JP4882841B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program, and more particularly, to a communication device, a communication method, and a program capable of reliably performing optimum near field communication.

  In recent years, a communication system including a communication terminal and a reader / writer that perform proximity communication, which is communication within a distance of several centimeters, has become widespread.

  The communication terminal and the reader / writer are each provided with an antenna used for communication. The reader / writer outputs an electromagnetic wave from the antenna, and forms a magnetic field that becomes a communicable region of the reader / writer within a range of several centimeters from the antenna. Then, when the user holds the communication terminal within the communicable area of the reader / writer, for example, when the communication terminal is brought into contact with the surface near the antenna of the reader / writer casing, the antenna of the communication terminal becomes the antenna of the reader / writer. The electromagnetic wave output from is received, and proximity communication is performed between the communication terminal and the reader / writer.

  In such a communication system, depending on the distance and positional relationship between the antenna of the communication terminal and the antenna of the reader / writer, the communication status between the communication terminal and the reader / writer (error occurrence rate and received signal strength indication (RSSI)). ) Etc.) change significantly. For example, if the position where the user holds the communication terminal over the reader / writer is a position where the communication status is good, the proximity communication is smoothly performed between the communication terminal and the reader / writer, but the communication status is good. If it is not the position, the proximity communication may not be started or the time required for the proximity communication may be long.

  Here, the communication terminal includes a magnetic body, the reader / writer includes an electromagnet, and when the reader / writer starts communication with the communication terminal, the electromagnet is driven to attract the magnetic body of the communication terminal, A technique for positioning a communication terminal is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 7-295939 A

  As described above, in a communication system in which near field communication is performed, the communication state changes depending on the distance and positional relationship between the antenna of the communication terminal and the antenna of the reader / writer, so the user simply holds the communication terminal over the reader / writer. Then, it may be difficult to perform optimal proximity communication.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and makes it possible to reliably perform optimum near field communication.

A communication apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is a communication apparatus that performs proximity communication with a communication partner that generates magnetic force, and determines whether or not to perform proximity communication with the communication partner and a magnetic force generation unit that generates magnetic force. When the determination means and the determination means determine that close communication with the communication partner is to be performed, the control means for causing the magnetic force generation means to generate a magnetic force that attracts the magnetic force of the communication partner is output from the communication partner. Measuring means for measuring the strength of the electromagnetic waves of the near field communication, and the control means generates a magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating means so that the strength of the electromagnetic waves measured by the measuring means is equal to or higher than a predetermined strength. To control .

A communication method or program according to an aspect of the present invention is a communication method of a communication device that performs proximity communication with a communication partner that generates magnetic force, or a program that is executed by a computer of a communication device that performs proximity communication with a communication partner that generates magnetic force. The communication device includes a magnetic force generation unit that generates a magnetic force, determines whether to perform proximity communication with the communication partner, and determines that the communication communication with the communication partner is to be performed. the magnetic force attracting the partner of the magnetic force, the generate the magnetic force generating means, said saw including the step of measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic wave of the near field communication that is output from the communication partner, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to be measured, predetermined strength or more and The method includes controlling the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating means .

In one aspect of the present invention, the communication device includes a magnetic force generation unit that generates magnetic force, and it is determined whether or not to perform proximity communication with the communication partner, and when it is determined to perform proximity communication with the communication partner. The magnetic force attracting the magnetic force of the communication partner is generated from the magnetic force generation means, and the strength of the electromagnetic waves of the near field communication output from the communication partner is measured. Then, the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating means is controlled so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to be measured is not less than a predetermined intensity .

  According to one aspect of the present invention, optimal near field communication can be reliably performed.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below .

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a communication system to which the present invention is applied (a system refers to a logical collection of a plurality of devices, regardless of whether the devices of each configuration are in the same housing). It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of this form.

  In FIG. 1, the communication system includes a communication terminal 11 and a reader / writer 12.

  The communication terminal 11 is, for example, a portable device such as a digital still camera or a portable player, and performs proximity communication with the reader / writer 12 when it is disposed within a communicable range of the reader / writer 12. For example, the communication terminal 11 transmits data such as images and sounds stored in a memory (not shown) to the reader / writer 12 and receives data such as images and sounds transmitted from the reader / writer 12. Store in a memory (not shown).

