Digital Camera NFC Connection Setup via Mobile Terminal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Digital image-capturing devices face complications in accessing wireless internet and social network services due to the need for complex key input operations, such as authentication and data encryption, which are inconvenient for users without a highly-functional input interface.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing near field communication (NFC) to receive connection information from mobile communication terminals, allowing digital image-capturing devices to bypass complex input procedures by using connection information stored on the terminals, enabling communication with external devices like access points or servers without direct user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the digital image-capturing apparatus requires users to input connection details directly into the apparatus, then the apparatus can establish communication with external devices, but the operation becomes complicated and inconvenient for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connection setupVSAvoidinput interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile communication terminal as an intermediary device that holds the connection information. Instead of requiring the digital image-capturing apparatus to have complex input interfaces for receiving connection details, the terminal serves as a mediator that stores and provides the necessary connection information (such as access point settings, authentication credentials) to the camera apparatus through NFC communication, thereby simplifying the camera's input requirements while enabling successful connection setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection information is preliminarily set and stored in the mobile communication terminal before the actual image capture and transmission operation. Users configure their connection details (SSID, password, authentication methods) in advance on their smartphone, and this pre-configured information is then automatically transferred to the camera apparatus via NFC, eliminating the need for real-time input of complex connection details during the critical operation moment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the digital image-capturing apparatus has limited input interface functionality, then the device remains simple and portable, but it cannot easily receive complex connection information from users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidinput operation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile communication terminal acts as an intermediary that compensates for the limited input capabilities of the digital image-capturing apparatus. The terminal, which has full input functionality including keyboards and text entry capabilities, stores the connection information and transfers it to the camera apparatus via NFC. This allows the camera, with its simple input interface, to effectively receive and process complex connection details that it could not handle on its own

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile communication terminal serves multiple functions: it acts as a connection information storage device, a communication bridge between the camera and external networks, and an information transfer intermediary. By leveraging the terminal's multi-functional capabilities (storage, communication, information processing), the system enables the camera apparatus to achieve enhanced connection capability without modifying its simple input interface

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

3Productivity

If users manually input connection information into the digital image-capturing apparatus, then the apparatus can connect to external devices, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection setup speedVSAvoidtime for key input procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection information is preliminarily configured and stored in the mobile communication terminal before the image capture operation. When the user initiates a transfer, the pre-stored information (access point settings, authentication credentials, server addresses) is immediately available for transfer via NFC, eliminating the time-consuming process of manual input during the critical operation moment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual key input process with an automated electronic data transfer mechanism. Instead of requiring users to physically type connection details into the camera apparatus, the system uses NFC technology to automatically transfer the connection information as digital data from the mobile terminal to the camera apparatus, significantly reducing the time required for connection setup

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If the digital image-capturing apparatus stores connection information locally, then it can perform communication without external input, but it cannot manage connection information for multiple users effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user supportVSAvoidinformation management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection information management function across multiple devices: the mobile communication terminal stores and manages connection information for multiple users, while the digital image-capturing apparatus stores only the transferred connection data for the current operation. This segmentation allows the camera to support multiple users indirectly through the terminal's comprehensive user database, without requiring the camera itself to implement complex multi-user management systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates convenient and efficient communication between digital image-capturing devices and external devices, allowing users to upload images directly to servers without the need for complex setup processes, enhancing user experience and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

receiving connection information from a mobile communication terminal that is connected with the digital image-capturing apparatus via near field communication (NFC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9167146B2Method of receiving connection information from mobile communication device, computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon the method, and digital image-capturing apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.10.20 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • US9167146B2 patent drawing
  • US9167146B2 patent drawing
  • US9167146B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of receiving, by a digital image-capturing apparatus, connection information from a mobile communication terminal is described. Connection information is received from a mobile communication terminal that is connected with the digital image-capturing apparatus via near field communication (NFC). The connection information is input to an input window for performing a communication connection with an external device. A communication connection is performed with the external device, based on the connection information. The external device comprises at least one of an access point (AP) or a server. The connection information is used in communication with the external device.