NFC Handover Using Card Emulation Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) mode of Near Field Communication (NFC) may not be usable by partner apparatuses, especially when the host unit is in a power-saving state, leading to inability to transmit communication parameters necessary for handover to wireless LAN, due to complexity in communication processing and potential non-compliance with the P2P mode.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus with a selection unit to choose between modes for data transmission, a transmission unit to send communication parameters, and a determination unit to assess communicable states, selecting the card emulation mode for parameter transmission if P2P mode is not viable, thereby ensuring handover to wireless LAN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the P2P mode is used for transmitting communication parameters, then the handover to wireless LAN can be achieved, but the partner apparatus may not be able to use this mode when the host unit is in power-saving state
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus is designed to support multiple NFC operation modes (P2P mode, card emulation mode, and reader/writer mode) and can dynamically switch between them. This multi-functionality ensures that the apparatus can adapt to different partner apparatus capabilities and power states, maintaining reliable communication parameter transmission regardless of whether the partner supports P2P mode or is in a power-saving state.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects the appropriate communication mode based on the operational state of the partner apparatus. When the host unit is in power-saving state or the partner doesn't support P2P mode, the system automatically switches to card emulation mode or reader/writer mode. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous handover capability while accommodating varying operational conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the P2P mode is used for communication, then direct data transmission is enabled, but the communication processing becomes complicated requiring host unit control
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC chip unit acts as an intermediary that can operate independently in card emulation mode or reader/writer mode without requiring host unit involvement. This intermediary capability simplifies communication by allowing the NFC chip to handle basic parameter transmission autonomously, reducing the complexity burden on the host unit while maintaining direct communication functionality.
3Reliability
If the host unit is kept in power-on state to enable P2P mode, then communication parameter transmission is possible, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC chip unit is designed to perform self-service by enabling card emulation mode or reader/writer mode operations independently without requiring the host unit to remain powered on. This self-service capability allows the NFC chip to autonomously transmit communication parameters to wake-up partners, reducing power consumption while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by using the NFC chip unit in low-power modes (card emulation or reader/writer) to establish initial contact and transmit wake-up signals before the host unit needs to be fully operational. This preliminary communication enables the host to be activated only when necessary, optimizing power usage while ensuring parameter transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus, in a case where a partner apparatus is not in the communicable state in a second mode of a first wireless communication method, specifies a predetermined memory area of the partner apparatus and transmits, to the partner apparatus using a first mode of the first wireless communication method, a communication parameter used for communication between the communication apparatus and the partner apparatus in a second wireless communication method.