NFC Authentication for Mobile Device Power Source Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile wireless communications devices face issues with power consumption and the need to ensure that only compatible and safe third-party batteries are used, as poorly designed batteries can damage the device or reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a Near Field Communications (NFC) circuit in both the device and the removable power source to authenticate each other, allowing the processor to switch between locked and unlocked states based on successful authentication, and enabling emergency calls or displaying error messages if authentication fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If third-party batteries are allowed to work with the device, then power consumption is addressed and device functionality is maintained, but device safety and performance reliability deteriorate due to poorly designed batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs authentication of the battery before allowing operation. The NFC circuit in the device communicates with the NFC circuit in the battery to verify compatibility and safety credentials in advance, preventing unsafe batteries from causing damage before they can harm the device
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC authentication system acts as an intermediary between the device and third-party batteries. It mediates the interaction by verifying battery credentials through wireless communication, allowing safe third-party batteries to operate while blocking incompatible or dangerous ones
2Reliability
If authentication systems are implemented to verify battery compatibility, then device safety and performance are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional NFC circuits and authentication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical inspection methods or manual verification with NFC wireless communication for authentication. The electromagnetic field-based NFC technology substitutes for more complex mechanical or electronic verification systems, providing secure authentication with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC circuit serves multiple functions: it enables wireless communication for authentication, verifies battery compatibility, and ensures device safety. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated authentication hardware, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Reliability
If NFC authentication is required for battery operation, then battery compatibility and device protection are ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates due to authentication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication process is automated and performed without user intervention. The NFC circuits automatically communicate and verify compatibility when the battery is installed, eliminating the need for users to manually check compatibility or perform authentication steps
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC authentication occurs rapidly during battery installation, completing the verification process in a fraction of a second. This quick authentication method allows the system to verify compatibility and either immediately accept or reject the battery, minimizing any impact on user convenience
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing carrying a wireless transceiver and a removable power source. The removable power source includes a first Near Field Communications (NFC) circuit. A second NFC circuit is carried by the housing and is configured to authenticate the removable power source based upon communications with the first NFC circuit.