NFC Mobile Terminal Configuration via Location-Aware Parameter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile terminals with near-field communication (NFC) devices often face interoperability issues due to varying frequency behaviors, modulation schemes, and impedances of NFC readers across different locations, leading to suboptimal performance in public transport and payment systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring NFC devices in mobile terminals by determining the geographic position or identifying nearby wireless networks to select and apply specific configuration parameters from a stored table, which includes settings for antenna matching, communication protocols, and software applications, allowing the device to adapt to different environments and networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFC devices use fixed configuration parameters, then device simplicity is maintained, but interoperability with different NFC readers across locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores multiple sets of NFC configuration parameters in a lookup table within the mobile terminal, each set corresponding to different geographic locations or NFC reader types. When the terminal detects its location or identifies the NFC reader, it retrieves the appropriate pre-configured parameter set and applies it automatically. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations or external connections during NFC transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal autonomously determines its geographic position using built-in GPS or other location services, automatically selects the appropriate configuration parameters from the stored table based on this position, and applies them without requiring external configuration servers or manual user input. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through location-aware automatic configuration while maintaining device simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If NFC devices adapt configuration to different locations, then interoperability improves, but reliance on external connections (GPS, wireless networks) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-stores multiple sets of NFC configuration parameters in a lookup table within the mobile terminal, each set corresponding to different geographic locations or NFC reader types. When the terminal detects its location or identifies the NFC reader, it retrieves the appropriate pre-configured parameter set and applies it automatically. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations or external connections during NFC transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile terminal uses its existing multi-functional capabilities (GPS for location, wireless networks for identification) primarily for configuration purposes, then operates the NFC device independently. The configuration table serves as a universal lookup mechanism that can be populated through various means (pre-loading, wireless updates), but once configured, the NFC operation itself requires no external dependencies, thus reducing harmful reliance while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration parameters are stored in external memory, then flexibility and updateability improve, but access time and configuration speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested memory structure where the configuration table is stored in the mobile terminal's internal memory (which is already present and rapidly accessible) rather than in external NFC tag memory. The internal memory of modern mobile terminals is highly optimized for fast access, and the configuration table can be pre-populated during device initialization or updated via wireless connections during non-critical periods. This nesting approach maintains configuration flexibility while minimizing access time during actual NFC transactions.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for configuration of a mobile terminal including a near-field communication device and a radio communication device separate from the near-field communication device are provided. One such method includes determining, by the radio communication device, an identifier of a wireless local network within a range of the mobile terminal. The method further includes selecting, from a configuration table, at least one configuration parameter of a plurality of sets of configuration parameters of the near-field communication device according to the identifier, and applying the at least one configuration parameter to the near-field communication device.