noncontact manner from an RFID tag (88) that the specific identification information for identifying a sample image (76) is stored. By referring to a storage part (92) in which plural image data including an image data representing the sample image (76), and a correspondence information data table (98) indicating a correspondence relationship between the plural image data and the specific identification information for identifying the plural image data respectively is stored, the determination part (94) determines, from among the plural image data, the image data associated with the specific identification information read by the reading part (44). The print control part (96) controls printing on a nail (6) based on the determined image data.