Audio-Based NFC Implementation Using 2FSK Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies require specific hardware, such as NFC chips, which are not universally available in mobile communication devices, limiting their application range and increasing hardware requirements.

Innovation Solution

Implementing NFC between mobile communication devices using speakers and microphones by modulating digital signals with a binary frequency shift keying (2FSK) modulation scheme, where a modulating frequency of '0' is set at 12 KHz and '1' at 16 KHz, with 1000 sampling points, allowing for data transmission and demodulation through sound waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional NFC technology with NFC chips is used, then communication security and efficiency are improved, but hardware requirements increase and application range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication securityVSAvoidapplication range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling NFC functionality through existing audio components (speakers and microphones) that are already present in most mobile devices. This allows the same hardware to serve both audio communication and NFC data transmission purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated NFC chips and expanding applicability to devices without such specialized hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic NFC chip-based communication system with an acoustic system using speakers and microphones. By substituting electromagnetic field-based NFC with sound wave-based communication, the invention achieves NFC functionality through a different physical mechanism that is more universally available in mobile devices.

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

2Productivity

If NFC chips are required for NFC implementation, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidhardware requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables existing audio hardware (speakers and microphones) to perform dual functions: audio communication and NFC data transmission. This eliminates the need for separate NFC chip hardware, reducing device complexity while maintaining NFC functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a software-based implementation of NFC that copies the functionality of hardware NFC chips. By implementing modulation and demodulation algorithms in software that convert digital data into acoustic signals and back, the system replicates NFC capabilities without requiring specialized hardware components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If standard NFC hardware is used, then authentication process is simplified, but hardware availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication processVSAvoiddevice availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hardware-dependent NFC authentication system with an acoustic-based system. By substituting electromagnetic communication with sound wave transmission through speakers and microphones, the invention maintains simplified authentication workflows while making the technology available on devices with standard audio components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables devices to perform NFC authentication using their own existing audio components without requiring external NFC hardware. The speaker and microphone serve the dual purpose of audio output/input and NFC data transmission/reception, allowing devices to authenticate themselves using built-in resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables NFC functionality between devices without NFC chips, expanding application ranges and reducing hardware requirements by utilizing existing audio capabilities, facilitating data exchange and potential applications like offline payments.

Implementation Method 1

modulating a digital signal to generate an audio signal with a transmitting device by utilizing a binary frequency shift keying (2FSK) modulation scheme

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBinary Frequency Shift Keying (2FSK) Modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

playing the generated audio signal by the transmitting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound Wave Propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 3

sampling the audio signal by the receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic Sampling:

Implementation Method 4

demodulating the sampled audio signal for obtaining the digital signal by the receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDemodulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP2787661B1Method and system for implementing near field communication
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP2787661B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2787661B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2787661B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and a system for implementing near field communication (NFC). The method includes: modulating a digital signal to generate an audio signal and playing the modulated audio signal with a transmitting device; and sampling the audio signal and demodulating the sampled audio signal for obtaining the digital signal by a receiving device. The present disclosure is capable of implementing NFC between mobile communication devices not having NFC chips equipped, thereby solving the problems that hardware requirements which utilize schemes of the NTC standard are greater, and current application ranges are narrow.