NFC Host Priority Control for Multi-Host RF Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In a multi-host Near Field Communication (NFC) architecture, there is no mechanism for the NFC controller to perform radio frequency communication when controlled by multiple hosts, leading to collisions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first NFC host acquires state information of the NFC controller and, if its priority is higher than another host's, sends a state resetting command to terminate the current radio frequency communication process, allowing the NFC controller to restore to an idle state and execute radio frequency discovery commands based on priority.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple NFC hosts control the NFC controller simultaneously in a multi-host architecture, then the adaptability and functionality of the NFC system are improved, but communication collisions and conflicts occur leading to system unreliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a priority mechanism as an intermediary control layer between multiple NFC hosts and the NFC controller. Each host is assigned a priority level, and the NFC controller uses this priority information to determine which host's commands to execute when multiple hosts attempt simultaneous control. This mediator mechanism resolves conflicts without preventing multi-host connectivity, thus maintaining adaptability while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the NFC controller by introducing state checking and priority-based decision making. Before executing commands, the NFC controller checks its current state and compares host priorities to determine whether to proceed with communication. This parameter-based control transforms the unreliably concurrent multi-host system into a reliably managed multi-host system.
2Reliability
If the NFC controller checks state information before each communication operation, then communication reliability is improved, but the complexity of the control mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the NFC controller check its state information and determine host priority before executing any radio frequency communication operation. This pre-check mechanism prevents communication conflicts from occurring in the first place, rather than resolving them after they occur. The state checking and priority comparison are performed in advance, ensuring reliable communication while keeping the control logic straightforward and manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus, and a terminal device for controlling near field communication radio frequency discovery. The method includes: acquiring, by a first NFC host, state information used to indicate a state of a near field communication controller NFCC; and skipping, by the first NFC host, sending a first radio frequency discovery command to the NFCC if the state of the NFCC is non-idle; or if the state of the NFCC is non-idle, and a priority of the first NFC host is higher than a priority of a third NFC host, sending, by the first NFC host, a state resetting command to the NFCC, so that the NFCC terminates a current radio frequency communication process. The embodiments of the present invention provide a radio frequency communication mechanism of an NFC device in a multi-host architecture. When a first NFC host learns that a state of an NFCC is non-idle, the first NFC host may not send a radio frequency discovery command to the NFCC, and may also control the NFCC to terminate a current radio frequency communication process. Therefore, a collision problem that occurs in the multi-host architecture when an NFC host controls the NFCC to perform radio frequency communication may be avoided.