  The reader / writer 12 is connected to, for example, a personal computer (not shown), and when the communication terminal 11 is disposed within the communicable range, the reader / writer 12 performs close proximity communication with the communication terminal 11, for example, an image or a sound. Send and receive data.

The communication terminal 11 includes a power source 21, an antenna 22, a communication control unit 23, n electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , and an electromagnet control unit 25. The reader / writer 12 includes a power source 31, an antenna 32, and communication control. The unit 33 includes n electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n and an electromagnet controller 35.

  The power source 21 supplies power necessary for driving to each block constituting the communication terminal 11.

  The antenna 22 outputs an electromagnetic wave corresponding to a signal supplied from the communication control unit 23, transmits a signal to the reader / writer 12, receives an electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer 12, and uses the electromagnetic wave to read the reader / writer 12. The signal transmitted from is supplied to the communication control unit 23.

  The communication control unit 23 performs processing related to communication with the reader / writer 12.

  For example, when the reader / writer 12 outputs a beacon, which is a signal used to detect a device within the communicable area of the reader / writer 12, at a certain period, the user moves the communication terminal 11 to the reader. When the antenna 22 is placed within the communicable range of the writer 12 and the antenna 22 receives the beacon output from the reader / writer 12 and supplies it to the communication control unit 23, the communication control unit 23 sends a signal indicating the start of communication, This is supplied to the electromagnet controller 25.

  Further, the communication control unit 23 determines whether or not to communicate with the reader / writer 12 based on the beacon from the reader / writer 12, and determines that communication with the reader / writer 12 is performed, the response to the beacon Is transmitted from the antenna 22. Thereafter, near field communication is performed between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12, and when the communication ends, the communication control unit 23 supplies a signal indicating the end of communication to the electromagnet control unit 25.

The electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n generate magnetic force according to the control of the electromagnet control unit 25.

Electromagnet control unit 25 controls the current supplied to the electromagnet 24 ₁ to 24 _n, to generate a magnetic force by the electromagnet 24 ₁ to 24 _n.

For example, when a signal indicating the start of communication is supplied from the communication control unit 23, the electromagnet control unit 25 attracts the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n with a magnetic force (hereinafter referred to as appropriate). , Called suction force). In addition, when a signal indicating the end of communication is supplied from the communication control unit 23, the electromagnet control unit 25 causes the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n to repel the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 (hereinafter referred to as appropriate). The repulsive force is generated only for a predetermined time, and then the generation of the magnetic force is stopped.

Here, the polarity (direction) of the magnetic force for generating the attractive force or the repulsive force between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 is set in advance in the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12, and the electromagnet control is performed. The unit 25 generates magnetic force in the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n based on the setting.

The power source 31, the antenna 32, the communication control unit 33, the n electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n , or the electromagnet control unit 35 that configure the reader / writer 12 are the power source 21, the antenna 22, and the communication control unit 23 that configure the communication terminal 11. The n electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n or the electromagnet controller 25 are configured in the same manner, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

In the communication system configured as described above, in the reader / writer 12, when a beacon is output from the antenna 32 at a constant cycle and a response to the beacon is transmitted from the communication terminal 11, the communication control unit of the reader / writer 12. 33 supplies a signal indicating the start of communication to the electromagnet controller 35, and the electromagnet controller 35 causes the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n to generate an attractive force.

Thereafter, communication is performed between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12, and when the communication ends, the communication control unit 33 supplies a signal indicating the end of communication to the electromagnet control unit 35. The electromagnet controller 35 generates the magnetic force by the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n after a predetermined time has elapsed, for example, at a timing to stop the repulsive force generated between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12. Stop.

  Next, a suction force and a repulsive force generated between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  2, the antenna 32 of the reader / writer 12 and the antenna 22 of the communication terminal 11 are arranged to face each other. For example, the reader / writer 12 is fixed and the communication terminal 11 is a user. Is held by.

