Mount-to-Computer Pairing via NFC and Bluetooth Handover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for connecting electronic devices, such as phones to mounts, are often cumbersome and inefficient, particularly when secure communication and charging are involved.
Innovation Solution
The use of Near Field Communication (NFC) for initial detection and Bluetooth for secure communication establishment between devices, along with wireless charging capabilities, facilitates efficient and secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical connection (hard wired) is used to connect devices, then communication reliability is improved, but connection complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical connections (hard wired connections) with electromagnetic field-based wireless communication technologies. Specifically, it uses Near Field Communication (NFC) for initial device detection and pairing, then transitions to Bluetooth for secure communication establishment. This substitution eliminates the need for physical plugging and unplugging of cables, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-level security and authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary technology that facilitates the initial connection between devices without requiring full physical contact or complex setup. NFC acts as a mediator that enables devices to automatically detect each other, exchange basic information, and establish trust before transitioning to the primary Bluetooth communication channel. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall connection process while ensuring secure communication.
2Reliability
If secure communication protocol is established between devices, then communication security is improved, but connection time and operational complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs security-related actions in advance by using NFC to pre-establish device identification and basic authentication before the actual Bluetooth connection is formed. During the NFC phase, devices exchange security credentials, establish trust relationships, and prepare cryptographic keys. This preliminary security setup occurs automatically and rapidly during the initial contact, so when Bluetooth communication begins, the security framework is already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming security handshakes during the main communication phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connection establishment process into distinct segments: first, NFC-based initial detection and pairing; second, Bluetooth-based secure communication establishment. Each segment has a specific function and operates independently with optimized timing. The NFC segment handles initial security setup quickly, while the Bluetooth segment handles the main communication with pre-established security parameters. This segmentation allows security protocols to be executed efficiently without blocking the overall connection process.
3Productivity
If multiple communication channels are used for device connection, then connection efficiency is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connection framework where two different communication technologies (NFC and Bluetooth) are integrated into a single multi-functional system. NFC provides short-range detection and initial pairing capabilities, while Bluetooth provides extended-range communication and data transfer. Both technologies operate within the same system architecture, allowing the device to automatically select the appropriate communication channel based on the connection requirements. This multi-functionality approach improves connection efficiency by optimizing for different scenarios while managing complexity through unified protocol handling and automatic channel selection.
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 method enables seamless, efficient, and secure communication and charging between devices by utilizing different communication channels, enhancing user experience and device interaction.
Implementation Method 1
The message can be sent using Near Field Communication (NFC) and the request can be to establish a short-range communication channel using Bluetooth
Implementation Method 2
the mount also charges the computer system while the computer system is coupled to the mount. Such charging can occur through a physical connection and/or a wireless charging component
Data Source
AI summary
Some techniques are described herein for initiating a secure communication between a mount and a computer system. Such techniques include the mount detecting that the computer system is coupled to the mount and, in response, sending a message to the computer system with an identifier of the mount. The mount then receives a request to establish the secure communication with the computer system via a different communication channel than used to send the message. For example, the message can be sent using Near Field Communication (NFC) and the request can be to establish a short-range communication channel using Bluetooth. Other techniques are described herein for reconnecting a secure communication between a mount and a computer system using similar techniques as described above.