NCI Frame Payload Length Extension for Large NFC Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NFC technologies are limited by a fixed maximum payload length of 255 bytes in NCI frames, which hinders efficient transmission of large data volumes, leading to bandwidth inefficiencies in scenarios requiring larger data transfers.

Innovation Solution

The method allows flexible adjustment of the payload length in NCI frames by incorporating reserved bits in the frame header to indicate the payload length, enabling support for extended frames capable of transmitting thousands of bytes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the maximum payload length of NCI frame is fixed at 255 bytes according to existing NCI protocol, then the protocol compatibility is maintained, but the transmission efficiency deteriorates when large data volumes need to be transmitted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepayload length adaptabilityVSAvoidtransmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the payload length field adjustable rather than fixed. The NCI frame structure is modified to allow dynamic configuration of payload length based on actual transmission needs, enabling the system to adapt between short and long payload scenarios. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the payload length to be flexible (improving adaptability) while maintaining protocol compatibility through controlled modification (preserving productivity).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of payload length from a fixed value (255 bytes) to a configurable parameter. By modifying the NCI frame structure to include an adjustable payload length field, the system can optimize transmission efficiency for different data volumes while maintaining backward compatibility with existing protocols through controlled parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the payload length field is extended to support thousands of bytes, then the bandwidth utilization is improved, but the frame structure complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilizationVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the payload length indication into multiple fields: a high-order byte field and a low-order byte field. This segmentation allows the payload length to be extended to support thousands of bytes while maintaining a structured and manageable frame format. The segmented approach improves bandwidth utilization without creating excessive complexity, as each segment can be independently processed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the payload length capability by adding another dimension to the frame structure through the high-order byte field. This dimensional extension allows the system to represent larger payload lengths (thousands of bytes) without fundamentally redesigning the entire frame structure, thus improving bandwidth utilization while controlling complexity through structured expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If reserved bits are used to indicate payload length, then the implementation simplicity is maintained, but the frame header space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation simplicityVSAvoidframe header space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the reserved bits in the frame header serve multiple functions. These bits are used to indicate payload length information while maintaining compatibility with the existing NCI protocol structure. This multi-functional use of reserved bits achieves implementation simplicity without significant consumption of frame header space, as the same header structure serves both protocol identification and payload length indication purposes.

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

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

This approach reduces bandwidth overheads and enhances transmission efficiency by accommodating larger data volumes, aligning with evolving NFC service requirements.

Implementation Method 1

An NFC technology is a short-distance wireless connection technology, and can implement, through magnetic field induction, short-distance communication between electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4401343B1Data transmission method, apparatus and system
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4401343B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4401343B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4401343B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This application provides a data transmission method, apparatus, and system. The method includes: A first device generates a target near field communication control interface NCI frame, where the target NCI frame includes a frame header and a payload field, the frame header includes a first field and a second field, the first field indicates a quantity of bytes in the second field, and the second field indicates a length of the payload field. The first device sends the target NCI frame to a second device. According to the method, a length of a payload field of an NCI frame can be flexibly adjusted.