  Here, the hatched area shown above the antenna 32 of the reader / writer 12 represents the communicable area of the reader / writer 12, and the hatched area shown below the antenna 22 of the communication terminal 11. The area represents an area where the communication terminal 11 can communicate. Data (including a beacon) output from the antenna 32 by the reader / writer 12 is not received outside the area where the reader / writer 12 can communicate, and data (including a response) output from the antenna 22 by the communication terminal 11 is also a communication terminal. It is not received in areas other than 11 communicable areas.

  For example, the user moves the communication terminal 11 toward the reader / writer 12, the antenna 22 of the communication terminal 11 is arranged in an area where the reader / writer 12 can communicate, and the reader / writer is located in the area where the communication terminal 11 can communicate. When the twelve antennas 32 are arranged, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 start communication.

  That is, as shown second from the top in FIG. 2, the antenna 22 of the communication terminal 11 is arranged in the communicable region of the reader / writer 12 and the antenna 32 of the reader / writer 12 is communicable in the communicable region of the communication terminal 11. Is placed, the communication terminal 11 receives the beacon output from the antenna 32 of the reader / writer 12 and transmits a response, and the reader / writer 12 receives the response from the communication terminal 11 and communicates with each other. Processing to start is performed.

Then, the communication control unit 23 (FIG. 1) of the communication terminal 11 supplies a signal indicating the start of communication to the electromagnet control unit 25, and the electromagnet control unit 25 generates an attractive force in the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n . Similarly, the communication control unit 33 of the reader / writer 12 also supplies a signal indicating the start of communication to the electromagnet control unit 35, and the communication control unit 33 causes the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n to generate an attractive force.

In the third from the top in FIG. 2, the hatched area shown below the electromagnets 24 ₁ and 24 ₂ of the communication terminal 11 is an area affected by the attraction by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnets 24 ₁ and 24 _2. The hatched area shown above the electromagnets 34 ₁ and 34 ₂ of the reader / writer 12 is an area that is affected by the attraction by the magnetic force generated by the electromagnets 34 ₁ and 34 ₂ . The communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are attracted to each other by the attractive force generated by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n of the communication terminal 11 and the attractive force generated by the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n of the reader / writer 12.

  Thereby, as shown in the fourth from the top in FIG. 2, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are in contact with each other, that is, in a state where the antenna 22 and the antenna 32 are closest to each other. 11 communicates with the reader / writer 12.

Thereafter, when the communication is completed, the electromagnet controller 25 of the communication terminal 11 reverses the polarity of the magnetic force generated by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , and generates a repulsive force between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12. generate.

  As a result, the communication terminal 11 moves away from the reader / writer 12 as shown in the fifth (bottom) from the top in FIG. At this time, the user holding the communication terminal 11 can feel the movement of the communication terminal 11 away from the reader / writer 12 and know that the communication between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 has ended.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining processing in which the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 in FIG. 1 communicate.

  For example, when the reader / writer 12 is turned on in response to a user operation, the process is started. In step S11, the communication control unit 33 of the reader / writer 12 starts output of a beacon, and the antenna 32 receives a predetermined value. A beacon is output with a period of. The beacon output from the antenna 32 includes, for example, a device ID (Identification) for identifying the reader / writer 12.

  After the process of step S11, the process proceeds to step S12, and the communication control unit 33 determines whether a response to the beacon that has started transmission in step S11 has been transmitted, and waits for the process until a response is transmitted. To do.

In step S12, when the communication control unit 33 determines that a response to the beacon that has started transmission in step S11 has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S13, and the communication control unit 33 transmits a signal indicating the start of communication to the electromagnet. It supplies to the control part 35. Electromagnet control unit 35 starts the power supply to the electromagnet 34 ₁ to 34 _n, the electromagnet 34 ₁ to 34 _n, to generate a suction force. Thereby, as shown in the fourth from the top in FIG. 2, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 come into contact with each other in a state where the antenna 22 and the antenna 32 are closest to each other.

  After the process of step S13, the process proceeds to step S14, and the communication control unit 33 performs a process of establishing a communication link with the communication terminal 11 in order to communicate with the device that has transmitted the response, that is, the communication terminal 11. Do.

  When a communication link with the communication terminal 11 is established in step S14, the process proceeds to step S15, where data is transmitted / received between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12, for example, actual data such as images and sounds is transmitted / received. .

