NFC Terminal Mode Switching to Avoid Unwanted App Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transaction terminals and iOS devices face challenges in uniformly processing both passive and active NFC communication modes due to automatic application activation, leading to unwanted transactions or interactions, particularly with Apple Pay, which cannot be programmatically controlled.
Innovation Solution
A method using a sensitive detector to detect NFC activation signals outside the communication range, allowing the transaction terminal to switch to passive mode early, preventing automatic application launch, and employing anti-collision procedures to ensure flexible communication without activating unwanted applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the transaction terminal uses active communication mode to detect NFC devices, then detection capability is improved, but iOS devices automatically launch the Apple Pay application which causes unwanted interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction terminal performs preliminary detection of the iOS device using active communication mode before the device enters the communication range. Based on this early detection, the terminal pre-switches to passive communication mode, which prevents the iOS device from automatically launching the Apple Pay application while still maintaining detection capability through the passive mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction terminal dynamically switches between active and passive communication modes based on the detected presence and position of NFC devices. When an iOS device is detected outside the communication range, the terminal transitions from active to passive mode to avoid triggering unwanted application launches, while maintaining the ability to detect and communicate with the device.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the transaction terminal remains in passive communication mode to prevent application launch, then unwanted interactions are avoided, but detection range and early warning capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transaction terminal uses active communication mode to perform preliminary detection of iOS devices at a distance outside the communication range. This early detection enables the terminal to prepare and switch to passive mode in advance, combining the extended detection range of active mode with the interaction-control benefits of passive mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction terminal periodically switches between active and passive communication modes. Active mode is used for early detection and scanning, while passive mode is used for controlled interaction. This periodic switching allows the terminal to maintain both extended detection capability and control over application launch.
3Measurement precision
If iOS devices continuously send activation signals in the background, then detection of passive components is improved, but battery consumption increases and unwanted applications are triggered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the iOS device actively scanning for passive components (which consumes battery and triggers applications), the transaction terminal inverts the approach by using passive communication mode to detect and communicate with the iOS device. This reverses the active-passive roles, allowing detection without continuous signal transmission from the mobile device.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction terminal takes responsibility for detecting and initiating communication with the iOS device, rather than relying on the iOS device to continuously scan and detect passive components. This self-service approach by the terminal reduces the energy burden on the mobile device while maintaining detection capability.
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 seamless communication with NFC devices, including iOS devices, by preventing unwanted application launches and allowing flexible transaction processing without automatic activation, thus enhancing user control over NFC interactions.
Implementation Method 1
a carrier signal of the NFC activation signal of a mobile device located outside the communication range, transmitted at a frequency of 13 to 14 MHz
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for establishing communication between a transaction terminal (1) and a mobile device (2; 6) located in the communication range (5), wherein the transaction terminal (1) can communicate in an active and a passive communication mode and wherein the following method steps are carried out: activating the passive communication mode in the transaction terminal (1) for a first time period (t3-t4; t7- t8), in order to establish a passive communication between the transaction terminal (1) and a mobile active device (6) that may be located in the communication range (5); activating the active communication mode in the transaction terminal (1) for a second time period (t5-t6) in order to establish an active communication between the transaction terminal (1) and a passive mobile device (2) that may be located in the communication range (5), if no communication has been established with a mobile active device (6) in the first time period (t3-t4; t7- t8); detecting a carrier signal (7) of a mobile active device (6) that may be located outside the communication range (5) during the first time period (t3-t4; t7- t8) and during a third time period (t10-t12); remaining in the passive communication mode of the transaction terminal (1) for the third time period (t10-t12), if the carrier signal (7) of the mobile active device (6) has been detected, in order to establish a passive communication between the transaction terminal (1) and the mobile active device (6), if the mobile active device (6) enters the communication range (5) during the third time period (t10-t12).