Passive NFC Terminal for Battery-Independent Function Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable connected devices, such as mobile phones and smartwatches, require active power to function, leading to usability issues when batteries are discharged, and programming these devices for specific functions like contactless payment often involves complex logistics and delays.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a main terminal with a communication module using multiple protocols, enabling configuration of a secondary terminal with a passive communication module that can be powered externally, allowing selected functions to be stored and activated independently of the main terminal, using protocols like NFC for communication and power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mobile telephone with battery is used to perform connected functions, then the device can operate multiple functions, but the connected functions become unusable when the battery is discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent terminals: a main terminal with active communication capabilities and a secondary terminal with passive communication capabilities. The secondary terminal contains a communication chip that can be independently activated by external power sources, allowing connected functions to remain available even when the main terminal's battery is discharged.
Solution Approach 2:
A configuration program acts as an intermediary between the main terminal and the communication network. This program enables the main terminal to configure the secondary terminal with necessary authentication codes and function selections, allowing the passive terminal to independently perform connected functions without requiring the main terminal to remain active.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a payment chip is inserted into a slot in the watch, then the function can be provided, but there is a possible loss of seal
Solution Approach 1:
The communication chip is extracted from a removable slot configuration and integrated directly into the watch structure. This eliminates the physical slot that could compromise the seal, while the chip remains programmable through wireless configuration from the main terminal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a blank chip is placed directly into the product and programmed by a banking institution, then the function is provided, but significant logistics and delays are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary terminal is pre-configured with a communication chip during manufacturing, but the chip remains unprogrammed until needed. The main terminal performs the configuration action wirelessly when the user needs a specific function, eliminating the need for physical shipping to banking institutions while ensuring the chip is properly programmed before use.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a passive communication module is used in the secondary terminal, then power consumption is reduced, but the module requires external power source activation
Solution Approach 1:
The passive communication module in the secondary terminal automatically activates when an external power source (such as another terminal using NFC or similar protocol) comes within communication range. The module self-activates without requiring user intervention, maintaining low power consumption while ensuring functionality when needed.
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 simple programming and continuous availability of connected functions without battery dependence, reducing logistical complexities and delays in activating features like contactless payment or information retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
the passive communication module is woken and activated by an external power source coming from another terminal also using the second communications protocol
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a main terminal equipped with a communication module using at least a first communications protocol capable of connecting the main terminal to a communication network, which enables the use of at least one function, the main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program, and the configuration program enables at least one preferred function to be selected and a code representing the selected preferred function to be generated, and a second communications protocol. The assembly additionally comprises at least one secondary terminal equipped with a passive communication module using the second communications protocol to communicate with the main terminal in order to protect the code representing the selected preferred function.