NFC-Triggered Bluetooth Profile Switchover Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face challenges in seamlessly switching between Bluetooth devices that support the same profiles, requiring manual disconnection and reconnection, which is inconvenient for users.

Innovation Solution

A mobile wireless communications device equipped with both NFC and Bluetooth transceivers, along with a controller that automatically switches between Bluetooth devices by determining shared profiles using NFC communication, allowing seamless switchover without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual disconnection and reconnection is used to switch between Bluetooth devices, then connection reliability is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the presence of a second Bluetooth device and preparing the profile switching configuration before the user actually needs to switch. The controller proactively identifies overlapping profiles and sets up the automatic switching mechanism in advance, so when switching is needed, it occurs seamlessly without user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to automatically detect, evaluate, and switch between Bluetooth profiles without requiring user intervention. The controller autonomously manages the disconnection from the first device and connection to the second device by identifying profile overlaps and executing the switching logic independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If automatic profile switching is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic switching capabilityVSAvoidcontroller logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle various Bluetooth profile types (audio, data, voice) and different switching scenarios within a single unified logic structure. This universal approach allows the same controller to manage multiple profile types without requiring separate specialized logic for each profile, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that acts as a mediator between the first and second Bluetooth devices. The controller evaluates profile overlaps and determines switching necessity through this intermediary logic layer, which simplifies the overall control structure by centralizing the decision-making process rather than requiring complex direct device-to-device coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If NFC is used for Bluetooth handover, then switching speed improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic action by using NFC only at critical switching moments rather than maintaining continuous NFC connectivity. The NFC transceiver is activated periodically or on-demand to detect the second device and trigger the profile switching process, then returns to a low-power state, thereby achieving fast switching without continuous energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the NFC and Bluetooth functionalities into a coordinated switching mechanism where NFC serves as the trigger for Bluetooth profile switching. By combining these two technologies, the system leverages NFC's fast detection capability to initiate switches while Bluetooth handles the actual data transmission, achieving speed improvement without proportionally increasing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 seamless switching between Bluetooth devices by automatically identifying and transferring profiles via NFC, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for manual disconnection and reconnection processes.

Implementation Method 1

NFC technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9002275B2Mobile wireless communications device providing Bluetooth switchover features based upon near field communication (NFC)
Publication Date: 2015.04.07 MALIKIE INNOVATIONS LTD
  • US9002275B2 patent drawing
  • US9002275B2 patent drawing
  • US9002275B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile wireless communications device may include a near field communication (NFC) transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, and a controller coupled with the NFC transceiver and the Bluetooth transceiver. The controller may be configured to communicate with a first Bluetooth device via the Bluetooth transceiver using at least one Bluetooth profile supported by the first Bluetooth device, communicate with a second Bluetooth device via the NFC transceiver and determine if the at least one Bluetooth profile is also supported by the second Bluetooth device, and when the at least one Bluetooth profile is also supported by the second Bluetooth device, cease using the at least one Bluetooth profile with the first Bluetooth device and begin using the at least one Bluetooth profile with the second Bluetooth device.