NFC Controller Application Management via Logical Link IDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method to efficiently manage operations associated with multiple applications in Near Field Communication (NFC) devices, as existing technologies lack effective management of interactions between various applications within and across NFC devices.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a Near Field Communication Controller (NFCC) that creates and manages logical links between applications, storing and using source host IDs, destination host IDs, and link IDs to facilitate communication, thereby enabling efficient management of multiple applications within and across NFC devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are deployed on DH and removable entities in NFC devices, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the complexity of managing interactions between applications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanagement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (NFCC management system) that mediates between multiple applications and the NFC controller. This intermediary manages application registrations, assigns unique identifiers, and routes communications, thereby reducing the complexity that would otherwise exist in directly managing multiple application interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the NFC device into distinct functional components: applications deployed on DH and removable entities, an intermediary management system, and the NFC controller. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the NFCC manages interactions between multiple applications, then the coordination and reliability of communication is improved, but the processing overhead and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by requiring applications to register with the NFCC management system before becoming operational. During this registration phase, the system assigns unique identifiers and establishes communication routes in advance. This preliminary setup reduces the need for complex runtime decision-making and processing, thereby lowering ongoing power consumption while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If routing channels are allocated for each application interaction, then the precision of data routing is improved, but the number of routing channels and memory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouting precisionVSAvoidrouting resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by creating a multi-functional routing system where a single NFCC management infrastructure serves all applications. The same management system handles registration, identifier assignment, and routing for all applications, rather than requiring separate dedicated routing channels for each application. This universal approach maintains precise routing through systematic identifier management while minimizing the quantity of routing resources required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3668130B1Method and near field communication controller for managing multiple applications in near field communication
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3668130B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3668130B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3668130B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method and system for handling a plurality of applications in a Near Field Communication (NFC) device is provided. The method is performed at a NFC Controller (NFCC). The method includes storing a source host identity (ID), a destination host ID and a link ID associated with each application from one or more applications. The method also includes managing the one or more applications simultaneously based on the source host ID, the destination host ID and the link ID stored in the NFCC.