Toy NFC Control System Wireless Peripheral Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing toys with multiple moving components and predefined functions are difficult to control effectively, especially when they lack a direct electrical connection between central and peripheral units.
Innovation Solution
A toy system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) between a central unit and peripheral units, where the central unit establishes NFC to control functions of the peripherals via control data, using an NFC device, microcontroller, and NFC tags, allowing for movement and operation of functional components like motors, LEDs, and buzzers without a wired connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired electrical connection is used to control peripheral units, then control reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired electrical connection system with an electromagnetic field-based NFC communication system. The central unit and peripheral units communicate control data through NFC fields, eliminating the need for physical electrical connections while maintaining reliable control. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing contactless control that is both reliable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC communication as an intermediary mechanism between the central unit and peripheral units. Instead of direct electrical connection, control data is transmitted through NFC fields that act as a mediator, enabling wireless control while maintaining system reliability and simplifying operation.
2Reliability
If wired electrical connection is used, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to electrical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex wired electrical connection system with a simpler NFC-based wireless communication system. The NFC technology enables precise control data transmission without requiring physical electrical connections, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Ease of operation
If NFC is used for control, then ease of operation is improved, but energy consumption increases due to wireless communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic NFC communication where control data is transmitted only when needed rather than continuously. The NFC field is activated periodically to transfer control data from the central unit to peripheral units, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation when control actions are required.
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 flexible and energy-efficient control of multiple functions in toys, even when components are not directly electrically connected, facilitating programmable and coordinated control of movements and outputs.
Implementation Method 1
the central unit is arranged to establish Near Field Communication (NFC) with the peripheral unit, and wherein the central unit is further arranged to control one or more functions of the peripheral unit in dependence on control data received, via NFC, from said peripheral unit
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a toy comprising a central unit and at least one peripheral unit which is operatively coupled to said central unit, wherein the central unit is arranged to establish Near Field Communication (NFC) with the peripheral unit, and wherein the central unit is further arranged to control one or more functions of the peripheral unit in dependence on control data received, via NFC, from said peripheral unit. Furthermore, a corresponding method for controlling a toy and a corresponding computer program product are disclosed.