NFC Device Identity Selection via Polling Command Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional NFC devices are limited to single identities, making it cumbersome for users to manage multiple identities such as credit cards, tickets, and identifications with a single device, as they cannot efficiently select and utilize the appropriate identity in response to polling commands from NFC readers.

Innovation Solution

A Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled device with a demodulator to extract polling commands, a memory to store multiple identities, and a processor to select the appropriate identity based on the command characteristics, allowing for the emulation of multiple identities and proper selection in response to polling commands, supporting standards like Type A, Type B, Type F, and Vicinity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single identity is associated with an NFC device, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simpler, but the versatility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to support multiple identitiesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple identities
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple identity functions into a single NFC device. The device maintains a list of multiple NFC targets (identities) and can select among them based on polling commands, eliminating the need for multiple separate physical devices while providing versatile identity support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC device is designed to perform multiple identity functions simultaneously. It can emulate different NFC targets (electronic tickets, credit cards, identification) and automatically selects the appropriate identity based on the polling command characteristics, making a single device universal for various identity needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If multiple identities are stored in a single NFC device, then device portability is improved, but the difficulty of selecting the proper identity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of carrying single deviceVSAvoiddifficulty of selecting proper identity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC device automatically performs identity selection without user intervention. When a polling command is received, the device's processor automatically searches the list of NFC targets, matches the command characteristics with stored identities, and selects the appropriate identity, making the selection process transparent and easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses the characteristics of the polling command as feedback to determine which identity to select. By analyzing the polling command's format and characteristics, the device can intelligently match and select the corresponding identity from its list, ensuring the correct identity is used for each interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automatic identity selection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of identity selectionVSAvoidcomplexity of selection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains a pre-organized list of multiple NFC targets with their characteristics stored in memory before any polling occurs. This preliminary organization allows for rapid matching and selection when a polling command is received, improving productivity while keeping the selection mechanism relatively simple through pre-computed matching criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2575408B1Single NFC device identity selection on a multiple-identity supported device
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL SALES PTE LTD
  • EP2575408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2575408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2575408B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus and method are disclosed for selecting a single device identity on near field communications (NFC) devices that emulate multiple identities. A first NFC device sends a polling command and a second NFC device receives the polling command. The second NFC device, which emulates multiple identities, is configured to extract any identifying characteristics from the polling command and search a list it maintains of all the emulated identities. The second NFC device is also configured to select the first emulated identity that matches the characteristics including in the polling command. A link is then established between the first NFC device and the second NFC device which emulates the target specified in the polling command.