Wireless Device Automatic Mode Configuration via Tag Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for configuring wireless devices to operate in different communication modes, such as NFC devices, require manual user selection and are time-consuming, lacking an automated solution for ensuring compatibility between devices during transactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allows wireless devices to automatically configure by reading and writing setting data, enabling devices to switch between modes such as tag, reader, card emulation, and peer-to-peer modes, using acknowledgement data to activate specific configurations and protocols, ensuring compatible application activation and mode switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user selection is used for configuring wireless devices, then user control over communication mode is improved, but configuration time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser controlVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless devices automatically configure themselves by reading setting data from tags, exchanging capability information, and selecting compatible communication modes without user intervention. The device autonomously determines whether to operate in reader or card emulation mode based on the tags read and the peer device's capabilities, eliminating manual configuration steps while maintaining optimal communication setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration settings are pre-stored in tags and device memories before actual communication occurs. The setting data includes predefined communication mode preferences and capability information that are read in advance during the configuration phase, allowing the devices to quickly establish compatible communication parameters without real-time user input or complex negotiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication modes are supported, then device versatility is improved, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication mode flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless device is designed to support multiple communication modes (reader mode and card emulation mode) within a single unified architecture. The device can dynamically switch between these modes based on the situation, using a common configuration mechanism that handles both modes through the same setting data structure and capability exchange protocol, avoiding the need for separate configuration systems for each mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its operational parameters (communication mode, protocol settings, capability flags) based on the setting data read from tags and the capability information exchanged with peer devices. By dynamically adjusting these parameters according to pre-stored configuration data and real-time negotiation results, the device achieves versatile communication capability without requiring complex manual configuration for each mode

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If automatic configuration is implemented, then configuration time is reduced, but reliability of compatible application activation may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration timeVSAvoidapplication compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration process includes a feedback mechanism where devices exchange capability information and confirm compatible application activation through acknowledgement data. The peer device receives capability information, determines compatible applications, and sends back confirmation data to verify successful configuration. This feedback loop ensures that automatic configuration reliably activates compatible applications by validating the configuration results against actual device capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Compatible applications and their configuration parameters are pre-identified and stored in device memory based on the setting data read from tags. Before actual communication begins, the device pre-configures the appropriate applications and verifies their compatibility through capability exchange. This preliminary configuration ensures that when automatic configuration is completed, the correct compatible applications are already prepared and activated, maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 efficient, automated configuration of wireless devices for seamless communication in various modes, reducing user intervention and ensuring compatibility for transactions between devices.

Implementation Method 1

A PICC and a PCD communicate thanks to an inductive coupling in a field frequency equal to 13.56 MHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A NFC reader has an antenna which is able to modulate the magnetic field and to provide energy to NFC devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field modulation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2901364B1Method of configuring two wireless devices for mutual communication
Publication Date: 2016.11.30 THALES DIS FRANCE SA
  • EP2901364B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2901364B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2901364B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is a method of configuring a device and a wireless unit. The device is able to operate in tag mode and in wireless reader mode. The wireless unit is able to operate in wireless reader mode and in a card emulation mode. The method comprises the steps of: - reading a setting data from the device running in tag mode, the setting data corresponding to a first configuration and being read by the wireless unit which operates in wireless reader mode, - activating the first configuration in the unit, writing an acknowledgment data into the device and switching the unit to the card emulation mode, - switching the device to the wireless reader mode when the presence of the acknowledgment data is detected in the device.