NFC Application Preselection via Tag Data Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current NFC standards make it difficult for multiple applications to share the same connection parameters, leading to conflicts and requiring user intervention for preselection, which is not ergonomic and can depreciate NFC technology, especially in time-critical transactions.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically preselecting one or more applications in a mobile communication device using NFC technology, allowing rapid selection without user interface interaction, by reading information from a contactless electronic tag and switching between modes to identify and validate application parameters, with options for temporary or permanent validity and over-the-air application download.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications use the same NFC connection parameters, then application compatibility is improved, but application conflicts occur due to incompatible communication settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoidapplication conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of NFC parameters during the connection establishment phase, before applications are fully activated. This allows the system to identify compatible applications in advance and prevent conflicts before they occur, resolving the contradiction between allowing multiple applications to share parameters and preventing application conflicts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that mediates between multiple applications seeking to use NFC parameters. This intermediary layer detects parameter compatibility and manages application selection, allowing multiple applications to coexist without direct conflict while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If user intervention is required for application preselection, then application selection accuracy is improved, but transaction time increases which is critical in transport applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication selection accuracyVSAvoidtransaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting NFC parameters and selecting compatible applications without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by performing compatibility detection and application selection autonomously, maintaining accuracy while eliminating the time loss associated with manual user input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and selection of compatible applications during the initial connection phase, before the actual transaction begins. This preliminary action ensures accurate application selection is made in advance, preventing time loss during critical transaction moments in transport applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If NFC parameters are strictly tested by the reader, then connection reliability is improved, but applications with non-matching parameters are rejected even when they could function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidapplication acceptance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes and adapts NFC parameters based on the detected target device and application requirements. Rather than strictly enforcing fixed parameters, the system modifies parameters to achieve reliable connections while accepting a broader range of applications, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and application acceptance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fast, user-friendly, and automatic preselection of applications that can share the same parameters, reducing user intervention and enhancing the efficiency of NFC transactions, particularly in scenarios like transport networks.

Implementation Method 1

The technology is based on data transmission via the modulation of a magnetic field produced by the coil of a reader (PCD or Proximity Coupling Device) and return data transmission via the modulation of the current induced by coupling in the coil of a card (PICC: Proximity Integrated Circuit Card)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field modulation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2417751B1Method of preselecting at least one application in a mobile communication device comprising an NFC system
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 THALES DIS FRANCE SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the preselection of at least one application hosted in a secure or non-embedded element in a mobile communication device comprising an NFC system, the said device being capable of accessing and reading data stored in a target NFC system, of the contactless tag or card type, the said NFC system being capable of operating in at least two communication modes including a reader mode, and a card emulation mode, or a Peer-to-Peer mode. When the NFC system is in the reader mode, an application is preselected during a stage wherein data stored in the said target NFC system are read.