  After the process of step S15, the process proceeds to step S16, and the communication control unit 33 determines whether to end communication with the communication terminal 11. For example, before starting communication, if the data to be transmitted / received is designated by the user and the transmission / reception of the data has been completed, the communication control unit 33 determines to end the communication with the communication terminal 11. .

  In step S16, when the communication control unit 33 determines not to end communication with the communication terminal 11, the process returns to step S15, and the above-described process is performed.

  On the other hand, when the communication control unit 33 determines in step S16 that the communication with the communication terminal 11 is to end, the process proceeds to step S17.

In step S <b> 17, the communication control unit 33 supplies a signal indicating the end of communication to the electromagnet control unit 35. The electromagnet control unit 35 stops the generation of magnetic force by the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n in accordance with the timing at which the repulsive force generated in the process of step S28 described later stops, and the process in the reader / writer 12 ends.

  On the other hand, the communication control unit 23 of the communication terminal 11 stands by for processing until a beacon is received from the reader / writer 12 in step S21. For example, when the reader / writer 12 starts outputting a beacon in step S <b> 11 and the antenna 22 of the communication terminal 11 is disposed within the communicable range of the reader / writer 12, the communication control unit 23 causes the beacon from the reader / writer 12. The process proceeds from step S21 to step S22.

In step S22, the communication control unit 23 supplies a signal indicating the start of communication to the electromagnet control unit 25, and the electromagnet control unit 25 starts supplying power to the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , and the electromagnet 24 _1. A suction force is generated at 24 to 24 _n .

  After the process of step S22, the process proceeds to step S23, and the communication control unit 23 determines whether communication with the reader / writer 12 is permitted based on the beacon received in step S21.

  For example, the communication terminal 11 is set to be able to communicate only with a communication partner permitted to communicate by the user, and the device ID for specifying the communication partner permitted to communicate is the communication control unit 23. Is registered in a memory (not shown) built in. Further, as described above, the beacon transmitted from the reader / writer 12 includes the device ID of the reader / writer 12. The communication control unit 23 determines that communication with the reader / writer 12 is permitted if the device ID included in the beacon from the reader / writer 12 is registered in the built-in memory, If the device ID included in the beacon from the reader / writer 12 is not registered in the built-in memory, it is determined that communication with the reader / writer 12 is not permitted.

  In step S23, when the communication control unit 23 determines that communication with the reader / writer 12 is permitted, the process proceeds to step S24, and the communication control unit 23 transmits a response to the beacon received in step S21. .

  After the process of step S24, the process proceeds to step S25, and the communication control unit 23 performs a process of establishing a communication link with the reader / writer 12 in order to communicate with the reader / writer 12.

  When the communication link with the reader / writer 12 is established in step S25, the process proceeds to step S26, and data is transmitted / received between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12.

  After the process of step S26, the process proceeds to step S27, and the communication control unit 23 determines whether or not to end communication with the reader / writer 12, and determines that communication with the reader / writer 12 is not ended. Returns to step S26, and the processing described above is performed thereafter.

  On the other hand, if the communication control unit 23 determines in step S27 that communication with the reader / writer 12 is to be terminated, the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, the communication control unit 23 supplies a signal indicating the end of communication to the electromagnet control unit 25, and the electromagnet control unit 25 reverses the polarity of the magnetic force generated by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , A repulsive force is generated between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12.

After the process of step S28, the process proceeds to step S29, and the electromagnet controller 25 determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the repulsive force was generated in the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n in step S28. The process waits until the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n generate a repulsive force for a predetermined time.

In step S29, when the electromagnet controller 25 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n generate repulsive force in step S28, the electromagnet controller 25 generates the repulsive force. Is stopped, that is, the generation of magnetic force by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n is stopped.

On the other hand, if the communication control unit 23 determines in step S23 that communication with the reader / writer 12 is not permitted, the process proceeds to step S31, and the electromagnet control unit 35 generates the attractive force started in step S22. Is stopped, that is, the generation of magnetic force by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n is stopped. A process is complete | finished after the process of step S30 or S31.

As described above, the attraction between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 by the magnetic force output from the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n of the communication terminal 11 and the magnetic force output from the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n of the reader / writer 12. Since close-range communication is performed between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 in a state in which force is generated and the antenna 22 and the antenna 32 are closest to each other, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are optimal. Proximity communication can be performed reliably and communication quality can be improved.

