NFC Repeater System for Extended Local Network Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
NFC technology is limited to short distances, making it cumbersome to access additional functions within a home or home network where devices are farther apart than the standard communication range.
Innovation Solution
A system of bi-directional NFC repeater devices connected to a local network, using communication methods like WiFi, Internet, or power lines to extend NFC range, allowing a single NFC mobile device to control other devices within the network even when they are not in close proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If NFC technology is used for communication, then security and ease of operation are improved, but communication distance is limited to a few centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives NFC commands from a first mobile device, translates them into appropriate control signals, and transmits them to a second device over a local network. This mediator enables communication between devices that are beyond direct NFC range while maintaining the security and ease of NFC operation for the user.
2Reliability
If NFC technology is used for communication, then security through short range is improved, but device complexity increases when extending range
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a centralized intermediary that handles the complexity of protocol translation, device discovery, and communication management. This concentrates the complexity in a single component rather than requiring each mobile device to have extended NFC capabilities, thus maintaining security while enabling longer-range communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The server provides multiple functions including receiving NFC commands, translating protocols, managing device registration, and routing communications. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single universal component that serves the entire local network rather than requiring specialized functionality in each device.
3Speed
If direct NFC communication is used, then communication speed is improved, but adaptability to different devices and locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The server translates NFC commands into appropriate protocols for different target devices (TVs, audio equipment, gaming consoles, etc.), enabling the system to adapt to various device types and locations. The translation layer maintains fast NFC-initiated communication while providing versatility across different device ecosystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The server is designed to handle multiple device types and communication protocols universally, making the system adaptable to different locations and devices. The single server infrastructure can serve diverse devices including entertainment systems, computing devices, and smart home equipment, greatly enhancing system versatility.
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
Enables seamless communication and control of devices across a larger area, enhancing usability and security by maintaining encryption and preventing unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
A NFC transceiver is connected to the second communication interface so that the transceiver is able to generate a field in order to communicate with a NFC device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention discloses a near field communication system in a local network configured to extend a NFC communication between a NFC device and a NFC mobile device beyond the range defined by the NFC standards. The system comprises at least two repeater devices, each comprising a first communication interface configured to exchange information within a local communication network and a second communication interface locally connected to the first communication interface. The second communication interface comprises a NFC transceiver configured to exchange digital data intended to be transferred to the local communication network via the first communication interface. A first repeater device is associated to a stand alone device comprising a NFC communication interface coupled with the NFC transceiver of the first repeater device. The system further comprises a mobile NFC device having a NFC communication interface configured to exchange digital data with a second repeater device configured to forward to the local communication network the digital data received from the mobile device via the NFC communication interface. The digital data are transmitted to the stand alone device via the first repeater device being at a distance from the second repeater device exceeding a range of NFC communication.