NFC Antenna Overlay for Visual Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-field communication (NFC) technologies require close proximity, almost physical contact, for device-to-device data transfer, making it difficult for users to visually identify and align NFC antennas for successful communication between mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device system that uses a processor to overlay icons on the display indicating the location of internal NFC antennas in real-time through image processing and computer vision, allowing users to visually align devices for optimal proximity and initiate data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC antennas are placed close together for data transfer, then communication reliability is improved, but user ability to visually identify and align antennas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual indicators (icons, overlays, or augmented reality elements) as an intermediary between the physical NFC antennas and the user's perception. These visual markers are displayed on the device screens or through augmented reality to show the location and alignment status of NFC antennas, enabling users to easily identify and align antennas without needing to see the antennas themselves directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical alignment process with an optical/visual guidance system. Instead of relying on users to physically feel or visually locate small NFC antennas through direct observation, the system uses displayed visual indicators on screens or through augmented reality to guide alignment, substituting direct mechanical interaction with optical information presentation.
2Reliability
If NFC antennas require close proximity for communication, then data transfer reliability is improved, but user convenience and ease of alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where visual indicators dynamically update to show the relative position and alignment status of devices. The visual markers may change appearance, position, or provide directional guidance based on the detected proximity and orientation of NFC antennas, giving users real-time feedback to adjust alignment and achieve optimal positioning for reliable data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators serve as an intermediary that translates the invisible NFC antenna positions and alignment status into visible information. This intermediary layer allows users to conveniently align devices by following visual cues rather than attempting direct physical alignment, maintaining data transfer reliability while improving user convenience.
3Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to show NFC antenna locations, then ease of alignment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing multi-functional components of mobile devices, such as the display screen and camera system, to provide visual indicators for NFC alignment. The display, already used for user interface presentation, is also used to show alignment indicators. The camera system, already used for photography, may be used to capture images for augmented reality overlay. This multi-functionality approach adds alignment guidance capability without requiring entirely new hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the device's own existing resources (display, processor, camera) to generate and present visual alignment indicators. Rather than requiring external辅助设备 or additional dedicated hardware, the device serves itself by utilizing its built-in components to provide the visual guidance function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a device, method, and storage medium. The device receives an image and identifies a computing device in the image. The device retrieves a reference diagram of the computing device and overlays a icon over a portion of the computing device in the image corresponding to a location of a near-field communication antenna.