  In addition, for example, when a user performs close proximity communication by holding a communication terminal near the reader / writer antenna, the communication terminal may be displaced because the communication terminal is not fixed to the reader / writer. In addition, communication may be interrupted if the reader / writer moves away from the communicable range. On the other hand, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are fixed to each other by being attracted by magnetic force, and the communication terminal 11 is not displaced during communication and can communicate stably.

  Further, for example, it is considered that a reader / writer can be provided with a recess capable of accommodating a communication terminal, whereby the communication terminal can be fixed to the recess and stable communication can be performed. The design of the writer deteriorates, the cost is high for creating a mold used for manufacturing a reader / writer having a recess, or stable communication can be performed only with a communication terminal adapted to the shape of the recess. It seems that problems such as inability to occur. On the other hand, since the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are fixed to each other using magnetic force, the degree of freedom for each design is high, and a design that suits the user's preference can be selected. Further, for example, it is possible to use a simple-shaped component that can be manufactured at a lower cost than a complicated-shaped component having a recess. Furthermore, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are fixed regardless of the shape of each other's unevenness, and can perform stable communication.

  In addition, in the conventional communication terminal and reader / writer, for example, when communication is completed, the communication is notified by sound or light, or a message is displayed on the display. Was recognized by visual and auditory senses only. Further, the user sometimes misses a sound that notifies the end of communication due to ambient noise. Furthermore, a user with visual or auditory impairments cannot recognize that communication has ended.

  On the other hand, since the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 repel each other at the end of communication, the user may recognize that communication has ended with a sense (tactile sense) (pressure sense) other than visual and auditory senses. And convenience can be improved. The repulsive force may be generated by the reader / writer 12 reversing the polarity of the magnetic force.

  Further, since the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 are fixed to each other by magnetic force during communication, the user confirms that the communication terminal 11 is fixed and confirms that the communication terminal 11 is in communication. Can be recognized.

  Further, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 may stop the generation of the suction force without generating the repulsive force at the end of the communication. In this case, the user can recognize that the communication has ended by confirming that the fixation between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 has been released.

The reader / writer 12 may start the output of a beacon and generate an attractive force by the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n .

  Further, the repulsive force generated by the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 is stopped based on the time from the occurrence of the repulsive force. For example, the repulsive force causes the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer to stop. 12 can be made to stop the repulsive force when it is detected that they are out of the communicable area. For example, when the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 can measure the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received from each other, the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 can detect when the intensity of the electromagnetic waves falls below a predetermined threshold. The repulsive force can be stopped.

  As described above, when the communication terminal 11 or the reader / writer 12 can measure the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received from each other, the communication terminal 11 or the reader / writer 12 transmits and receives data during communication, for example, in step S15 or S26. During the operation, the attractive force can be controlled based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave.

  That is, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of another embodiment of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 4, the communication system includes a communication terminal 11 'and a reader / writer 12'.

The communication terminal 11 ′ includes a power source 21, an antenna 22, a communication control unit 23, n electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , an electromagnet control unit 25, and a measurement unit 41. The reader / writer 12 includes a power source 31, The antenna 32 includes a communication control unit 33, n electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n , an electromagnet control unit 35, and a measurement unit 42. In FIG. 4, portions corresponding to the communication terminal 11 or the reader / writer 12 of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below as appropriate.

That is, the communication terminal 11 ′ of FIG. 4 is common to the communication terminal 11 of FIG. 1 in that it includes a power source 21, an antenna 22, a communication control unit 23, n electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , and an electromagnet control unit 25. To do. However, the communication terminal 11 ′ is different from the communication terminal 11 of FIG. 1 in that a measurement unit 41 is provided.

4 is common to the reader / writer 12 of FIG. 1 in that it includes a power source 31, an antenna 32, a communication control unit 33, n electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n , and an electromagnet control unit 35. To do. However, the reader / writer 12 ′ is different from the reader / writer 12 of FIG. 1 in that a measuring unit 42 is provided.

