NFC Gateway Mediator for Consumer Electronics Personal Network Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CE devices capable of Near Field Communication (NFC) but unable to directly access external networks lack a method to establish a Personal Network (PN) with a gateway device for accessing external network services, such as content downloading, which is essential for providing various services to users.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing a PN by performing physical pairing with surrounding devices using NFC, finding a gateway device, selecting a PN establishment scheme, and sending a connection request to the gateway device, allowing CE devices to access a CPNS server through the gateway, enabling them to receive various services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CE devices use NFC for physical pairing with gateway devices, then device connectivity and service access are improved, but the network establishment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary between CE devices and the external network. The gateway receives PN connection requests from multiple CE devices, determines the PN establishment scheme, and manages the network formation process, thereby simplifying the complexity for individual CE devices while enabling versatile service access through the gateway-mediated network
Solution Approach 2:
CE devices perform physical pairing with the gateway device using NFC before formal PN establishment. This preliminary action prepares the devices for network formation by establishing initial physical connections and identifying gateway devices, which streamlines the subsequent network establishment process
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple CE devices establish individual connections to access external networks, then each device gains independent access capability, but the system requires each device to have direct network access functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device performs multiple functions: it acts as an NFC communication endpoint, a network gateway, and a PN manager. By consolidating these functions in a single device that already possesses external network access capability, the system enables multiple CE devices to access external networks without requiring each CE device to have independent network access functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway device mediates between CE devices and the external network, relaying service requests and responses. This intermediary approach allows CE devices to access external network services through the gateway without needing direct network access capability, resolving the contradiction between access capability and device requirements
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 CE devices to access external network services by establishing a PN with a gateway device, allowing them to download content and use services without the need for direct network access, thereby enhancing user convenience and resource efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
performing a physical pairing with surrounding devices by using Near Field Communication (NFC)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus and a method for establishing a Personal Network (PN) by interconnecting a gateway device and various Consumer Electronics (CE) devices through a simple process in order to enable the CEs to receive various services. The method includes performing a physical pairing with surrounding devices by using Near Field Communication (NFC); finding a gateway device, which relays a service from the server, from among the paired devices; selecting a scheme for establishing a PN with the gateway device; and sending a request for connection with a PN according to the selected scheme to the found gateway device.