Accessories for mobile devices with integrated NFC chip for automatic adjustment of device-specific settings

Abstract

System for interaction with a smartphone, comprehensive ◯ at least one smartphone accessory such as holders, stands, cases, bags, wallets, etc. made of various materials, each with or without magnetic technology, especially according to the MagSafe or Qi2 standard, ◯ a dynamically writable NFC tag located in or on the smartphone accessory, ◯ a mobile application that can be run on a smartphone as well as ◯ a backend system for administering the NFC tag, characterized in that the NFC tag has a switchable operating mode, via which system interactions with the smartphone are specifically triggered, controlled or suppressed, wherein the switching of the operating mode is carried out via the mobile application and / or via the backend. ◯ The possibility of using this system to operate a communication channel via the smartphone's operating system that cannot be hidden.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a technical combination of different components and systems for smartphones. This system comprises various smartphone accessories such as holders, stands, cases, pouches, and wallets with or without magnetic technology (MagSafe and QI2), a dynamically writable NFC tag, a mobile application (app for, e.g., iOS and Android), and a backend for administration. The system includes a switchable operating mode for the NFC chip, through which targeted system interactions can be triggered, controlled, or suppressed.

[0002] Currently, NFC tags are written to only once, and activation triggers passive (silent) mode. Otherwise, activation proceeds in an endless mode because the NFC tag is continuously detected. Current solutions do not allow dynamic switching between active and inactive modes. We see this as a technological solution for universally and sustainably reusing NFC tags for two-way communication and building an entire ecosystem for diverse user groups. In this way, we offer a solution for targeted communication that is simple, cost-effective, and invisible. A practical example:

[0003] In a practical example, an end customer uses a decorative magnetic accessory designed as an interchangeable magnet with a graphic motif, for example from the Pokémon, Disney, or Star Wars universe. Integrated into the accessory is a dynamically programmable NFC chip, which is factory-set with an operating mode and a pre-configured profile. 1. Positioning the magnet and installing the mobile application (mandatory step)

[0004] The user connects the accessory with the NFC tag to their smartphone. A magnetic system automatically pulls the accessory into the designated position, ensuring the integrated NFC chip is within the optimal reading range of the smartphone. Before the system can be used, the user must install the corresponding mobile app from the App Store or Play Store. This is done by accessing a URL (web address) stored on the NFC tag.

[0005] The app is used for: • Identification and management of NFC profiles, • Secure execution of configuration changes on the smartphone, • User authentication, • Communication with the backend system.

[0006] On first launch, the app performs a short setup process and activates the detection and evaluation of NFC interactions in the background. 2. Detection and execution of the settings

[0007] As soon as the user places the magnet on the device, the following happens: After the app has been installed and set up, the phone, after user approval and configuration, adopts the contents of the NFC tag (e.g., "Pikachu", "Mickey Mouse") of its smartphone accessory. 1. The operating mode stored in the NFC tag refers to a profile that is stored in the backend and defines, for example, the following settings: Background image: The app downloads the appropriate image (e.g., Pikachu design or Disney motif) from its resource pack or from the backend and automatically sets it as the smartphone wallpaper. o Ringtone: The app activates a preset, thematically appropriate ringtone (e.g., Pokémon beep or Disney jingle). ◯ Optional: Color or Theme Mode: The app can activate a special color scheme that matches the theme. ◯ Optional: Launch of a theme-specific app page: e.g., a fan area, shop, collection, or a theme-related mode. 2. If the app requires permission for any of the changes, it will request it once (e.g., access to ringtone settings). 3. Changing the motif

[0008] If the user later places a different magnet on the magnet, the app reads the corresponding NFC mode and immediately executes the appropriate actions. Example: • “Darth Vader” motif → dark Star Wars background image + deep mechanical sound effect • "Ariel" motif → bright, ocean theme + melodic ringtone

[0009] Each magnet has its own uniquely assigned profile. 4. Persistence and Reset • When the magnet is removed, the app returns to its previous settings. 5. Provision of a new communication channel • Reactivating the NFC tag creates a new communication channel for interacting with the user, overriding all other interaction methods. A pop-up will appear in the operating system, prompting interaction until it is acknowledged.

[0010] Basically, the following components and systems are combined to ensure functionality: A. Smartphone accessories with integrated NFC tag, which • can be described via an app and contains at least two modes: (1) SHIPPING / ACTIVE MODE - NDEF contains URL → Operating system triggers popup. (2) LINKED / SILENT MODE - no URL → operating system ignores the tag. (3) OPTIONAL: RE-ACTIVATION MODE - reactivation phase by admin. B. A mobile app that: • Registered on first read • Automatically switches from ACTIVE to SILENT during the day • Switches between SILENT and ACTIVE as needed • Reads and overwrites the day • Synchronizes user, organization & campaign data C. A backend which: • Manages tag IDs • Maps organizational structures • Manages events & campaigns • instructs the app to switch days • Conducts protocols / audits

[0011] Advantages of dynamically programmable NFC tags 1. Switchable operating mode Instead of static NFC tags that are written only once, the technology enables flexible, dynamic switching between active and passive (silent) modes. This avoids the typical "endless scan". 2. Reusability and sustainability NFC tags can be reprogrammed multiple times and used in various application scenarios. This extends the lifespan of the tags and reduces material consumption. 3. Universal applicability The dynamic control creates versatile application possibilities for different user groups - from end customers to brands to service partners. 4. Basis for a new ecosystem The technology opens the door to a networked communication and service environment in which content, functions, or actions can be updated or adapted to the context at any time. 5. Cost-effective, invisible communication NFC stays in the background, requires no energy source in the tag and blends seamlessly into products such as accessories, magnets or merchandising items. 6. Attractive application scenarios Exemplary design magnets (Pokémon, Disney, Star Wars, etc.) can not only vary visually but also provide digital functions. The user receives a customizable experience without additional hardware. 7. New communication channel Reactivating the NFC tag via the app and / or the backend for administration opens a new communication channel that cannot be ignored.

Claims

[1] System for interacting with a smartphone, comprising ◯ at least one smartphone accessory such as holders, stands, cases, bags, wallets, etc. made of various materials, each with or without magnetic technology, especially according to the MagSafe or Qi2 standard, ◯ a dynamically writable NFC tag located in or on the smartphone accessory, ◯ a mobile application that can be run on a smartphone as well as ◯ a backend system for administering the NFC tag, characterized by that the NFC tag has a switchable operating mode, via which system interactions with the smartphone are specifically triggered, controlled or suppressed, whereby the switching of the operating mode is carried out via the mobile application and / or via the backend. ◯ The possibility of using this system to operate a communication channel via the smartphone's operating system that cannot be hidden. [2] System according to claim 1, characterized by , that the dynamically writable NFC tag can record different data profiles which, depending on the operating mode, cause different actions or reactions of the smartphone. [3] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the operating mode is automatically changed based on sensor-based detection of the accessory type or accessory position. [4] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mobile application provides the operating modes selectable, configurable or time-controlled via a user interface. [5] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the backend manages system parameters, mode definitions and assignments of the NFC data profiles and transmits them to the mobile application or directly to the NFC tag via a secure communication connection. [6] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that certain smartphone functions can be set via the switchable operating mode [7] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the smartphone accessory with magnetic technology assumes an optimal alignment position with the smartphone in order to trigger a specific system interaction of the NFC tag. [8] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that multiple accessories each have their own NFC tags and the mobile application automatically loads the corresponding data profile depending on the detected accessory. [9] System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a security mechanism is provided to prevent unintentional switching of the operating mode, in particular through authentication via the mobile application.