NFC Device Dynamic Parameter Setting for Reader Compatibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NFC technologies face communication failures due to differences in NFC reader types and RF communication characteristics, making it difficult to establish compatible settings between NFC devices and NFC readers, especially when used across different regions with varying types and services.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and apparatus that utilize short-range wireless communication, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), to notify NFC devices of NFC-reader identification information or CL-service identification information prior to NFC communication, allowing for the setting of optimal RF and protocol parameters based on the notified information, enabling reliable and speedy communication across different types and services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC device uses fixed type settings, then compatibility with specific CL service is achieved, but adaptability to different NFC reader types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different NFC reader types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC device dynamically changes its type settings based on the detected NFC reader type. The device initially operates in a first type mode, detects the actual NFC reader type through communication attempts, and then switches to match the detected type, enabling adaptive compatibility across different reader types while maintaining reliable communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the NFC communication parameters (specifically the NFC type settings) based on the detected reader type. The device transitions from fixed initial parameters to dynamically adjusted parameters that match the target reader, resolving the contradiction between fixed reliability and adaptive versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If NFC device switches type settings dynamically, then adaptability to different NFC reader types is improved, but communication time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different NFC reader typesVSAvoidcommunication setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC device performs preliminary detection of the reader type before establishing full communication. By detecting the NFC reader type early in the process and switching settings proactively, the device minimizes the time required for communication setup while maintaining adaptability to different reader types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If NFC device is made compatible with multiple types, then adaptability to different CL services is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple CL servicesVSAvoidNFC device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC device automatically detects the reader type and switches its own settings without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the device to support multiple CL services and reader types through automated type detection and switching, reducing the perceived complexity for users while maintaining multi-compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3634042B1Communication device, communication method, and program
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 FELICA NETWORKS INC
  • EP3634042B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3634042B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3634042B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present technology relates to a communication apparatus, a communication method, and a program that enable short-range wireless communication to be made speedily with various communication parties different in model and service. A communication apparatus according to the present technology includes: a first short-range wireless communication unit configured to communicate with a communication party, via first short-range wireless communication; an acquisition unit configured to acquire, prior to the communication via the first short-range wireless communication, identification information notified from the communication party, via second short-range wireless communication wider in communicable range than the first short-range wireless communication; and a control unit configured to control the first short-range wireless communication unit and the acquisition unit, in which the control unit acquires a parameter file corresponding to the identification information having been acquired, and sets, on the basis of the parameter file, a parameter for the first short-range wireless communication to the first short-range wireless communication unit. The present technology is applicable to, for example, NFC devices and NFC readers.