NFC Proximity Peer Group Formation for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing ad-hoc peer networks for mobile devices is complex and time-consuming, especially in environments like schools where users lack technical expertise, and existing solutions like NFC-based setups require devices to tap each other individually without facilitating logical group formation.
Innovation Solution
The system uses proximity sensing with NFC devices to automatically discover and connect mobile devices, allowing them to form ad-hoc peer groups by advertising network configuration and group information, enabling devices to join logical peer groups and automatically establish connections upon proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC devices are used to simplify network setup, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring individual tapping of each device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments devices into logical peer groups, allowing users to tap only the group leader to join the entire group automatically. This divides the complex task of connecting to multiple devices into a simpler single-tap operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces group leaders as intermediary devices that represent entire peer groups. Instead of requiring direct connection to every device, users tap the group leader as an intermediary to automatically connect to all members of the group, simplifying the interaction process.
2Reliability
If individual device tapping is required for each connection, then connection reliability is improved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing peer groups with designated group leaders before users need to connect. When a user taps a group leader, the connection information and group membership are already prepared, allowing automatic joining without time-consuming individual connection setup for each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple individual device connections into a single group connection. By combining multiple devices into a logical peer group represented by a single group leader, the system reduces the time required to connect to multiple devices from multiple individual tapping operations to a single tap operation.
3Device complexity
If ad-hoc networks are established without logical grouping, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to form organized peer groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ad-hoc network into logical peer groups with designated group leaders, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling organized grouping. This segmentation allows users to easily identify and connect to specific groups without creating overly complex network structures.
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 simplifies the process of creating ad-hoc networks by allowing devices to automatically connect and form logical groups, reducing the complexity and time required for network setup, while enabling efficient communication within defined peer groups.
Implementation Method 1
The connection is established using a tap of NFC devices in the two wireless devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes apparatuses, systems, and methods for peer group formation for mobile devices by proximity sensing. The described embodiments further include methods, systems, and apparatuses configured to easily establish an ad-hoc peer network in which each of the devices in the network automatically discovers and is connected to other devices in the network upon establishing a connection with at least one member of the ad-hoc network. The connection is established using a tap of NFC devices in the two wireless devices. Further, the wireless devices in the ad-hoc network may be divided into logical peer groups.