NFC Settings Configuration via Geolocation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NFC-enabled mobile devices face complications in executing transactions across diverse and heterogeneous reader infrastructures, particularly in public transportation, due to the need for location-specific NFC settings which are not efficiently managed.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for configuring a mobile device to determine its geographical location and retrieve and apply specific near field communication settings, including NFC Controller Interface parameters, Radio Frequency settings, and control flags, from a server or embedded memory, only when the location changes, ensuring reliable and quick NFC transactions across a wide area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC settings are manually configured for each location, then compatibility with local NFC readers is improved, but device complexity and user operation burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNFC transaction compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects geographical location changes and retrieves appropriate NFC settings without user intervention. The mobile device autonomously manages the complexity of configuration by implementing location-based automatic detection and settings application, eliminating manual configuration requirements while ensuring compatibility with local NFC readers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

NFC settings are pre-configured and stored in the system for various geographical locations. When a location change is detected, the system quickly retrieves and applies the pre-prepared settings, avoiding the need for real-time configuration or manual user input during transactions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If NFC settings are continuously updated, then adaptability to location changes is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-based NFC adaptationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically determines geographical location and compares it with the previously stored location. NFC settings are only retrieved and applied when a location change is detected, rather than continuously updating. This periodic checking approach maintains adaptability to location changes while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism by comparing the current determined location with the previously stored location. Only when a change is detected does the system proceed to retrieve and apply new NFC settings. This feedback-based approach ensures adaptability while avoiding unnecessary power consumption from redundant updates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables reliable and efficient execution of NFC transactions by automatically adapting to location-specific settings, reducing power consumption and ensuring compatibility with various NFC readers, even in the absence of initial configuration or if the wallet application is disabled.

Implementation Method 1

determining the geographical location comprises receiving a Global Positioning System signal and deriving the geographical location from said signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlobal Positioning System:

Data Source

PatentEP3273706B1Configuration of near field communication (NFC) settings in a mobile device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 NXP BV
  • EP3273706B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3273706B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3273706B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method of configuring a mobile device is conceived, comprising: determining a geographical location of said mobile device; retrieving one or more near field communication settings specific to the geographical location; applying and storing the near field communication settings to the mobile device. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding computer program is provided. According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding system for configuring a mobile device is provided.