Removable NFC Tag for Wireless Device Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing wireless connectivity between computing devices can be challenging due to the need for specific information about peripheral devices, such as login credentials and service settings, which can be difficult to retrieve if forgotten, especially when devices are not mobile or convenient to bring into proximity for NFC-based connections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a removable NFC tag in computing devices that stores connection and login information, allowing the device to be placed in a predefined mode when the tag is removed, enabling easy data transfer and connection establishment with a host device via NFC proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connection methods using software or state change switches are used, then connection can be established, but the process requires specific information about the host device and peripheral device which can be difficult to retrieve if forgotten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC tag as an intermediary carrier that stores connection information (login credentials, service settings, SSID, passwords) externally. This intermediary allows the peripheral device to provide connection information without requiring the user to remember or manually input complex credentials, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the connection information and stores it on an NFC tag. This copy can be easily transferred to the host device through NFC proximity communication, eliminating the need for users to remember or manually re-enter credentials, thereby solving the information retrieval problem while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If NFC tap-to-connect technology is used, then connection information can be transferred easily, but the devices must be brought into close proximity which is inconvenient when devices are not mobile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection establishment process into two independent parts: (1) The NFC tag remains in the stationary peripheral device, containing all connection information; (2) The host device can be mobile or stationary. This segmentation allows the mobile host device to simply bring its NFC reader close to the stationary peripheral device's NFC tag for brief data transfer, then move away to establish connection, thus resolving the mobility contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-storing all necessary connection information (login credentials, service settings, SSID, passwords) on the NFC tag before the connection process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time information exchange or device proximity maintenance, allowing the host device to quickly retrieve information and establish connection without requiring continuous proximity or mobility.
3Reliability
If connection information is stored in the peripheral device, then connection can be established, but the process becomes complex requiring specific software or state change switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an NFC tag as an intermediary carrier that stores connection information (login credentials, service settings, SSID, passwords) externally. This intermediary allows the peripheral device to provide connection information without requiring the user to remember or manually input complex credentials, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the connection information and stores it on an NFC tag. This copy can be easily transferred to the host device through NFC proximity communication, eliminating the need for users to remember or manually re-enter credentials, thereby solving the information retrieval problem while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Facilitates effortless connection and data transfer between devices by providing necessary information through the NFC tag, simplifying the process of placing peripheral devices in discovery or pairing modes, even when devices are not mobile or easily proximate.
Implementation Method 1
near field communication (NFC) data transfer... receiving a request for connection from a second device based on data contained in the NFC tag... establishing the connection with the second device
Data Source
AI summary
A first device in accordance with an example is placed in a predefined mode in response to removing a near field communication (NFC) tag from an NFC component of the first device. A request is received from a second device to establish a connection with the first device based on data stored on the NFC tag. The first device establishes the connection with the second device and executes the predefined mode.