Wireless Unit Bridging NFC Reader and Portable Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NFC communication methods require users to perform a precise 'tap' gesture to initiate transactions, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially in scenarios like public transport access.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a wireless unit to establish a bridge between a contactless reader and a portable device using both Near Field Communication (NFC) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technologies, allowing for automatic communication session establishment without the need for user gestures, by detecting the device's position and movement direction, and using the NFC reader's electromagnetic field for power and clock reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC technology is used for contactless communication, then data exchange via magnetic field is achieved, but user convenience deteriorates due to requirement of precise tap gesture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless unit as an intermediary device that bridges the NFC reader and portable device. This wireless unit handles the complex positioning and gesture recognition tasks, allowing the NFC reader to communicate with the portable device without requiring direct user interaction or precise tapping gestures, thus resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and ease of operation
2Reliability
If tap gesture is required for transaction initiation, then communication session can be established, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless unit performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing communication channels, detecting device positions, and preparing transaction data before the actual NFC transaction is needed. This allows the transaction to be initiated automatically without requiring the user to perform the tap gesture at the moment of transaction, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining session establishment reliability
3Ease of operation
If communication range is extended beyond short-range NFC, then hands-free operation becomes possible, but positioning accuracy and anti-collision handling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless unit is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both long-range wireless communication capabilities and precise positioning/detection functions. By combining these functions in a single intermediary device, the system achieves hands-free operation over extended ranges while maintaining accurate position detection and anti-collision handling, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and detection difficulty
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 hands-free communication sessions between contactless readers and devices, enhancing convenience and efficiency by allowing transactions to occur at greater distances and reducing power consumption through UWB's high data rate and precise positioning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A PICC and a PCD communicate thanks to an inductive coupling in a field frequency equal to 13.56 MHz
Implementation Method 2
The NFC reader has an antenna which is able to modulate the magnetic field and to provide energy to NFC devices
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a method of managing communication between a portable device and a contactless reader able to communicate using a first wireless technology configured to communicate in a short-range mode. The method comprises the steps of: - establishing a first channel between the contactless reader and a wireless unit, - establishing between the wireless unit and the portable device a second channel using a second wireless technology which is configured: - to operate with a range greater than that of said first wireless technology, - to detect the position of the portable device with respect to the wireless unit, - to handle an anti-collision phase, - establishing a bridge between the contactless reader and the portable device through said first and second channels only if the detected position of the portable device matches with the contactless reader.