NFC Tag Mode Switching for Data Access Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

NFC tags face inefficiencies in data access and security due to high access frequencies, with existing systems struggling to manage data storage and authentication effectively, leading to potential malicious access and resource inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically switch NFC tags between operation modes based on access frequency, using a database system for high-frequency access and local storage for low-frequency access, with authentication and secure data transfer mechanisms to prevent malicious access and optimize resource use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If NFC tag uses local storage for data access, then data access speed is improved, but storage capacity is limited and cannot handle high access frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access speedVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments data storage between two locations: NFC tag local storage for frequently accessed data and remote database storage for complete data sets. This allows the NFC tag to provide fast access for common operations while the remote database handles comprehensive storage requirements, resolving the contradiction between access speed and storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The NFC tag acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the remote database. It caches data locally to provide rapid access while maintaining the ability to retrieve additional data from the remote database, thus mediating between the need for fast local access and the requirement for extensive storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If NFC tag allows high access frequency, then data availability is improved, but security risk increases due to potential malicious access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access frequencyVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary authentication and authorization checks before allowing data access. By verifying device credentials and access rights in advance, the system enables high access frequencies for authorized devices while blocking malicious access attempts, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms through continuous monitoring of access patterns and authentication results. This allows the system to dynamically adjust security measures based on observed behavior, maintaining high access frequencies for legitimate operations while detecting and preventing malicious access attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If NFC tag switches to database system for high-frequency access, then data access efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC tag is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a simple local storage device and as a gateway to the remote database system. This universal design allows the same hardware to operate in different modes depending on access requirements, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between local storage mode and database connection mode based on access frequency and data requirements. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize for speed when using local cache and for completeness when accessing the remote database, adapting to conditions rather than requiring complex static architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2881896B1Near field communication tag based data transfer
Publication Date: 2018.08.15 SAP SE
  • EP2881896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2881896B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2881896B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method for controlling operation of a near field communication, NFC, tag, wherein the NFC tag (104) is operating in accordance with a first operation mode. The method comprises receiving from a first mobile telecommunication device (102) via a NFC antenna of the NFC tag (104) a data request for providing access information of the first mobile telecommunication device (102); determining an access frequency of the first mobile telecommunication device to the NFC tag (104); in response to a determination that the access frequency is higher than a predetermined maximum frequency; establishing a communication link to a database system (110) connected to the NFC tag (104); switching the NFC tag (104) to a second operation mode for communication with the database system (110); forwarding the data request to the database system (110) using the communication link; receiving the access information from the database system via the communication link; switching back to the first operation mode and sending the received access information to the first mobile telecommunication device via the NFC antenna; in response to a determination that the access frequency is smaller than the predetermined maximum frequency sending the first mobile telecommunication device (102) via the NFC antenna locally stored access information data in response to the data request.