  A current corresponding to the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 is supplied from the communication control unit 23 to the measurement unit 41. The measurement unit 41 uses the amplitude of the current as the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 and supplies a signal representing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to the electromagnet control unit 25.

The electromagnet controller 25 controls the attractive force generated by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n based on the signal representing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave supplied from the measuring unit 41.

For example, the electromagnet control unit 25 is set with a predetermined threshold for the electromagnetic wave intensity, and the electromagnet control unit 25 receives the antenna 22 based on a signal representing the electromagnetic wave intensity supplied from the measurement unit 41. If the intensity of the electromagnetic wave is below a predetermined threshold, the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n are controlled so as to generate a stronger attractive force. That is, the electromagnet controller 25 increases the current supplied to the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n .

The electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 32 is supplied from the communication control unit 33 to the measurement unit 42. Similar to the measurement unit 41, the measurement unit 42 measures the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 32 and supplies a signal representing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to the electromagnet control unit 35. The electromagnet control unit 35 is configured by the electromagnet control unit 25. Similarly, the attractive force generated by the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n is controlled based on the signal representing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing for controlling the suction force in the communication terminal 11 ′ in FIG. 4.

  For example, when transmission / reception of data is started in step S26 of FIG. 3, the processing is started, and in step S41, the communication control unit 23 supplies the current to the measurement unit 41 according to the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22. The process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S <b> 42, the measurement unit 41 measures the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 and supplies a signal representing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to the electromagnet control unit 25.

  After the process of step S42, the process proceeds to step S43, and the electromagnet controller 25 determines that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 is a predetermined value based on the signal representing the intensity of the electromagnetic wave supplied from the measurement unit 41 in step S42. It is determined whether it is below the threshold value.

  In step S43, when the electromagnet controller 25 determines that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S44, while the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 is When it determines with it not being below a predetermined threshold value, a process returns to step S42.

In step S44, the electromagnet control unit 25 increases the current supplied to the electromagnet 24 ₁ to 24 _n, the electromagnet 24 ₁ to 24 _n is to generate a stronger suction force, the process returns to step S42, the following The same process is repeated.

  Further, the reader / writer 12 'performs the same process of controlling the suction force as the communication terminal 11'.

  As described above, the communication terminal 11 ′ and the reader / writer 12 ′ control the magnetic force based on the intensity of the electromagnetic wave. For example, the communication terminal 11 ′ is separated from the reader / writer 12 ′ by an external force during communication. This can be prevented. That is, when the communication terminal 11 ′ is about to be separated from the reader / writer 12 ′, the strength of the electromagnetic waves received from each other decreases. However, when the decrease in the strength of the electromagnetic waves is detected, a stronger suction force is obtained. Therefore, the communication terminal 11 ′ is prevented from leaving the reader / writer 12 ′.

Further, for example, the communication terminal 11 ′ weakens the attractive force when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 22 is larger than a predetermined threshold (a threshold having a value larger than the threshold used in the determination in step S43). That is, the current supplied to the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n can be reduced. Thereby, the power consumption of communication terminal 11 'can be reduced. The same applies to the reader / writer 12 '.

  The communication terminal 11 ′ and the reader / writer 12 ′ measure the distance between the communication terminal 11 ′ and the reader / writer 12 ′ based on the distance, for example, in addition to controlling the attractive force based on the intensity of the electromagnetic waves. Thus, the suction force can be controlled.

  Here, for example, when UWB (Ultra Wide Band) is used as a communication method, the distance to the communication partner can be measured by electromagnetic waves used for communication. The measurement unit 41 measures the distance to the reader / writer 12 and supplies a signal indicating the distance to the electromagnet control unit 25. The electromagnet control unit 25 controls the attractive force based on the distance to the reader / writer 12. It can be carried out. Similarly to the measurement unit 41, the measurement unit 42 also supplies a signal indicating the distance to the communication terminal 11 to the electromagnet control unit 35, and the electromagnet control unit 35 controls the attractive force based on the distance to the communication terminal 11. It can be performed.

  Further, the communication terminal 11 ′ and the reader / writer 12 ′ can control the suction force based on the communication quality.

