NFC Data Format Determination for Simultaneous Mode Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NFC systems do not effectively enable simultaneous operation of reader/writer mode and peer-to-peer mode in information processing apparatuses, limiting data handling and application usage based on data attributes and communication methods.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a data format determination unit, data attribute determination unit, and communication method determination unit identifies applicable applications for data read in either peer-to-peer or reader/writer modes, allowing appropriate applications to use the data by determining data formats and communication methods, enabling simultaneous operation of both modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If NFC reader/writer mode is used to read data from NFC devices, then data can be read from the NFC device, but it becomes difficult to determine which application should use the read data when multiple applications are available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata reading capabilityVSAvoidapplication selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the determination unit and notification unit) that mediates between the data reading function and multiple applications. This intermediary automatically determines which application should use the read data based on data attributes and communication methods, and notifies the selected application, thereby resolving the complexity of manual application selection while maintaining ease of data reading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If NFC peer-to-peer mode is used for communication, then data can be read and applications can be identified, but it limits the ability to handle data from reader/writer mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata handling capabilityVSAvoidcommunication mode management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal determination unit that can handle data from both peer-to-peer mode and reader/writer mode using the same processing logic. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different communication modes without increasing overall system complexity, as the determination unit universally applies data attribute analysis and communication method identification across both modes.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If data format determination is performed to identify applicable applications, then appropriate applications can use the data, but it increases processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication compatibilityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing data attribute definitions and communication method criteria before data reading occurs. The determination unit uses these pre-defined criteria to quickly match read data with appropriate applications, avoiding time-consuming analysis during the data processing phase and thereby reducing overall processing time while maintaining high application compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables the information processing apparatus to operate both NFC reader/writer and peer-to-peer modes, allowing appropriate applications to use data based on determined formats and methods, enhancing data handling and application usage.

Implementation Method 1

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication method in which two-way communications are performed within a small range of approximately 10 cm by using an electromagnetic wave of 13.56 MHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear Field Communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3111324B1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3111324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3111324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3111324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a data format determination unit determining whether data read by near field wireless communications correspond to data read in a peer-to-peer mode; a data attribute determination unit identifying an application that can use the data based on attribute information of the data when it is determined that the data correspond to the data that are read in the peer-to-peer mode; a communication method determination unit identifying an application that can use the data based on a communication method used when the data are read, when it is determined that the data do not correspond to the data that are read in the peer-to-peer mode; and an application use processing unit performing processing so that the application identified by the data attribute determination unit or the application identified by the communication method determination unit can use the data.