Wireless Communication Module for Remote Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing money receiving and dispensing apparatuses, such as change machines, require manual power switching and complex setup when operating independently of their controlling POS terminal apparatuses, leading to long downtimes and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communication module that enables wireless communication between the POS terminal apparatus and peripheral equipment, allowing for remote power control and setting transmission, thus enabling autonomous power management and simplified setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the change machine is connected wirelessly to the POS terminal apparatus, then cable management is simplified and aesthetics are improved, but the ability to remotely power off and on the change machine is lost when it operates independently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable managementVSAvoidremote power control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication module is introduced as an intermediary device that bridges the POS terminal apparatus and the change machine. This module enables both wireless communication for control signals and wireless power transmission, allowing the POS terminal to remotely power off and on the change machine without physical cable connections or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the change machine operates independently with separate power supply, then operational autonomy is improved, but manual power switching is required increasing complexity and downtime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational autonomyVSAvoidpower control procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The change machine is equipped with a wireless communication module that enables it to receive and execute power control commands autonomously. The machine can self-power off and self-power on in response to commands from the POS terminal apparatus, eliminating the need for manual intervention by service personnel and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual power switching is required for the change machine, then service personnel must physically visit the machine, but this increases downtime and operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower control reliabilityVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical system of manual power switching is replaced with a wireless communication and control system. The POS terminal apparatus transmits power control commands wirelessly to the change machine's wireless communication module, which then executes the power on/off operations automatically, eliminating the need for physical visits by service personnel and reducing downtime.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3757953B1Wireless communication module and system
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3757953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3757953B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3757953B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a wireless communication module that is attached to peripheral equipment that is used together with an information processing apparatus and operates by electric power of which supply is different from supply of electric power to the information processing apparatus, the module including: a wireless communication unit configured to enable wireless communication between the information processing apparatus and the peripheral equipment; and a power source control processing unit configured to transmit a control signal that causes a circuit which receives electric power supply to be switched from one of an open state and a closed state to the other, to the peripheral equipment, according to a request that is received from the information processing apparatus.