NFC Tag Multimedia Access System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical media for multimedia content in retail stores requires significant storage space, is prone to theft, and limits the variety of content available due to inventory constraints.

Innovation Solution

A Near Field Communication (NFC) capable wireless communication device system that allows users to access and purchase multimedia content by touching an NFC tag associated with a media image, enabling data transfer and subsequent download to a designated device, reducing the need for physical inventory and enhancing content variety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical media is used to store multimedia content in retail stores, then consumers can touch and see tangible products, but retailers require significant storage space and incur high costs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConsumer ability to touch and see tangible productsVSAvoidStorage space required for physical inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical media with digital copies stored on servers. NFC tags contain digital representations of multimedia content metadata and purchase information, eliminating the need for physical CDs, DVDs, or other tangible media while providing the same consumer experience through digital access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical system of physical media handling with an electromagnetic system using NFC technology. Instead of physically storing and transporting media, the system uses NFC fields to transfer digital content information wirelessly between the tag and consumer device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical media is maintained in large quantities to provide content variety, then consumers have access to more options, but storage costs and theft risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVariety of multimedia content availableVSAvoidTheft and destruction of physical media

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses digital copies of multimedia content stored on remote servers rather than physical media. Multiple copies can be distributed globally across server infrastructure without risk of theft or destruction, providing unlimited content variety while eliminating physical security concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a server infrastructure as an intermediary between the content creators and consumers. The server acts as a secure repository that provides content access without requiring physical media to be present in retail locations, eliminating theft and destruction risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If NFC tags store detailed multimedia content data, then consumers can access comprehensive information, but the NFC tag memory capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCompleteness of multimedia content informationVSAvoidMemory capacity of NFC tag

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides information storage across multiple components: the NFC tag stores only essential metadata and server location information, while detailed multimedia content is segmented and stored on remote servers. This segmentation allows the NFC tag to remain small while providing access to comprehensive content information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from storing all content data in one location (the NFC tag) to a multi-dimensional storage architecture where the tag provides access points to distributed server storage. This dimensional change allows unlimited information access through a small physical tag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution minimizes storage needs, reduces theft risks, and allows retailers to offer a broader range of multimedia content, while enabling consumers to sample and purchase content directly from digital sources, thereby optimizing retail space and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the user simply 'touches' the selected image with the NFC-capable wireless communication device such that the NFC interface is in close physical proximity to the NFC tag associated with the selected image. This causes that NFC tag to transfer the data relating to that multimedia content to the NFC-capable wireless communication device via the NFC interface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communication (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7756467B2Multimedia distribution using a near field communication capable wireless communication device

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A wireless communication device includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, a transceiver, and a controller. The NFC interface receives data related to multimedia content from an external NFC tag responsive to establishing an NFC link with the NFC tag. Based on the received data, the controller establishes a communication link with a multimedia server via a wireless communication network, and controls the multimedia server to download information associated with the multimedia content to a user-specified destination device.