Mastercard International Incorporated

Kuljot Singh Anand

Colin Tanner

Anthony Lopreiato

Aaron Concannon

John Mwangi

Near-field communication (NFC) test apparatus and methods for use by a consumer to confirm the functionality of the NFC circuitry the consumer's NFC-enabled mobile device, and/or to troubleshoot NFC communications problems of the mobile device. In an embodiment, a NFC test apparatus includes a mobile device package, at least one NFC tag configured for communications with NFC circuitry of a mobile device, and a support substrate that has an indicator to ensure correct positioning of the mobile device during a self-testing procedure. In some embodiments, the NFC tag is located on the mobile device package so that an orientation of the mobile device is known during a portion of the mobile device self-testing procedure, and the support substrate is configure for supporting the mobile device during the self-testing procedure.

Methods and apparatus for consumer testing of an NFC device

Near-field communication (NFC) test apparatus and methods for use by a consumer to confirm the functionality of the NFC circuitry of his or her NFC-enabled mobile device, and/or to troubleshoot wireless (NFC) communications problems of the mobile device. In an embodiment, a method includes initializing, by a mobile device processor, a NFC test application, displaying on a mobile device display screen a prompt for the consumer to position the mobile device onto a test platform that includes at least one NFC tag, initializing the NFC circuitry of the mobile device to power and communicate with the at least one NFC tag, and displaying an indication on the mobile device display screen concerning functionality of the NFC circuitry.

Near-Field Communication (NFC) test systems, apparatus and processes enable consumers to thoroughly and easily test the NFC circuitry and short range communications software of their mobile devices. In an embodiment, a processor of a consumer's mobile device receives input to initialize an NFC test application and displays a prompt on a display screen for the consumer to position his or her mobile device to communicate with an NFC-enabled device. When the processor receives input indicating a correct communication position, a shared identity is exchanged with the NFC-enabled device and transmitted to a central server computer. Next, the processor receives a plurality of NFC test instructions, communicates in a transaction mode of operation and then in a terminal mode of operation with the NFC-enabled device, and transmits NFC test data to the central server computer. In some embodiments, the processor receives NFC test results from the central server computer and displays an indication of the NFC test results on a display screen.

Growing community of inventors

White Plains, NY, United States of America

Kuljot Singh Anand