NFC Controller Simultaneous Card Emulation via Unique Collision Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current NFC controllers can only manage one card emulation mode of each type of contactless protocol at a time, preventing simultaneous communication of two applications associated with the same type of protocol.
Innovation Solution
A NFC controller capable of managing simultaneous communications with multiple applications using the same type of contactless protocol by generating a unique identifier with a collision pattern, allowing the detection of multiple contactless cards and enabling simultaneous card emulation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a NFC controller manages only one card emulation mode of each type of contactless protocol at a time, then the device complexity is reduced and communication reliability is improved, but the productivity and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC controller segments the card emulation functionality by creating separate emulation contexts for different applications. Each context can independently manage card emulation operations, allowing multiple applications to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling enhanced versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect to card emulation by enabling multiple emulation instances to coexist in the same protocol type. Instead of a single linear mode of operation, the system now operates in a multi-dimensional space where different applications can be emulated simultaneously through distinct contexts, thereby increasing productivity and adaptability.
2Productivity
If multiple applications associated with the same contactless protocol are allowed to communicate simultaneously, then the productivity and versatility are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of card emulation contexts for different applications. Each application receives a dedicated emulation context that replicates the necessary card emulation functionality. This copying approach allows multiple applications to be distinguished and managed simultaneously, improving productivity while the structured copying mechanism simplifies the detection and measurement processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC controller acts as an intermediary between the contactless reader and multiple applications. It manages the anti-collision processes and protocol communications as a mediator, routing messages to the appropriate application context. This intermediary role enables simultaneous communications while simplifying the detection complexity through centralized coordination.
3Device complexity
If a single wire link is used for communication with secure elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time for switching between applications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple emulation contexts and maintaining ready-state connections with secure elements. When an application needs to communicate, the necessary contexts are already prepared, eliminating the need for time-consuming initialization and switching operations. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple interface architecture while minimizing switching time.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC controller maintains continuous operational capability across multiple applications through persistent emulation contexts. Instead of completely terminating and reinitializing connections when switching applications, the system preserves useful actions and state information, enabling rapid transitions. This continuity approach reduces application switching time while keeping the single wire link architecture simple.
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
Enables multiple applications to be active simultaneously without user intervention, allowing seamless communication with contactless reader devices by simulating multiple cards during anti-collision phases, improving user experience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The NFC (Near Field Communication) technology is based on the exchanging of data via a magnetic field. A NFC device may work according to three modes: card emulation mode, reader mode and Peer-To-Peer mode.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a NFC controller able to communicate in contact mode with first and second applications and able to establish and to manage a first communication between a contactless reader device and the first application by using a specific type of contactless protocol. The NFC controller is able to establish and to manage a second communication between the contactless reader device and the second application by using the specific type of contactless protocol. The NFC controller is adapted to handle simultaneously said first and second communications.