NFC Mode Switching for Power Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In near-field communication (NFC), both devices generating RF fields consume significant power, especially when one device is a mobile terminal and the other is fixed, leading to reduced battery life, and when both are mobile, the power consumption imbalance affects communication duration.

Innovation Solution

A method and module for switching operating modes between NFC devices, allowing one device to determine based on type and duration time whether to switch from an initiator to a target mode, thereby distributing power consumption more reasonably and reducing energy expenditure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If both devices generate RF fields in active NFC mode, then communication speed is improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic mode switching between active and passive NFC operations based on real-time conditions. The initiator device can switch from active mode (both devices generate RF fields) to passive mode (target device does not generate RF field) to optimize power consumption while maintaining communication functionality. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to operate at high speed when necessary and conserve energy when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the NFC system by switching between different communication modes. In active mode, both devices generate RF fields for fast communication; in passive mode, only the initiator generates the RF field to reduce power consumption. This parameter change allows the system to balance communication speed requirements against power consumption constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If initiator device generates RF field continuously, then communication reliability is improved, but battery life of mobile terminal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the initiator device's RF field generation based on communication needs and battery status. Instead of continuous operation, the device switches between active and passive modes, maintaining communication reliability when needed while conserving battery life during less critical operations. The mode switching is triggered by conditions such as communication duration requirements and battery status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic mode switching rather than continuous active operation. The initiator device alternates between generating RF fields (active mode) and not generating RF fields (passive mode), with switching triggered by communication duration thresholds and battery status checks. This periodic action maintains necessary communication reliability while significantly reducing overall power consumption and extending battery life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If mobile terminal acts as initiator device, then communication control is improved, but power consumption increases due to RF field generation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication controlVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal dynamically adjusts its initiator device operations by switching between active and passive modes. When acting as initiator, it can transition from continuously generating RF fields to selective generation based on communication duration and battery status. This dynamic behavior maintains communication control capability while reducing power consumption during prolonged or low-priority communications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor battery status and communication duration to trigger mode switching. When the mobile terminal detects that battery level is low or communication duration exceeds a threshold, it switches from active initiator mode to passive mode, reducing power consumption while maintaining necessary communication control. This feedback-driven approach balances operational control with energy conservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach optimizes power usage by dynamically adjusting operating modes based on device types and battery life, extending communication duration and reducing power consumption in mobile devices.

Implementation Method 1

The initiator device generates a radio frequency field (RF field) to initialize the communication of NFCIP-1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The target device 202 receives the request message from the initiator device 201 and uses the needed power supplied by induced electromotive force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2506448B1Method and module for switching operating mode, and terminal equipment
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2506448B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2506448B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2506448B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Method and module for switching operating mode for near-field communication, and terminal equipment using same. The method includes: acquiring by one device of both devices in near-field communication relevant parameters of the other device including type of the device; determining by the one device whether to switch to a target operating mode according to the relevant parameters of the one device and the other device, or determining whether to exchange operating modes with the other device; wherein the relevant parameters of the one device include type of the device; and switching the operating mode by the one device to the target mode or exchanging the operating mode of the one device with that of the other device, if the determining result of the determining step is positive. According to the embodiments, power consumption may be distributed more reasonably and the power consumption of the initiator device may be reduced.