NFC Router Module for Multi-Application Device Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-application NFC devices, there is a challenge in determining which application to communicate with an external NFC device, as existing technologies lack a systematic method for user acknowledgment and selection of the appropriate application for data exchange.
Innovation Solution
A router module is introduced between the NFC communication interface and the application layer, which intercepts messages, routes them to the correct application, and prompts the user for approval, using a table that maps message types to application identifiers and icons, ensuring user confirmation before data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications use the NFC interface on a single device, then the device's functionality and versatility are improved, but the complexity of determining which application to activate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a router module as an intermediary component between the NFC interface and applications. This router receives NFC messages, determines the appropriate target application based on message type and application identifiers, and routes the message accordingly. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the selection logic rather than requiring complex inter-application coordination mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the router module prompts the user to select an application when multiple applications are capable of handling the incoming NFC message. The user's selection feeds back to the router, which then routes the message to the chosen application. This feedback loop ensures user control while maintaining systematic application selection.
2Productivity
If the system automatically routes NFC messages to applications, then processing speed is improved, but user control and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial automation by automatically routing messages only when a single application is capable of handling the message type. When multiple applications are capable, the system transitions to user selection mode. This partial automation approach maintains processing efficiency for unambiguous cases while preserving user control for ambiguous cases where multiple applications could handle the message.
3Reliability
If user approval is required for each NFC message, then security is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies selective user approval requirements based on the number of capable applications. When only one application can handle the message, no user approval is needed and processing is immediate. When multiple applications are capable, user approval is prompted to ensure security. This conditional approach to user approval minimizes time loss while maintaining security where necessary.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention describes a method to select an application on a first device having an NFC interface and comprising a plurality of applications using the NFC interface, said method comprising the steps of detecting a second device having a NFC interface via the NFC interface of the first device, obtaining via the NFC interface a message comprising a message type and a service identification, determining an application type based on the message type and the service identification, selecting at least one application among the plurality of applications matching the message type and the service identification, prompting a user of the first device to accept a communication between the second device and the selected application, in case of positive answer, notifying the selected application of the message type, establishing the communication between the selected application and the second device via the NFC interface.