NFC Signal Testing Over Coaxial Wiring for Remote Diagnosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network service providers face high costs and inefficiencies due to the need for on-site technician visits for setting up and diagnosing communication services, as users often lack technical expertise and diagnostic equipment to determine connectivity issues in coaxial cable networks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing Near-Field Communications (NFC) enables users to test and report on connectivity by using their NFC-equipped cell phones to transmit and receive signals through coaxial wiring, with a system controller guiding the user to isolate wiring problems, allowing for remote diagnosis and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If technicians are sent to set up service or diagnose problems, then service quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but service cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to perform self-diagnosis of coaxial cable connectivity issues using NFC-equipped mobile devices. The system guides users through automated testing procedures where they place their phone near coaxial outlets to test signal connectivity, eliminating the need for technician visits for routine diagnostic tasks while maintaining reliable service quality through automated fault detection and location identification.
2Ease of manufacture
If self-installation kits are provided to users, then service cost is reduced, but installation success rate decreases due to lack of user expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system that guides users through the installation and diagnostic process. The system provides real-time feedback by analyzing NFC signal strength and connectivity results, automatically identifying whether outlets are connected or disconnected, and guiding users through troubleshooting steps. This automated guidance compensates for user lack of expertise while maintaining low service costs.
3Measurement precision
If technicians use network diagnostic equipment, then diagnostic precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex professional diagnostic equipment with a simplified solution using NFC-equipped mobile devices that users already possess. The system copies the essential diagnostic function by using NFC technology to test coaxial cable connectivity and signal presence, achieving sufficient diagnostic precision for identifying connected versus disconnected outlets without requiring specialized equipment or technical expertise.
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 approach reduces the time and cost associated with technician visits by enabling users to efficiently diagnose and test coaxial cable connectivity, facilitating quicker service setup and reducing user wait times for network connections.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC receiver may include an NFC transmitter, and may transmit an NFC signal onto the coaxial wiring
Implementation Method 2
An NFC signal may be sent by the phone, received at the coaxial outlet, and passed on (via the in-home coaxial wiring, for example) to an NFC receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for performing Near-field communication (NFC) over a network are presented. In an implementation, a computing device may send to a mobile device a cellular signal that carries information for a NFC signal communication through a communication link, such as a cable. The computing device may determine that an NFC signal propagated from the mobile device has traversed or has been received over the communication link. The computing device may indicate receipt of the NFC signal, or initiate other actions.