NFC Proximity Detection for Seamless Wireless Tethering Setup

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless tethering processes between computing devices are complex and require multiple steps, making it difficult to establish a network connection between devices with Internet access.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wireless near field communication (NFC) connection to automatically configure a tethering connection between devices by determining proximity, exchanging configuration information, and confirming the setup, allowing devices to share Internet access seamlessly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wireless tethering setup procedures are used, then network connection sharing is achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetethering setup processVSAvoidconfiguration steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces NFC (Near Field Communication) as an intermediary technology to facilitate the tethering setup process. NFC provides a simplified proximity-based discovery and connection initiation mechanism between devices, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration steps while maintaining secure network sharing capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration steps are required for tethering, then connection stability is ensured, but user time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring NFC parameters and connection profiles on devices before tethering is needed. When devices are brought into proximity, the pre-configured NFC settings automatically initiate the tethering process, eliminating the need for users to perform manual configuration steps during the actual connection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution simplifies the tethering process by enabling automatic configuration of a wireless tethering connection using NFC, allowing devices to access the Internet without complex step-by-step procedures, and can be adapted for use with various near field communication technologies.

Implementation Method 1

determining, at a first computing device, if a second computing device is within a predetermined distance of the first computing device; establishing, at the first computing device, a wireless near field communication (NFC) connection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10009068B2Seamless tethering setup between phone and laptop using peer-to-peer mechanisms

Publication Date: 2018.06.26 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

The subject technology discloses configurations for determining, at a first computing device, if a second computing device is within a predetermined distance of the first computing device. The subject technology then establishes, at the first computing device, a wireless near field communication (NFC) connection with the second computing device. Information for configuring a wireless tethering connection with the second computing device is then transmitted over the wireless NFC connection. Further, the subject technology receives, over the wireless NFC connection, confirmation that the wireless tethering connection has been configured.