NFC Portable Device Automates Multimedia System Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring multiple devices in a home entertainment system for specific functions is complex and requires numerous operations to select inputs and settings, making it difficult for users to easily enjoy desired content.
Innovation Solution
Storing configuration data on an NFC portable device, which collects and transmits configuration messages to other devices via NFC, allowing for simplified setup and configuration through methods like Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, or Bluetooth, enabling devices to automatically configure themselves for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are configured manually for specific functions, then device functionality and adaptability are improved, but configuration complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically discover and configure each other through NFC technology. When devices are brought close together, they automatically exchange configuration data without requiring manual user input for selecting inputs, switching devices, or adjusting settings. The configuration process is performed autonomously by the devices themselves, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex setup procedures while still achieving optimal device functionality and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration data is collected and stored in advance on an NFC portable device before the actual setup operation. The NFC portable device accumulates configuration information from multiple devices and stores it in a compact format. When configuration is needed, this pre-collected data is transmitted to the target device, allowing rapid setup without requiring users to manually gather and input configuration parameters during the actual configuration moment.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual selection of inputs and settings is performed, then precise device configuration is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Devices automatically perform precise configuration by exchanging structured configuration data through NFC. The system maintains configuration precision by preserving all necessary settings, input selections, and device parameters in the transmitted data packet. The receiving device automatically processes this data to configure itself with the same precision that would be achieved through manual selection, but without requiring user time input for each individual setting adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC portable device creates a copy of the complete configuration state from multiple devices and transmits this replicated configuration data to the target device. Instead of requiring users to manually re-enter or re-select each setting, the system copies the complete configuration state and transfers it, maintaining full configuration precision while dramatically reducing the time required for setup.
3Ease of operation
If NFC technology is used for configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC portable device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a configuration collector that gathers settings from various devices and a configuration transmitter that delivers the compiled data to target devices. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single portable device rather than requiring each individual device to have both collection and transmission capabilities, thereby improving ease of operation while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC portable device functions as an intermediary between the various devices in the system. It collects configuration data from multiple devices and transmits it to the target device, acting as a configuration broker. This intermediary approach simplifies the configuration process for users while concentrating the complexity of data aggregation and formatting in the portable device rather than distributing it across all devices in the system.
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
Streamlines the configuration process by automating the collection and transmission of configuration data, allowing users to easily set up and use their devices for various entertainment experiences without manual selection of inputs and settings, enhancing user convenience and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Near Field Communication Technology, known by the acronym 'NFC', is a wireless, high frequency communication technology, having a range of a few centimeters, for the exchange of information between multiple devices
Implementation Method 2
A passive NFC device, such as a tag, a smart card or a simple chip affixed to an object contains information only readable by other NFC-enabled devices. A passive NFC device is powered by the electromagnetic field generated by a reader (active device)
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration method of a multimedia system comprising a first device and at least one adjacent device having a mechanism to communicate with the first device. The first device comprises a mechanism to read/write data from/to an NFC data carrier. The method comprises a set-up phase and an exploitation phase.