Multi-Host NFC Controller RF Link Sharing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Near Field Communication (NFC) technologies do not provide a mechanism for an NFC controller (NFCC) to be controlled by multiple hosts in a multi-host architecture, limiting the ability for multiple NFC hosts to share a radio frequency link and perform simultaneous radio frequency communication.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first NFC host acquires and matches configuration information with a second NFC host's established radio frequency communication, allowing the NFCC to activate a radio frequency interface for simultaneous communication, thereby enabling multiple NFC hosts to share a radio frequency link and control the NFCC for NFC radio frequency communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-host architecture is used for NFC communication, then the system structure is simple and easy to control, but multiple NFC hosts cannot share the radio frequency link simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The NFCC performs preliminary actions by storing configuration information of established radio frequency communication and proactively notifying NFC hosts when the radio frequency link becomes available. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for hosts to perform discovery processes and enables seamless multi-host sharing while maintaining relatively simple control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the NFCC monitors the state of the radio frequency link and actively notifies NFC hosts when the link is available for sharing. This feedback loop enables coordinated multi-host access without requiring complex arbitration protocols, as the controller manages the sharing based on real-time link status information.
2Productivity
If multiple NFC hosts perform radio frequency communication simultaneously without a sharing mechanism, then each host can independently control the NFCC, but conflicts occur on the shared radio frequency link
Solution Approach 1:
The NFCC stores configuration information of established radio frequency communication in advance and determines when the link is available for sharing. This preliminary preparation enables hosts to immediately utilize the radio frequency link when needed, improving communication efficiency while the controller's pre-established rules prevent conflicts through organized access management.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFCC autonomously manages the radio frequency link sharing by monitoring link availability, storing configuration information, and notifying hosts when the link is ready for use. This self-service capability allows the controller to coordinate multiple hosts without requiring complex inter-host negotiation protocols, thereby improving efficiency while maintaining reliability through automated conflict avoidance.
3Ease of operation
If NFC hosts perform radio frequency discovery processes before communication, then they can identify available hosts, but the communication initiation time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The NFCC performs preliminary actions by maintaining stored configuration information about established radio frequency communication and proactively notifying hosts when the link becomes available. This eliminates the need for hosts to perform time-consuming discovery processes, as the controller has already prepared and communicated the necessary information in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the NFCC actively notifies NFC hosts when the radio frequency link is available for sharing. This feedback approach replaces passive discovery processes with active information delivery, enabling hosts to immediately initiate communication without spending time on identification procedures, thus reducing communication initiation time while maintaining automatic host identification.
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 allows multiple NFC hosts to simultaneously control radio frequency communication between the NFCC and a remote NFC endpoint, avoiding conflicts and omitting the need for radio frequency discovery processes, thereby improving the efficiency of radio frequency link usage in a multi-host NFC architecture.
Implementation Method 1
Near field communication (NFC) is a short-distance radio connection technology and a radio frequency identification (RFID) based technology, which implements short-distance communication between electronic devices by using magnetic induction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, an apparatus, and a terminal device for near field communication radio frequency communication. The method includes: acquiring, by a first NFC host, second configuration information of established radio frequency communication, where the established radio frequency communication is radio frequency communication that a second NFC host performs with a remote NFC endpoint by using an NFCC; and if the second configuration information matches first configuration information of radio frequency communication to be initiated by the first NFC host, sending, by the first NFC host, to the NFCC, an activate request command used to activate a radio frequency interface corresponding to the first configuration information, so that the NFCC activates the radio frequency interface and the first NFC host performs the radio frequency communication with the remote NFC endpoint through the radio frequency interface. The embodiments of the present invention provide a radio frequency communication mechanism for an NFC device under a multi-host architecture.