NFC Accessory Inductive Power for Secure Content Authorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication user equipment, such as mobile phones, face challenges in securely providing downloadable content and controlling access to authorized users due to the closed environment and potential theft of discount coupons or authorization codes.

Innovation Solution

An accessory with a near field communication (NFC) circuit that includes an antenna, charging circuit, and transceiver, which inductively couples with the user equipment's NFC circuit to transmit information for content retrieval and authorization, using a unique identifier and counter to manage access and content distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If content is downloaded from authorized servers in a closed environment, then content security and authorization control are improved, but business flexibility and content distribution capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent securityVSAvoidcontent distribution capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an NFC accessory as an intermediary device that bridges the closed content distribution environment and external content sources. The accessory contains a transceiver circuit that can receive content from external sources and transfer it to the user equipment, while the UE's processor validates authorization codes before allowing content access. This intermediary approach maintains security through validation while enabling flexible content distribution from diverse sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If authorization codes and discount coupons are made accessible, then user convenience and business promotion capability are improved, but theft and unauthorized transfer risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidtheft and unauthorized transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the UE's processor continuously monitors and validates authorization codes before allowing content access. When content is requested, the system checks the authorization code's validity and revokes access if the accessory is removed or unauthorized. This real-time feedback loop maintains user convenience for authorized operations while preventing theft and unauthorized transfer through active validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system takes preliminary anti-action by requiring authorization validation before content access is granted. The processor checks authorization codes in advance and establishes security controls before any content transfer occurs. This preventive approach ensures that even if authorization codes are made accessible, they cannot be misused without proper validation, thereby preventing theft and unauthorized transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Speed

If NFC accessory transmits information continuously, then content retrieval and authorization speed are improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent retrieval speedVSAvoidaccessory energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the transceiver circuit transmit information only when triggered by specific events, such as when the accessory is detected, when content access is requested, or at scheduled intervals. The charging circuit inductively couples power from the UE's NFC circuit to operate the transceiver circuit on demand rather than continuously. This event-driven periodic transmission maintains fast content retrieval speed when needed while dramatically reducing energy consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 secure and controlled distribution of content by ensuring only authorized devices can access and use the content, preventing unauthorized transfer and theft, while also providing a mechanism for businesses to promote their branding and offer exclusive discounts.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna is configured to inductively couple to signals emitted by a UE NFC circuit within the UE

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9312921B2Retrieving/authorizing content on user equipment based on information from connectable accessory with NFC circuit

Publication Date: 2016.04.12 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An accessory for a user equipment (UE) is disclosed that includes a housing configured to be connected to the UE and accessory near field communication (NFC) circuit attached to the housing. The accessory NFC circuit includes an antenna, a charging circuit, and a transceiver circuit. The antenna is configured to inductively couple to signals emitted by a UE NFC circuit within the UE. The charging circuit is configured to output power provided by the inductive coupling through the antenna to the signals emitted by the UE NFC circuit. The transceiver circuit is configured to be powered by the charging circuit to transmit information to the UE NFC circuit that will be used by the UE to retrieve content stored on a content server and/or to authorize use of content stored on the UE. Related UEs and methods are disclosed.