Reproduction Device Setup via NFC Without a Powered Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reproduction devices require initial settings that necessitate a display device to be powered on, limiting user convenience.

Innovation Solution

A reproduction device that can perform initial settings without a display device by using a detector to identify the display's power state and establish communication with a terminal device for settings via near-field communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If initial settings are performed using a display device, then settings can be visually confirmed, but the display device must be powered on which reduces user convenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidsettings process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a terminal device (such as a smartphone or tablet) as an intermediary to perform initial settings. The reproduction device communicates with the terminal device via near-field communication to transmit settings information, allowing users to complete initial setup without needing a display device powered on. This mediator enables settings to be performed on portable devices with smaller screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/visual interaction model (where users view settings on a display screen and operate via remote control) with a wireless communication-based system. Settings information is transmitted electronically to a terminal device, and users interact through the terminal device's interface, eliminating the need for a large display device to be powered on during initial setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a display device is required for initial settings, then settings can be performed with visual feedback, but the system requires more components to be powered on

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings completion reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the settings display and input functions from the display device and relocates them to a terminal device. By separating these functions, the system allows initial settings to be performed without requiring the display device to be powered on, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining settings completion capability through the terminal device's display and input interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If initial settings require a display device, then comprehensive settings can be performed, but the process cannot be completed without external equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesettings flexibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the terminal device serve multiple functions: it acts as both the settings interface and the configuration storage device. The terminal device receives settings information from the reproduction device via near-field communication, displays the settings, allows user input, and stores the configured settings. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate display devices and simplifies the overall setup process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12413802B2Reproduction device, reproduction device control method, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A reproduction device includes: an HDMI transmitter that detects a power state of a display device; a first communication module that establishes communication with a terminal device that is externally located, when the HDMI transmitter does not detect that the display device is in a power-on state; and a controller that performs first settings with the terminal device, when the communication is established between the terminal device and the first communication module, the first settings being settings relating to the reproduction device.