NFC Proximity Detection Using Multi-Frequency Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near field communication (NFC) systems face challenges in detecting communicatable devices within a range due to weak signals and electromagnetic interference, particularly in scenarios like touch screens where LCD drive signals interfere with communication signals.

Innovation Solution

A proximity detection method involving the transmission of detection frames with symbols modulated at different frequencies, where the first electronic device sends alternating detection frames and increments response counts to determine if a second device is within communication range, and the second device responds with corresponding acknowledgement frames to confirm proximity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC communication is performed with low transmission power to ensure security, then security is improved, but signal strength deteriorates making detection difficult in weak signal environments

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsignal detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple stages: initial detection phase using first detection frame, confirmation phase using second detection frame, and threshold-based verification. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low transmission power while improving detection reliability through multi-stage verification with different frame types and response count thresholds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If LCD drive signals are used for display function, then display capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases affecting NFC communication signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts detection parameters based on interference conditions. When interference is detected (through failed detection attempts or low response counts), the system switches between first and second detection frames with different symbol configurations, allowing adaptive operation in varying electromagnetic environments without requiring LCD shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If multiple continuous detection attempts are performed to improve detection reliability, then detection accuracy is improved, but communication time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcommunication establishment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection using the first detection frame to quickly identify potential peer devices. If initial detection is successful (response count meets threshold), the process can be terminated early, avoiding unnecessary extended detection time. This preliminary action approach balances accuracy with time efficiency.

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

This method effectively detects the presence of a communicatable device amidst interference, allowing the system to determine if NFC is needed and can minimize interference by informing the main control chip to close the LCD, thereby improving communication quality.

Implementation Method 1

Performing a near field communication (Near Field Communication, NFC) by using an electric field enables a non-contact peer-to-peer data transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the detection frame includes one of a first detection frame and a second detection frame, the first detection frame and the second detection frame respectively includes at least two symbols modulated with different frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3091671B1Near field communication proximity detection method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SHENZHEN GOODIX TECH CO LTD
  • EP3091671B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3091671B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3091671B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The present invention discloses a proximity detection method and apparatus for a near field communication, which belongs to the field of communications technologies. The method includes: sending, by a first electronic device, a signal of a detection frame; determining whether a second electronic device capable of performing the near field communication exists according to a received response frame, wherein the detection frame includes at least two symbols modulated with different frequencies. In embodiments of the present invention, a signal of a detection frame which includes multiple symbols modulated with different frequencies is sent, so that a peer-to-peer electronic device existing within a communicatable range can be detected for communication in a case of that these modulation frequencies suffer an interference.