Simulating Near-Field Communication via Signal Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Near-field Communication (NFC) technologies require specific hardware and may not function when NFC is turned off, and non-NFC devices struggle to determine proximity and establish connections without NFC signals, leading to limitations in data transfer between devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for computing devices to identify wireless broadcast signals with a specified naming scheme, determine signal strength, and assess proximity based on device types and signal strength, allowing for the establishment of wireless connections without relying on NFC hardware, by normalizing signal strengths and using existing communication protocols like WiFi or Bluetooth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFC hardware is used to establish wireless connections between proximate devices, then connection reliability and proximity detection accuracy are improved, but device cost and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a software-based copy of NFC functionality by using existing wireless communication hardware (WiFi, Bluetooth) to simulate near-field communication. Instead of requiring specialized NFC hardware, the system uses software protocols to detect proximity through signal strength measurement and establish connections, thereby achieving NFC-like functionality without NFC-specific hardware components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical NFC hardware system with a software-based wireless communication system. By substituting physical NFC protocols with software-implemented proximity detection using signal strength metrics from existing wireless interfaces, the system eliminates the need for specialized hardware while maintaining connection reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If NFC hardware is included in all devices to enable near-field communication, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing wireless communication hardware (WiFi, Bluetooth) perform multiple functions by enabling them to detect proximity and establish connections in addition to their primary communication roles. This multi-functionality allows devices to communicate and detect proximity without adding specialized NFC hardware, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables existing wireless communication hardware to serve dual purposes: primary wireless communication and proximity detection/connection establishment. By making the existing hardware self-sufficient for both functions through software implementation, the patent eliminates the need for additional dedicated hardware components
3Ease of operation
If signal strength measurement is used to determine device proximity without NFC, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from NFC-specific signal characteristics to general wireless signal strength (RSSI) that can be obtained from existing WiFi or Bluetooth hardware. By adjusting the detection threshold and using device type information alongside signal strength, the system achieves adequate proximity detection precision without requiring NFC hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device may identify one or more wireless broadcast signals that are each associated with a name that conforms to a specified wireless naming scheme. Responsive to identifying a particular wireless broadcast signal that is associated with a respective name conforming to the specified wireless naming scheme, the computing device may determine a signal strength of the particular wireless broadcast signal. The computing device may determine a likelihood that a remote device broadcasting the particular wireless signal is within a specified proximity of the computing device based at least in part on the signal strength of the particular wireless broadcast signal. Responsive to determining that the likelihood that the remote device is within the specified proximity of the computing device exceeds a specified threshold, the computing device may initiate an establishment of a wireless connection with the remote device.