NFC Device Routing Data to Passive Interface on Low Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near field communication (NFC) devices in communications devices face challenges when their internal batteries are depleted, as the magnetic field power from other NFC devices is insufficient to operate the conventional user interface, particularly touch-screens, leading to a loss of control over the NFC device until the batteries are recharged.
Innovation Solution
A communications device with a NFC device that intelligently routes information between multiple user interfaces based on battery power levels, using a power threshold system to switch from a communications device user interface to an NFC user interface as battery charge depletes, allowing continued operation by harvesting power from communications signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the conventional user interface is used to operate the NFC device, then the operator can control the NFC device when battery charge is sufficient, but the operator loses control when the internal battery becomes depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC user interface as an intermediary control mechanism that operates independently of the conventional user interface. This NFC user interface can be controlled through the magnetic field when the internal battery is depleted, allowing the operator to maintain control over the NFC device even when the conventional interface becomes inoperable due to insufficient battery power
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the operational parameters by switching between two different user interfaces based on battery charge levels. When battery charge is sufficient, the conventional user interface is used; when battery charge drops below a threshold, the system transitions to the NFC user interface that can operate with harvested magnetic field power
2Use of energy by moving object
If the magnetic field power from another NFC device is used to power the conventional user interface, then power can be harvested without internal battery, but the magnetic field cannot provide adequate power for operations like touch-screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user interface functionality into two distinct interfaces: the conventional user interface that requires sufficient power for operations like touch-screen, and the NFC user interface that is specifically designed to operate with the limited power harvested from the magnetic field. This segmentation allows each interface to be optimized for its power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC user interface is designed as a simplified, low-power alternative that can function with the limited energy harvested from the magnetic field. It provides essential NFC operational control without requiring the sustained high power needed by the conventional user interface for operations like touch-screen interaction
3Reliability
If the conventional user interface is operated with depleted internal battery, then the device can function with existing power supply, but the interface cannot receive adequate power to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by automatically switching between the conventional user interface and the NFC user interface based on the real-time charge level of the internal battery. This dynamic transition ensures that the device maintains functionality by selecting the appropriate interface based on available power resources
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 continued operation of NFC devices even when internal batteries are low, by transitioning data routing to the NFC user interface and utilizing harvested power, ensuring functionality beyond battery depletion and extending device usability.
Implementation Method 1
NFC requires that two NFC devices be present within a relatively small distance from one another so that their corresponding magnetic fields can exchange information. This magnetic field inductively couples onto a second NFC device that is proximate to the first NFC device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A near field communications (NFC) device is disclosed that intelligently routes NFC data from a NFC device between multiple user interfaces based upon a power level of its internal batteries. The communications device utilizes a communications device user interface to send and/or receive the NFC data from the NFC device when its internal batteries are sufficient to operate the communications device user interface. The communications device begins to route some of this NFC data from being sent and/or received by the communications device user interface to a NFC user interface as its internal batteries deplete. Eventually, all of the NFC data will be sent to and/or received by the NFC user interface as the internal batteries of the communications device become so depleted that they are unable to reliably operate the communications device user interface.