NFC Media Preference Sync Across Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems lack the ability to seamlessly integrate and synchronize media content preferences across multiple devices using near field communication (NFC) technology, limiting personalized media playback experiences.

Innovation Solution

A wireless communications system that includes a first NFC device and a player device configured to play media content based on preference information transmitted from a mobile wireless communications device via a second NFC device, allowing for synchronized playback of selected media channels or categories across multiple devices based on proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If NFC technology is used for short-range communication between devices, then data exchange capability is improved, but device compatibility and seamless integration across different device types deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoiddevice compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables a single NFC-based preference transmission mechanism to serve multiple device types including mobile devices, media players, and audio devices. The preference information structure is designed to be universally applicable across different device categories, allowing seamless integration without requiring device-specific protocols or formats.

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

2Ease of operation

If preference information is transmitted via NFC based on proximity, then personalized media playback is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized media playbackVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects proximity between devices via NFC and initiates preference information transmission without requiring user intervention. The mobile device automatically shares preference data with the media player when brought into proximity, eliminating the need for manual configuration or complex user workflows while achieving personalized playback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple devices are synchronized based on preference information, then user experience is improved, but communication and synchronization overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidsynchronization overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Preference information is transmitted and stored in advance via NFC before media playback begins. This preliminary transmission of user preferences allows the media player to be pre-configured with personalized settings, eliminating the need for real-time synchronization during playback and reducing communication overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables personalized and synchronized playback of media content across devices, enhancing user experience by automatically selecting preferred media channels or categories based on user-defined preferences, regardless of device type or location.

Implementation Method 1

NFC 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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2493148B1Wireless communications system providing media content based upon near field communication (NFC) communicated preference information and related methods
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2493148B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2493148B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2493148B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless communications system may include an electronic device including a first near field communication (NFC) device and a player device configured to play media content. The wireless communications system may also include at least one mobile wireless communications device including a second NFC device configured to communicate with the first NFC device based upon proximity, and a controller cooperating with the second NFC device and configured to transmit preference play information to the electronic device via the first NFC device. The player device may be configured to play selected media content based upon the preference play information.