NFC Proximity Control for Wireless Data Security and Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing data transfer and security between devices using near-field communication (NFC), particularly in adjusting power and data rate based on proximity and ensuring secure connections.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a near-field communication module that establishes a secondary communication session by sending control signals to adjust output power and data transfer rate based on proximity, and ensures secure communication through identity checks and encryption using AES-CCM mode, which is terminated when the devices are out of range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless communication systems use open connection establishment, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection establishmentVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces NFC as an intermediary channel for authentication before establishing the secondary wireless connection. The NFC module acts as a mediator that verifies device identity and authorization status through close-proximity interaction, ensuring secure connection establishment without compromising ease of operation. The authentication data exchanged via NFC guarantees that only authorized devices can establish the secondary connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If output power is increased for better communication range, then communication reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication rangeVSAvoidoutput power
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of output power and data transfer rate based on real-time proximity detection. When devices are in close proximity (NFC activation zone), the system increases output power and data rate to optimize communication performance. When devices move away, the system dynamically reduces these parameters to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by matching resource consumption to actual communication needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If data transfer rate is increased for higher productivity, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts data transfer rate based on proximity detection through NFC. When devices are within the activation zone, the system enables high data transfer rates to maximize productivity. When devices move away from proximity, the system automatically reduces the data transfer rate to lower power consumption. This dynamic rate adaptation allows the system to achieve high productivity only when physically close, naturally reducing energy usage during low-productivity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If authentication requirements are added for security, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidconnection establishment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service authentication where the NFC module automatically performs identity verification and authorization checks without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously exchanges authentication data, verifies device identities, and determines connection authorization status. This automated self-service approach maintains high security through comprehensive authentication while preserving ease of operation by eliminating manual authentication steps from the user experience.

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

Optimizes power usage and data transfer rates while providing secure communication sessions that are physically restricted and encrypted, enhancing security and efficiency in device interactions.

Implementation Method 1

bringing a first object into an activation zone of a near-field communication module so as thereby to establish a near-field communication link between said module and said first object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3304392B1Wireless communication
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 NORDIC SEMICONDUCTOR
  • EP3304392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3304392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3304392B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A method of transferring data between a first device and a second device comprises: bringing a first object into an activation zone of a near-field communication module so as thereby to establish a near-field communication link between the module and the first object. The near-field communication module sends a control signal to at least one of the first and second devices to begin a second communication session through a second, different channel between the first and second devices and the data is transferred between the first device and the second device in the second communication session. The second communication session is ended if the first object is removed from the activation zone.