Communication Apparatus Selective Node Powering for Non-Contact Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses struggle to perform non-contact communication with external devices when power is turned off or a power plug is pulled out, limiting access to memory and function execution.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a first power supply, an antenna, a second power supply, a communication controller, and multiple communication nodes, allowing non-contact power feeding from an external device to enable communication even when the main power is off, by selectively supplying power to specific nodes for data communication and firmware updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-contact power feeding is used to enable communication when main power is off, then communication capability at power-off times is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively powering only specific communication nodes (first communication node or second communication node) that are necessary for the current communication task, rather than powering all nodes simultaneously. This reduces overall power consumption while maintaining the ability to perform non-contact communication at power-off times.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus is divided into multiple independent communication nodes, each capable of being powered individually. The control unit segments the power supply decision-making process, determining whether to power the first or second communication node based on communication history and current needs, thereby optimizing energy usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication nodes are powered simultaneously, then communication versatility is improved, but data conflicts and unnecessary power feeding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the control unit adjusts which communication nodes are powered based on real-time communication history and current communication requirements. The system transitions between different power states (first node powered, second node powered, or neither powered) to match actual needs, avoiding static over-provisioning of power to all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit uses communication history as feedback to make informed decisions about which communication nodes to power. By analyzing past communication patterns and current requests, the system determines the minimum necessary node configuration, preventing unnecessary power feeding while maintaining communication versatility.
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 successful NFC communication and firmware updates at power-off times, reducing power consumption and allowing access to communication nodes like EEPROM and flash ROM, while preventing unnecessary power feeding and data conflicts.
Implementation Method 1
Technology is known that power is fed from an external device to a terminal device on which a battery is not mounted, by non-contact power feeding
Data Source
AI summary
In response to receiving process-request information from an external device after starting operation by second power, a communication controller is configured to perform: a first supplying process of controlling a second power supply to supply the second power to a first communication node; a first data communication process of performing data communication with the first communication node after starting the first supplying process, wherein the first data communication process includes receiving process-related information from the first communication node; a determining process of, after finishing the first data communication process, determining whether data communication with a second communication node is necessary, based on the process-request information and on the process-related information; and a second supplying process of controlling the second power supply to supply the second power to the second communication node, in response to determining in the determining process that data communication with the second communication node is necessary.