NFC Circuit Mode Switching for Power and Recognition Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing NFC technologies face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and enabling quick NFC device recognition without unduly depleting battery life, particularly in scenarios requiring rapid interaction, such as crowded environments, and struggle to integrate effectively with peer-to-peer modes while maintaining power savings.

Innovation Solution

A mobile wireless communications device with a near-field communication (NFC) circuit that switches between active and power-saving modes based on specific triggering events, utilizing existing input keys for convenient NFC activation and synchronization, and employing synchronized peer-to-peer recognition to balance power usage and recognition speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If NFC circuit operates in active mode continuously to enable quick device recognition, then recognition speed is improved, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNFC device recognition speedVSAvoidNFC circuit power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC circuit alternates between active scanning periods and power-saving sleep periods, creating a periodic operation pattern that balances recognition speed with power consumption. The system activates the NFC circuit at specific intervals to scan for peer devices, then transitions to a low-power state when scanning is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC circuit dynamically adjusts its operating state based on real-time conditions, transitioning between active and power-saving modes according to triggering events such as user input, device proximity detection, or communication requirements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both recognition speed and power consumption according to actual needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If NFC circuit switches to power saving mode to conserve battery, then power consumption is reduced, but device recognition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNFC circuit power consumptionVSAvoidNFC device recognition time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining the NFC circuit in a ready or light-scanning state before complete power-down, allowing for faster reactivation and recognition when needed. Triggering events pre-activate the NFC functionality, reducing the effective recognition time when a peer device needs to be found.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC circuit implements periodic scanning intervals where it alternates between active scanning and power-saving states. This periodic operation ensures that the system remains responsive to peer devices while minimizing overall power consumption during extended idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If NFC uses single triggering event for mode switching to simplify operation, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different scenarios decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNFC mode switching simplicityVSAvoidNFC scenario adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A single triggering event mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions and adapt to various scenarios. The same triggering event (e.g., user input or device proximity) can initiate different NFC operations depending on the context, such as peer-to-peer discovery, data exchange, or payment transactions, making the system both simple to operate and highly adaptable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC system automatically determines the appropriate operating mode and scanning behavior based on the triggering event and current system state, without requiring user configuration. The system self-adapts to different scenarios by interpreting the context of the triggering event and adjusting its behavior accordingly, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach allows for efficient power management, enabling quick NFC device recognition without excessive battery drain and supporting peer-to-peer operations, thus enhancing usability and security in various applications while conserving power.

Implementation Method 1

NFC technology is commonly used for contactless short-range communications based on radio frequency identification (RFID) standards, using magnetic field induction to enable communication between electronic devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2421232B1Mobile wireless communications device provided enhanced switching between active and power saving near field communication (NFC) modes and related methods
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2421232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2421232B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2421232B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A mobile wireless communications device (31) may include a portable housing (33) and a near-field communication (NFC) circuit (36) carried by the portable housing (33) and being switchable between first NFC mode and a second NFC mode. The mobile wireless communications device (31) may further include a processor (37) carried by the portable housing (33) and coupled to the NFC circuit (36) and configured to switch the NFC circuit (36) between the first NFC mode and the second NFC mode at a first frequency based upon a first triggering event, and switch the NFC circuit between the first NFC mode and the second NFC mode at a second frequency lower than the first frequency based upon a second triggering event different than the first triggering event.