NFC Sensor and Magnetic Sensor Processor Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile wireless communications devices face issues where a signal intended for one wireless receiver is mistakenly received and acted upon by another, leading to undesired device functionality, particularly when a magnetic sensor detects a magnet in another device during Near Field Communication (NFC) operations, causing unnecessary power consumption and incorrect switching between active and idle modes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a processor coupled with both NFC and magnetic sensors, allowing the device to remain in active mode during NFC communications irrespective of magnetic sensor readings, preventing incorrect switching to idle mode due to proximity with another device's magnet, and enabling power-saving idle mode when not in use, such as when placed in a holster.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the magnetic sensor is used to detect proximity to another device, then power consumption is reduced by switching to idle mode, but incorrect mode switching occurs during NFC operations
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC sensor acts as an intermediary between the magnetic sensor and the processor. When the NFC sensor detects an NFC signal, it overrides the magnetic sensor's idle mode activation signal, preventing incorrect mode switching. This mediator approach allows the system to distinguish between genuine holster proximity (magnetic sensor only) and NFC communication scenarios (both sensors active), resolving the contradiction between power saving and functional reliability.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the processor switches to idle mode based on magnetic sensor detection, then battery life is extended, but NFC communication functionality is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both magnetic sensor and NFC sensor states. When NFC communication is detected, the processor receives feedback to maintain active mode despite magnetic sensor indications, ensuring uninterrupted NFC functionality while still enabling power-saving mode during genuine holster placement scenarios.
3Reliability
If the device enters locked mode upon NFC tag detection, then security is improved, but device accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing different operational modes based on specific detection scenarios. When an NFC tag is detected, the processor enters locked mode locally for that specific interaction, while maintaining overall device accessibility through the unlock button functionality. This allows security enhancement during NFC transactions without permanently restricting device access.
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 solution ensures accurate device functionality during NFC operations by preventing mistaken idle mode activation due to proximity with other devices, while conserving power by switching to low-power mode when not in use, thus extending device operation time without frequent charging.
Implementation Method 1
Near Field Communication technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices
Implementation Method 2
Near Field Communication technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards
Data Source
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AI summary
A mobile wireless communications device (30) includes a near field communications (NFC) device (32), and a magnetic sensor (31). A processor (33) is coupled to the NFC device and the magnetic sensor, and is switchable between an active mode and an idle mode based upon the magnetic sensor. The processor is configured to remain in the active mode based upon communication via the NFC device irrespective of the magnetic sensor.