NFC Device with Environmental Sensor for Dynamic Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near-field communication devices lack the ability to dynamically change their output based on environmental conditions, limiting their functionality in applications requiring real-time product monitoring and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor within the near-field communication device that changes states in response to environmental conditions, allowing the output signal to be modulated or encoded with information dependent on these states, enabling the transmission of additional or different information upon state change.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional near-field communication device is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot dynamically change output based on environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic information transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a near-field communication device with an environmental sensor into an integrated system. The sensor detects environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, light, motion, etc.) and the NFC device transmits this information dynamically, allowing the system to adapt its output based on real-time environmental data without requiring separate independent components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic information transmission by allowing the NFC device to change its output based on sensor-detected environmental conditions. The system transitions from static information transmission to dynamic transmission that adapts to environmental changes, such as transmitting different product information based on temperature, humidity, or motion detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If environmental sensors are added to enable dynamic monitoring, then product monitoring capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct monitoring accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The near-field communication device is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional product identification and inventory tracking, plus environmental condition monitoring and transmission. By making the device universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated monitoring devices, thereby managing complexity while enhancing monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated NFC device with environmental sensors enables self-monitoring of product conditions. The device automatically detects environmental parameters and transmits this information without requiring external monitoring equipment or manual intervention, allowing the product to monitor its own environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If static information is transmitted, then the device operation is simple, but real-time product monitoring is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinventory management efficiencyVSAvoiddevice operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the NFC device continuously receive environmental data from sensors and transmit updated information to the inventory management system. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring of product conditions such as temperature exposure, humidity levels, and motion events, allowing dynamic adjustments in inventory management decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The environmental sensors continuously monitor conditions in advance and the NFC device is ready to transmit information at any moment. This preliminary monitoring capability ensures that when inventory management queries occur, up-to-date environmental information is already available, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

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 enhanced product monitoring and inventory management by providing dynamic information updates based on environmental conditions, such as exposure to radiation or opening of a product, facilitating warranty validation and promotional incentives.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor changes states upon exposure to an environmental condition other than the energizing field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

Near-field communication devices that transmit information when activated by an electromagnetic field produced by a different device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8013717B2Near-field communication device with environmental sensor

Publication Date: 2011.09.06 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A wireless communication device includes a near-field activated circuit that transmits an output signal upon exposure to an energizing electromagnetic field, and a sensor having an output coupled to the near-field activated circuit, wherein the sensor produces an output signal in response to sensing an environmental condition other than the energizing electromagnetic field, and wherein the output signal of the near-field activated circuit changes when the sensor changes states.