NFC Controller Application-Specific RF Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing radio frequency discovery process in NFC devices is inefficient, leading to resource wastage as the selected application may not meet user intentions, resulting in repeated discovery processes to reselect an RF protocol.

Innovation Solution

An NFC chip and method where the NFCC determines the to-be-used RF technology based on the selected application, responding only to detection commands for that technology and remaining silent on non-to-be-used technologies, thereby improving the chances of selecting the intended application and reducing resource overheads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the NFCC responds to detection commands for all RF technologies supported by the application, then the peer device can detect all available RF protocols, but the radio frequency discovery process becomes inefficient and resource wastage occurs when the selected application does not meet user intentions

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRF technology compatibilityVSAvoiddiscovery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFCC determines the to-be-used RF technology based on the selected application before the actual discovery process occurs. This preliminary determination allows the system to prepare and respond only to relevant detection commands, avoiding unnecessary responses and improving discovery efficiency while maintaining adaptability to user intentions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the NFCC responds to all detection commands regardless of application selection, then comprehensive protocol detection is achieved, but repeated discovery processes are required when the selected application does not meet user intentions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol detection completenessVSAvoiddiscovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The NFCC applies different response strategies to different RF technologies based on the selected application. Instead of uniformly responding to all detection commands, the system selectively responds only to commands corresponding to the to-be-used RF technology, thereby reducing discovery time while ensuring reliable detection of the intended protocol

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the NFCC uses a general discovery process without application-specific optimization, then the system maintains simplicity, but resource overheads increase due to unnecessary detection and response operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediscovery process complexityVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of the to-be-used RF technology based on the selected application before engaging in the discovery process. This advance preparation enables the NFCC to optimize resource usage by responding only to relevant detection commands, reducing energy consumption without significantly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of responding to all possible RF technology detection commands, the NFCC performs partial action by responding only to the detection command corresponding to the to-be-used RF technology. This selective approach reduces resource consumption while maintaining sufficient functionality for the selected application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 accelerates the radio frequency discovery process, enhances efficiency, and reduces resource consumption by ensuring the selected application is successfully chosen by the peer device.

Implementation Method 1

Near field communication (English full name: Near Field Communication, NFC for short) is a short-range wireless connection technology that is based on radio frequency identification (English full name: Radio Frequency Identification, RFID for short), to implement close-range communication between electronic devices by using magnetic field induction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3293886B1Radio frequency finding method, chip and device
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3293886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3293886B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3293886B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a radio frequency discovery method that relates to a first device and a second device. At least two applications are installed on the first device. After a user selects a first application from the at least two applications, a near field communication controller in the first device obtains an RF technology supported by the first application; determines at least one to-be-used RF technology in the RF technology supported by the first application; then receives a detection command sent by the second device for a first RF technology; and when the to-be-used RF technology includes the first RF technology, sends a response message for the detection command to the second device; or when the to-be-used RF technology does not include the first RF technology, determines not to send a response message for the detection command, so as to improve a probability that the application selected by the user on the first device is successfully selected by the peer second device. Therefore, a radio frequency discovery progress is accelerated, radio frequency discovery efficiency is improved, and resource overheads are reduced.