Code Image NFC Control Signal Intermediary

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current contactless IC card and QR code technologies lack high usability in communication with external apparatuses, particularly in controlling communication modes and reducing the influence of polling signals.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with an instruction determining unit and a signal output unit that controls external apparatus operations using code images and near field communication (NFC), incorporating audio, optical, and motion signals to improve usability and manage polling signal reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the external apparatus automatically performs NFC communication by receiving polling signals, then communication initialization is simplified, but unintended communication operations occur and usability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic communication initializationVSAvoidunintended polling signal interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by having the information processing apparatus transmit control signals (audio, optical, or wireless) to the external apparatus before NFC polling signals are exchanged. This preliminary control establishes the communication mode and prevents unintended polling signal interactions, while still allowing automatic communication initialization to occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary control signals (audio signals, optical signals, or wireless communication signals) that act as mediators between the information processing apparatus and the external apparatus. These intermediary signals regulate the NFC communication operation, allowing automatic initialization while preventing unintended polling signal interactions by controlling when polling is permitted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication methods (code image and NFC) are supported simultaneously, then versatility is improved, but communication mode confusion increases and usability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple communication methodsVSAvoidcommunication mode selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of having the external apparatus independently select between code image and NFC communication modes, the patent inverts the control approach by having the information processing apparatus transmit control signals that dictate which mode the external apparatus should use. This eliminates mode confusion while preserving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the information processing apparatus transmits control signals (audio, optical, or wireless) that provide feedback to the external apparatus about which communication mode to activate. This feedback loop ensures that only one mode operates at a time, preventing confusion while maintaining support for multiple communication methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If the user must be in close proximity to the external apparatus to control communication, then control precision is improved, but usability at distance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoiddistance control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical proximity-based control system with signal-based control systems (audio signals, optical signals, or wireless communication signals). These signals can transmit control information over distance, allowing users to control the external apparatus without being in close proximity while maintaining control accuracy through signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11244133B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method

Publication Date: 2022.02.08 FELICA NETWORKS INC

AI summary

This information processing apparatus includes an instruction determining unit and a signal output unit. The instruction determining unit determines an instruction related to communication using a code image with an external apparatus. The signal output unit outputs, on the basis of the determined instruction related to the communication, a signal for controlling an operation related to communication of the external apparatus. Accordingly, high usability can be provided for communication with the external apparatus.