NFC Function Switching via Cloud Capability Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for switching functions between devices are limited in their ability to seamlessly transfer active applications and ensure uninterrupted operation, particularly in scenarios where the target device may not have identical capabilities to the source device.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes a cloud server to determine the capability of a second device and switch functions accordingly, allowing for the continuation of active applications on the second device by matching its capabilities with those of the first device, even if the second device lacks all necessary capabilities, by executing only parts of the function or using pre-installed applications and hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system checks device capabilities to ensure seamless function switching, then the reliability of function transfer is improved, but the complexity of capability determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcapability determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary to manage capability determination. The server stores capability information of multiple devices and performs the complex matching logic centrally, rather than requiring each terminal to independently analyze device capabilities. This transfers the computational complexity from distributed terminals to a centralized server, improving reliability while reducing terminal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary capability registration and storage before actual function switching occurs. Device capabilities are pre-analyzed, categorized, and stored on the server in advance. When function switching is needed, the system simply queries pre-processed capability data rather than performing real-time capability analysis, significantly reducing the complexity of capability determination at the moment of switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the system requires complete capability matching between devices, then the reliability of application continuity is improved, but the adaptability to different device configurations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication continuityVSAvoiddevice configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the function into multiple capability components that can be independently matched. Instead of requiring complete capability matching, the system divides application requirements into discrete capability elements (e.g., playback capability, display capability, processing capability) and matches them separately with available device capabilities. This allows partial function transfer when complete matching is not possible, improving adaptability while maintaining reliability for the transferable portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows partial function transfer when complete capability matching is not achieved. Rather than requiring all capabilities to match perfectly, the system transfers the portion of the function that can be supported by the target device's available capabilities. This partial action approach enables greater adaptability to different device configurations while maintaining reliability for the transferred function components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If the system performs comprehensive capability analysis before switching, then the productivity of function switching is improved, but the time required for switching increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction switching efficiencyVSAvoidswitching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive capability analysis in advance and stores the results on the server. When function switching is initiated, the system queries pre-processed capability matching results rather than performing complete capability analysis from scratch. This preliminary action significantly reduces the actual switching time while maintaining the thoroughness of capability analysis, thus improving productivity without excessive time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs detailed capability analysis only where necessary (locally on the server for specific function transfers) rather than universally for all potential switches. The server maintains capability information locally organized by device and function type, enabling rapid retrieval and comparison only for the specific function being transferred, reducing overall switching time while maintaining comprehensive analysis quality for the relevant capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3955545B1Method and apparatus for controlling application, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3955545B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3955545B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3955545B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for controlling an application includes: triggering (S11, S21, S31, S43) reading information of a second device included in a near-field communication (NFC) sensor in response to a distance between a first device and the NFC sensor reaching an NFC effective communication distance, and determining the second device based on the information of the second device; determining (S12, S22, S44) a function currently executed by the first device, and determining a capability of the second device; and switching (S13, S23, S45) to the second device to continue to execute the function in response to the capability of the second device matching the function.