POS NFC-Display Synchronization Through Dormant Refresh Phases

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Solution Overview

Problem

Point-of-sale credit card processing devices experience interference between communication systems due to the proximity of near-field communication (NFC) antennas and display components, leading to distortion of NFC signals and potential failure to meet certification standards.

Innovation Solution

Synchronize the display refresh periods with the NFC system by implementing a dormant phase where no pixels are addressed, allowing NFC broadcasting to occur only during these phases, and using synchronization signals like tearing and clock signals to manage interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If NFC broadcasting is performed continuously, then communication functionality is maintained, but signal distortion occurs during display write phases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNFC signal qualityVSAvoidcommunication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC broadcasting is performed periodically during dormant phases of the display refresh cycle rather than continuously. The system synchronizes NFC signal transmission to occur only during time intervals when the display is not in write phase, creating a periodic transmission pattern that avoids interference while maintaining communication functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system preliminarily identifies the dormant phases of the display refresh cycle and schedules NFC broadcasting to occur during these pre-determined time windows. By anticipating the timing of interference-free periods, the system proactively schedules communication activities to avoid signal distortion before it occurs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If display refresh rate is increased, then visual output quality is improved, but NFC interference occurs more frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay refresh rateVSAvoidNFC signal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts NFC broadcasting timing based on the actual display refresh rate. By continuously monitoring the display's write and dormant phase timing, the system flexibly adjusts NFC transmission schedules to match the current refresh rate, ensuring reliable communication regardless of whether the display operates at higher or lower refresh rates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If NFC antenna is placed close to display, then device compactness is achieved, but signal distortion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidNFC signal distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the time domain into distinct write phases and dormant phases, assigning different functions to each segment. By separating NFC broadcasting activities from display write operations in the time domain, the system allows close physical placement of components without causing signal interference, effectively dividing the operational timeline to avoid conflicts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12393925B2Communication system and display synchronization
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 SUMUP PAYMENTS LTD
  • US12393925B2 patent drawing
  • US12393925B2 patent drawing
  • US12393925B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Various aspects of the disclosure generally relate to point-of-sale credit card processing devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to synchronizing device communications with other device functions in order to reduce cross-platform interference and meet certification requirements.