Dual Communication Data Distribution Using BLE and NFC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data distribution methods, such as broadcast-type data distribution using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC), lack user convenience in acquiring distribution information, as they often require proximity and manual touch operations, limiting accessibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An information processing system that utilizes both wide-range wireless communication (e.g., IEEE 802.15.1) and narrow-range communication (e.g., NFC) to detect and transmit user information and acquire distribution information, enabling convenient data acquisition through a dual communication approach.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If broadcast-type data distribution using BLE is used, then data can be distributed over a wide range, but user convenience in acquiring distribution information is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunicable rangeVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data distribution process into two distinct phases using two different communication methods: BLE for wide-range detection and notification, and NFC for precise user authentication and data transfer. This segmentation allows each communication method to operate in its optimal range, resolving the contradiction between wide coverage and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the information processing device acts as a bridge between the wide-range BLE communication and the narrow-range NFC communication. The device first detects the information transmission control device via BLE, then initiates NFC communication to transfer user information, and finally receives the distributed data. This intermediary role enables seamless transition between communication ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If NFC communication is used for data distribution, then user convenience is improved through proximity-based transmission, but the communicable range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidcommunicable range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by using BLE communication to detect and establish initial contact with the information transmission control device before the user brings the device into NFC range. The system performs preliminary user information transmission via NFC while in proximity, then separates the devices while maintaining the data distribution connection through BLE, thus extending the effective communicable range beyond NFC limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimension proximity-based NFC communication to a multi-dimensional approach by adding the spatial separation capability provided by BLE. The system moves the interaction from requiring physical closeness (NFC dimension) to allowing spatial separation while maintaining logical connection (BLE dimension), effectively expanding the communicable range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If manual touch operations are required for data acquisition, then security is improved, but productivity and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddata acquisition efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the information processing device to automatically detect the information transmission control device via BLE signals, autonomously initiate NFC communication to transmit user information, and automatically receive the distributed data without requiring manual touch operations from the user. The system performs these security-critical actions autonomously, maintaining security while dramatically improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical touch operation requirement with an automated electronic detection and communication system. Instead of requiring physical contact between devices, the system uses BLE radio waves for detection and NFC electromagnetic fields for authenticated data transfer, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic automation that maintains security protocols while eliminating manual steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10075829B2Information processing device, information transmission control device, information processing method, information transmission control method, program, and information processing system

Publication Date: 2018.09.11 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is an information processing device including: a processing unit configured to, when an information transmission control device is detected based on a signal transmitted from the information transmission control device using first communication, cause user information indicating a user to be transmitted to the information transmission control device using second communication whose communicable range is narrower than the first communication, and to acquire, using the first communication, distribution information transmitted from the information transmission control device that has acquired the user information.