NFC Configuration Transfer for Load Control Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load control devices in energy control networks face cumbersome and time-consuming processes for initial configuration, specific device database updates, and network integration, particularly due to the need for physical connections or complex button sequences, which limits user functionality and requires device replacement when inoperative.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Near Field Communication (NFC) for low-data-rate, close-proximity wireless protocols to facilitate the download of initial and specific device databases, network configurations, and user interfaces, enabling easy setup and transfer of databases between devices, allowing for enhanced user control and reduced replacement needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical electronic connection or complex button sequences are used for device configuration and database updates, then device functionality can be achieved, but the configuration process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical electronic connections (mechanical contact-based configuration) with wireless NFC communication. The NFC interface allows devices to exchange configuration data and databases wirelessly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical connectors and complex button sequences, thereby dramatically reducing configuration time and improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary communication layer between devices. The NFC interface acts as a mediator that enables seamless data transfer for device configuration, database updates, and network integration without requiring direct physical connections or complex user interactions, thus resolving the contradiction between operational ease and time consumption
2Reliability
If physical connections are used for database transfer, then data can be transferred reliably, but the process requires device replacement when inoperative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical connection-based data transfer with wireless NFC communication. This allows databases to be transferred reliably through electromagnetic coupling without physical contact, enabling data recovery and transfer even when devices are inoperative or difficult to physically connect, thereby eliminating the need for device replacement while maintaining transfer reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC interface provides universal communication capability that works across different device states (operative and inoperative). The wireless nature of NFC allows the same interface to handle both active data exchange and passive data retrieval scenarios, making the system adaptable to various operational conditions without requiring different physical connection methods or device replacement
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional configuration methods are used, then device functionality is established, but user control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical button-based configuration with wireless NFC communication, enabling users to control and reconfigure devices remotely. The NFC interface allows users to transfer databases, update configurations, and control device functionality without physical contact or complex button sequences, significantly enhancing user control capability while maintaining ease of initial setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary configuration through NFC where databases and configuration data can be pre-prepared and transferred wirelessly before devices are fully deployed or activated. This preliminary action capability allows users to set up device functionality in advance and make adjustments later without requiring physical connections, thereby improving both ease of manufacture and ongoing user control
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
NFC enables streamlined configuration and network integration of load control devices, enhancing user control and reducing the complexity and time required for initial setup and database transfers, while allowing for seamless operation and reduced device replacement needs.
Implementation Method 1
Near Field Communication (NFC) for low-data-rate, close-proximity wireless protocols
Data Source
AI summary
An energy control network may include a number of load control devices, such as dimmer switches, multi-button selector switch, occupancy sensors, and remote controllers, among others. These load control devices may be configured for wireless communication. Other wireless devices, such as laptops, tablets, and “smart” cellular phones may be configured to communicate with the load control devices of the energy control network. The load control devices and the other wireless communication devices may also be configured for Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC may be used to provide a load control device with its initial default configuration and/or an application specific configuration. Also, NFC may be used to transfer a configuration from one load control device that may have become faulty, to a replacement load control device. And NFC may be used to provide and trigger commands that may cause a load control load device to operate in a predetermined manner.