Portable Terminal Card Emulator for Image Forming Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require multiple operations to read card information for electronic money transactions, complicating the user experience during one-time printing.
Innovation Solution
A network system enabling communication between a portable information terminal and an image forming apparatus, utilizing a card emulator for NFC communication to read card information once, and Bluetooth communication for continuous charging processing, simplifying the transaction process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If card information is read multiple times for charging processing in conventional image forming apparatus, then charging can be performed, but user operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The portable information terminal performs preliminary actions by storing card information and using card emulation function before the actual printing operation. The terminal prepares the card information in advance, so that when the image forming apparatus needs to charge, the card information is already available through the card emulator, eliminating the need for multiple card reading operations during the printing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable information terminal acts as an intermediary between the user's card and the image forming apparatus. Instead of directly reading the card multiple times, the terminal uses its card emulation function to mediate the transaction, storing and transmitting card information as needed, thereby simplifying the interaction between the user and the image forming apparatus.
2Productivity
If card information is re-read after printing is completed, then charging processing can be performed, but the transaction process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The card emulation function maintains continuous availability of card information throughout the printing process. Instead of performing discrete card reading actions before and after printing, the card information remains continuously accessible through the emulator during the entire transaction, enabling seamless charging processing without requiring the user to re-present the card.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable information terminal provides self-service by managing its own card information through the card emulation function. The terminal automatically handles the card information storage and transmission, eliminating the need for the image forming apparatus to repeatedly read the physical card, thereby streamlining the charging process.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a network system capable of making communication between a portable information terminal and an image forming apparatus, the network system including: a charging processor that performs a charging processing, wherein the image forming apparatus includes: a first communication part that makes communication in a first communication system; a second communication part that makes communication in a second communication system; and an information reader that reads card information, the portable information terminal includes: a first terminal communication part that makes communication in the first communication system; a second terminal communication part that makes communication in the second communication system; and a card emulator that is operated in a card emulation function, the information reader reads card information of a card emulated in the card emulation function from the portable information terminal and the charging processor starts the charging processing, and performs the charging processing.