NFC Adapter Module Protocol Conversion for SIM Terminals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile communication devices require significant user effort and cost to upgrade both the terminal and subscriber identity module for NFC functionality, limiting affordable integration of near field communication technology.
Innovation Solution
An adapter module is introduced that connects to the mobile terminal and subscriber identity module, enabling NFC functionality by converting data messages between different communication protocols, allowing NFC-enabled mobile terminals to work with non-NFC enabled SIMs, thus avoiding the need for simultaneous upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both the mobile terminal and subscriber identity module are upgraded to support NFC functionality, then NFC capability is achieved, but user cost and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter module is introduced as an intermediary component that connects between the mobile terminal and the subscriber identity module. This adapter enables NFC functionality by providing the necessary communication interface without requiring upgrades to both the terminal and SIM card, thus reducing user cost and effort while achieving reliable NFC capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC functionality is segmented into a separate adapter module rather than being integrated into both the mobile terminal and subscriber identity module. This segmentation allows the NFC capability to be added independently, requiring upgrade of only one component (the adapter) rather than simultaneous upgrades of multiple components, thereby reducing overall user cost and effort.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing mobile terminals and SIMs are used without upgrades, then user cost is reduced, but NFC functionality cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between existing non-NFC mobile terminals/SIMs and NFC functionality requirements. It translates and adapts communication protocols between the existing components and NFC standards, enabling NFC capability without requiring expensive upgrades to the terminal or SIM card.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of investing in expensive permanent upgrades of the mobile terminal and SIM card, the solution uses a relatively inexpensive adapter module that can be added temporarily or removed if needed. This approach prioritizes low user cost over permanent integration, allowing NFC functionality to be achieved with minimal investment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different communication protocols are used between radio module-adapter and adapter-SIM, then compatibility with existing components is improved, but protocol conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module acts as a protocol conversion intermediary, translating between the first communication protocol used by the radio module and the second communication protocol used by the SIM card. This intermediary function enables compatibility with existing components that use different protocols while managing the complexity of protocol conversion within the adapter itself.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile communication device comprising a mobile terminal (100), a subscriber identity module (107) connected to the mobile terminal (100), and comprising NFC components for near field communication including a radio module (300) and a secure element (303) for storing data used in near field communication services, the radio module (300) communicating with the secure element. For enabling near field communication functionality, an adapter module (200) is connectable to the mobile terminal (100) and to the subscriber identity module (107), the adapter module (200) and one of the mobile terminal (100) and the subscriber identity module (107) forming a unit of the mobile communication device including at least one NFC component.