NFC Router Module for Application Selection and User Approval
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-application devices, there is a challenge in determining which application to communicate with through the NFC interface, as existing technologies lack a systematic method to route NFC messages to the appropriate application and obtain user approval for message handling.
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 applicable applications and service identifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applications use the NFC interface on a single device, then the versatility and functionality of the device is improved, but the complexity of determining which application should handle the NFC message increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the NFC handling functionality by introducing a dedicated router module that separates the message routing decision-making from the application layer. This router module independently manages the mapping between NFC messages and applications, reducing the complexity burden on individual applications and the operating system. The segmentation allows each application to focus on its specific functionality while the router handles the complex routing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The router module serves as an intermediary component positioned between the NFC interface and the application layer. It intercepts NFC messages, determines the appropriate target application based on predefined mappings, and forwards messages to the correct application. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the routing decision logic and preventing direct complex interactions between the NFC interface and multiple applications.
2Ease of operation
If automatic message routing to applications is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user control and security over message handling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the router module provides user-selectable routing decisions. Instead of completely automatic routing, the system presents users with options about which application should handle specific NFC messages. This feedback loop allows users to review and confirm routing decisions, maintaining ease of operation through automated initial routing while preserving user control and security through optional verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing system is made dynamic by allowing users to modify the predefined mappings between message types and applications. Users can configure which applications handle specific message types based on their security preferences and operational needs. This dynamic configurability enables the system to adapt between fully automatic routing for convenience and user-approved routing for enhanced security, depending on the specific messaging context and user settings.
Data Source
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.