Wearable Electronics Module With NFC-Triggered Bluetooth Pairing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronics modules for wearable articles face challenges in providing a seamless wireless user experience, particularly in pairing with mobile devices, due to the need for manual selection from a long list of Bluetooth devices and inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
An electronics module with a first antenna that triggers to transmit information to a mobile device in response to proximity, using a near-field communication protocol, and a second antenna for longer-range communication, enabling automatic pairing and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection from a long list of Bluetooth devices is used for pairing, then device identification is possible, but user interaction complexity and pairing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (mobile device) that acts as a mediator between the Bluetooth device and the user. The mobile device displays a simplified interface showing only relevant Bluetooth devices rather than a complete list, reducing the cognitive load and interaction steps required for pairing. This intermediary layer filters and presents information in a user-friendly manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing a list of trusted or previously paired devices on the mobile device. When pairing is initiated, the system automatically filters and presents only these pre-identified devices, eliminating the need for users to manually search through all available Bluetooth devices. This preliminary preparation of device lists significantly reduces pairing time and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple antennas with different communication protocols are used, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple communication protocols (Bluetooth and NFC) into a single electronics module. The module can automatically select the appropriate protocol based on the pairing stage: using NFC for initial device identification and pairing, then switching to Bluetooth for data transmission. This universal approach allows one module to handle multiple communication tasks that would otherwise require separate dedicated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication process is segmented into distinct phases, each handled by a specialized protocol. NFC handles the initial proximity-based device identification and pairing authentication, while Bluetooth handles subsequent data communication. This segmentation allows each protocol to be optimized for its specific function while working together within a single module, managing complexity through functional separation.
3Extent of automation
If automatic triggering of antenna transmission upon proximity is implemented, then pairing automation is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic scanning rather than continuous transmission. The electronics module periodically activates its NFC antenna to check for nearby devices and automatically triggers transmission only when a device is detected in proximity. This periodic monitoring approach maintains automation while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous active scanning or transmission modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting when a mobile device is brought into proximity and autonomously initiating the pairing process without requiring user intervention. The module monitors its own state, detects proximity conditions, and triggers the appropriate communication protocol automatically. This self-activating behavior provides full automation while only consuming power when actually needed, rather than maintaining continuous operation.
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
Facilitates seamless wireless pairing and reduced power consumption by automatically detecting and pairing with mobile devices, enhancing user experience and security through out-of-band pairing and efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna arranged to communicatively couple with a mobile device over a first wireless communication protocol... In response to the mobile device being brought into proximity with the electronics module, the first antenna is triggered to transmit information to the mobile device over the first wireless communication protocol
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna arranged to communicatively couple with the mobile device over a second wireless communication protocol
Data Source
AI summary
An interface (101) is arranged to communicatively couple with an electronics arrangement of the wearable article so as to receive a signal from the electronics arrangement. A controller (103) is communicatively coupled to the interface (101) and arranged to receive the signal from the interface (101). A power source (105) is coupled to the controller (103) and arranged to supply power to the controller (103). A first antenna (107) is arranged to communicatively couple with a mobile device over a first wireless communication protocol. A second antenna (109) is arranged to communicatively couple with the mobile device over a second wireless communication protocol. In response to the mobile device being brought into proximity with the electronics module (100), the first antenna (107) is triggered to transmit information to the mobile device over the first wireless communication protocol.