  For example, the measurement unit 41 measures packet errors and frame errors based on whether or not the communication terminal 11 has normally received a packet or frame of data transmitted from the reader / writer 12, and determines the error rate. It can be supplied to the electromagnet controller 25. The electromagnet controller 25 can control the attractive force so that a strong attractive force is generated when the error rate is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold based on the error rate of packet error or frame error. Similarly to the measurement unit 41, the measurement unit 42 supplies the error rate to the electromagnet control unit 35, and the electromagnet control unit 35 controls the attractive force based on the error rate, similarly to the electromagnet control unit 25. be able to.

  In addition to a communication terminal having a power source 21 such as the communication terminal 11, the present invention receives power supply by a communication electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer 12 without having a built-in power source. (Integrated Circuit) Can be applied to cards.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of still another embodiment of a communication system to which the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 6, the communication system includes an IC card 51 and a reader / writer 12.

The IC card 51 includes an antenna 22, a communication control unit 23, n electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , an electromagnet control unit 25, a power generation unit 52, and a power supply control unit 53. In FIG. 4, portions corresponding to the communication terminal 11 of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted below as appropriate.

That is, the IC card 51 of FIG. 6 is common to the communication terminal 11 of FIG. 1 in that it includes the antenna 22, the communication control unit 23, the n electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n , and the electromagnet control unit 25. However, the IC card 51 is different from the communication terminal 11 of FIG. 1 in that a power generation unit 52 and a power supply control unit 53 are provided.

  The power generation unit 52 is connected to the antenna 22, and acquires power necessary for driving each block of the IC card 51 by rectifying the current flowing through the antenna 22 by the electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer 12. The power generation unit 52 supplies power obtained from the current flowing through the antenna 22 to the power supply control unit 53.

  The power supply control unit 53 accumulates the power supplied from the power generation unit 52. When the power necessary for driving each block of the IC card 51 is accumulated, the power supply control unit 53 supplies the power to each block and controls the supply. To do.

  With reference to FIG. 7, a suction force generated between the IC card 51 and the reader / writer 12 will be described. In FIG. 7, a solid arrow indicates that power (current) is supplied, and a broken arrow indicates that power is not supplied.

  As shown first from the top in FIG. 7, when the antenna 22 of the IC card 51 is arranged outside the communicable range of the reader / writer 12, the power generation unit 52 (FIG. 6) of the IC card 51 is Since no power can be obtained, no power is supplied to each block of the IC card 51.

For example, when the user outputs a beacon from the reader / writer 12 and moves the IC card 51 downward, and the antenna 22 of the IC card 51 is arranged in a communicable area of the reader / writer 12, power is generated. The unit 52 acquires power from the current flowing through the antenna 22 by the beacon from the reader / writer 12 and supplies the power to the power supply control unit 53. When the IC card 51 is activated by the power, a current for transmitting a response is supplied to the antenna 22 and power is supplied to the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n as shown in the second from the top in FIG. .

When the reader / writer 12 receives the response transmitted from the IC card 51, the reader / writer 12 receives the reader from the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n and the electromagnets 34 _{1 to} 34 _n as shown in the third (bottom) of FIG. A suction force for attracting the writer 12 and the IC card 51 is generated. As a result, the IC card 51 and the reader / writer 12 come into contact with each other so that the antenna 22 of the IC card 51 and the antenna 32 of the reader / writer 12 are closest to each other, and communication is performed.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing in which the IC card 51 and the reader / writer 12 in FIG. 7 communicate.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the reader / writer 12 performs the same processing as in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S41, the IC card 51 receives the beacon output from the reader / writer 12 by the antenna 22, and the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S <b> 42, the power generation unit 52 acquires power from the current flowing through the antenna 22 by the beacon output from the reader / writer 12 and supplies the power to the power supply control unit 53. When power necessary for driving each block of the IC card 51 is accumulated, the power supply control unit 53 starts supplying power to each block, and thereby the IC card 51 is activated. After the process of step S42, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the communication control unit 23 determines whether or not communication with the reader / writer 12 is permitted, similar to the processing in step S23 of FIG.

  When the communication control unit 23 determines in step S43 that communication with the reader / writer 12 is permitted, the process proceeds to step S44, and on the other hand, when it is determined that communication with the reader / writer 12 is not permitted. The process ends.

