NFC Circuit Power Cycling for Rapid Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC-enabled mobile devices face challenges in quickly and conveniently enabling NFC communications without excessive power consumption or the need for additional hardware, particularly in scenarios requiring rapid recognition and low-security transactions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an NFC system that utilizes existing input keys and a processor to switch the NFC circuit between higher and lower power states at different frequencies based on specific input patterns, allowing for quick recognition and power-saving operations, including a peer-to-peer recognition mode and enhanced power-saving modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the NFC circuit operates continuously in high power state to enable rapid recognition, then device recognition speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC circuit operates in periodic cycles, alternating between low power state and high power state. During low power state, the circuit consumes minimal energy; during high power state, it performs recognition operations. This periodic operation allows the device to maintain rapid recognition capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the NFC circuit switches frequently between power states to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but device recognition speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the NFC circuit's power state based on operational needs. When recognition is required, the circuit transitions to high power state; when not needed, it enters low power state. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between power consumption and recognition speed according to real-time conditions.
3Speed
If additional hardware is added to enable quick NFC activation, then device recognition speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing input keys on the mobile device to trigger NFC circuit activation. These keys serve multiple functions including normal device operation and NFC activation. By making the input keys universal for both purposes, the system achieves quick NFC activation without adding dedicated hardware buttons or switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's existing input mechanism to activate NFC functionality. The input keys, already present for normal device operation, are repurposed to control NFC circuit power states. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional activation hardware while maintaining user convenience.
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 solution enables efficient and rapid NFC device recognition while maintaining power savings, supporting both quick acquisition and secure transactions without the need for additional hardware, and works effectively in both standard and peer-to-peer modes.
Implementation Method 1
NFC technology may be used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A near-field communication (NFC) system may include a plurality of NFC devices (31) each including a housing (33), a power source (34) carried by the housing, at least one input device (35) carried by the housing (33) and assigned to a designated device function, an NFC circuit (36) configured to wirelessly communicate using an NFC communications protocol, and a processor (37). The processor (37) may be configured to initiate the designated device function based upon a first input pattern of the at least one input device (35), switch the NFC circuit (36) between a higher power state and a lower power state at a first frequency, the NFC circuit (36) in the higher power state being configured to generate an RF field to initiate NFC communications, and switch the NFC circuit (36) between the higher and lower power states at a second frequency based upon a second input pattern of the input device(s) (35) different from the first input pattern.