NFC Communication Circuit Active Passive Mode Service Information Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near field wireless communication systems lack the ability to flexibly switch between active and passive communication modes, making it difficult for NFC devices to recognize and utilize services available in both modes when a connection is established in active mode.

Innovation Solution

A communication circuit and method that allows NFC devices to receive information about services using the passive communication mode when connected in active mode, enabling the system to switch to passive mode for service utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a connection of near field wireless communication is established in the active communication mode, then communication can be performed using both initiator and target emitting radio waves, but information about services available in passive communication mode cannot be acquired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation about serviceVSAvoidcommunication mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the communication device receive service information about passive communication mode services during the active communication mode connection establishment phase. This allows the device to know in advance what services are available, so that when needed, it can switch to passive mode without losing information about available services. The service information is received beforehand (in advance) while in active mode, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple active mode operation and acquiring information about passive mode services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the communication device switches to passive communication mode to use services, then power consumption is reduced since only one device emits radio waves, but the ability to flexibly switch between modes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication mode flexibilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the communication device to dynamically switch between active and passive communication modes based on service requirements. The device can adapt its operation mode flexibly - using active mode when bidirectional communication is needed and passive mode when power saving is prioritized and service information has been previously acquired. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between versatility and power consumption by allowing mode selection based on actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 NFC devices to acquire and utilize information about services available in both active and passive communication modes, enhancing service flexibility and compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

information is delivered through communication according to electromagnetic induction using carrier waves of a single frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmitting/receiving means for transmitting data by modulating the electromagnetic wave in accordance with data as well as receiving data transmitted from the other device by demodulating the electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3119008B1Communication circuit, communication device, communication method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3119008B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3119008B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3119008B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

[Object] To provide a communication circuit through which it is possible to acquire information about a service available in an active communication mode and a passive communication mode if a connection of near field wireless communication is established in the active communication mode. [Solution] Provided is a communication circuit configured to have an active communication mode and a passive communication mode that are provided as communication modes of near field wireless communication, and configured to, when a connection of the near field wireless communication is established in the active communication mode with another device, receive information about a service that uses the passive communication mode from the other device.