NFC Passive IC Chip Proximity Control for Home Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home automation systems lack efficient and user-friendly control methods for managing various devices in a home environment, particularly in terms of energy management and device interaction.
Innovation Solution
A home automation system utilizing near field communication (NFC) technology, where mobile devices with NFC chips communicate with passive NFC IC chips embedded in devices, allowing for customized control of home automation functions through unique identifiers and mobile applications, enabling seamless interaction and automation of devices such as thermostats, lighting, and appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional home automation control methods are used, then device control functionality is provided, but user-friendliness and efficiency of control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (physical switches, buttons, and manual configuration) with NFC-based electromagnetic field communication. Mobile devices with NFC chips communicate with passive NFC IC chips embedded in home devices, enabling contactless control and eliminating the need for complex wiring or manual configuration, thus significantly improving ease of operation and control efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service control where users simply bring their mobile devices close to home devices to automatically establish communication and control functions. The passive NFC IC chips in home devices automatically respond to mobile device queries without requiring active configuration or continuous power, allowing users to control devices intuitively through proximity-based interactions
2Reliability
If continuous communication is maintained for device control, then real-time control is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic communication only when needed - specifically when a mobile device is brought into proximity with a home device. The passive NFC IC chip remains dormant until triggered by a mobile device's NFC field, at which point brief data exchange occurs. This on-demand periodic communication maintains control reliability while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous communication protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the active communication function from the home device and places it entirely in the mobile device. The passive NFC IC chip in the home device contains only storage and response capabilities, while the mobile device handles all active NFC field generation and communication initiation. This extraction allows the home device to remain in ultra-low-power state until needed, resolving the contradiction between responsiveness and energy consumption
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly control of home automation devices, allowing for customized settings and actions based on proximity interactions, enhancing energy management and device control without the need for continuous communication, thereby improving home automation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
NFC standards cover communication protocols and data exchange formats, and are based on existing radio-frequency identification (RFID) standards
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a network device that is disposed at a site and configured to communicate with a wireless network. A controller is disposed at the site and is in communication with the wireless network, and a passive device is disposed at the site and includes a unique identifier disposed thereon. The system further includes a mobile device associated with the site and which includes a communication chip. The communication chip is configured to read the unique identifier when the mobile device is placed in close proximity to the passive device, and a mobile application disposed on the mobile device is configured to transmit the unique identifier to the controller for use in controlling the network device.