  In step S44, the communication control unit 23 transmits a response to the beacon received in step S41.

After the processing in step S44, the process proceeds to step S45, the electromagnet control unit 25 starts the power supply to the electromagnet 24 ₁ to 24 _n, the electromagnet 24 ₁ to 24 _n, to generate a suction force, processing Advances to step S46.

  In steps S46 to S48, the same processing as in steps S25 to S27 in FIG. 3 is performed by the electric power obtained from the electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer 12. In step S48, when the communication control unit 33 determines to end communication with the reader / writer 12, the process proceeds to step S49. In this case, the output of the electromagnetic wave from the reader / writer 12 is stopped, and accordingly, the acquisition of power by the power generation unit 52 is also stopped.

In step S49, the generation of magnetic force by the electromagnets 24 _{1 to} 24 _n is stopped, and the process is terminated.

  As described above, the power generation unit 52 obtains power from the current flowing through the antenna 22 by the electromagnetic wave output from the reader / writer 12, so that the IC card 51 does not have a built-in power supply, but the reader / writer 12. It is possible to generate a suction force that attracts. Thereby, the IC card 51 and the reader / writer 12 can ensure optimum close proximity communication.

  Next, part or all of the processing performed by the communication control unit 23 or 33, the electromagnet control unit 25 or 35, and the measurement unit 41 or 42 described above can be performed by hardware or can be performed by software. . When a series of processing is performed by software, a program constituting the software is a microcomputer (communication control unit 23) that functions as the communication control unit 23 or 33, the electromagnet control unit 25 or 35, the measurement unit 41 or 42, and the like. Or 33, the electromagnet control unit 25 or 35, the measurement unit 41 or 42, etc., and the communication control unit 23 or 33, the electromagnet control unit 25 or 35, the computer that controls the measurement unit 41 or 42, etc.) Installed.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a computer (microcomputer) in which a program for executing the above-described series of processes is installed.

  The program can be recorded (installed) in advance in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory) 105 or ROM 103 as a recording medium built in the computer.

  Alternatively, the program is temporarily or permanently stored on a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical) disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory. Can be stored (recorded) automatically.

  The program is installed on the computer from the removable recording medium as described above, and is also wired to the computer via a wired or wireless network. The computer inputs the program transferred in this way. It can be received by the output interface 110 and installed in the built-in EEPROM 105.

  In a computer, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, an EEPROM 105, and an input / output interface 110 are connected via a bus 101. Connected.

  The CPU 102 loads a program stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 or an EEPROM 105 to a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 and executes it. Thus, the CPU 102 performs processing according to the above-described flowchart or processing performed by the configuration of the above-described block diagram. Note that data exchange with the outside is performed via the input / output interface 110.

  The program executed by the computer may be a program that is processed in time series in the order described in this specification, or in parallel or at a necessary timing such as when a call is made. It may be a program for processing.

  Note that the processes described with reference to the flowcharts described above do not necessarily have to be processed in chronological order in the order described in the flowcharts, but are performed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processes or objects Processing). The program may be processed by one CPU, or may be distributedly processed by a plurality of CPUs.

  The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the attractive force and repulsive force which generate | occur | produce between the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12. It is a flowchart explaining the process which the communication terminal 11 and the reader / writer 12 communicate. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of other embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart explaining the process which controls attraction | suction force in communication terminal 11 '. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of other embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the attractive force which generate | occur | produces between the IC card 51 and the reader / writer 12. It is a flowchart explaining the process which the IC card 51 and the reader / writer 12 communicate. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the computer to which this invention is applied.

Explanation of symbols

11 communication terminal, 12 reader / writer, 21 power supply, 22 antenna, 23 communication control unit, 24 _{1 to} 24 _n electromagnet, 25 electromagnet control unit, 31 power supply, 32 antenna, 33 communication control unit, 34 _{1 to} 34 _n electromagnet, 35 Electromagnet control unit, 41 measurement unit, 42 measurement unit, 51 IC card, 52 power generation unit, 53 power supply control unit

Claims (7)

In a communication device that performs proximity communication with a communication partner that generates magnetic force,
Magnetic force generating means for generating magnetic force;
Determining means for determining whether to perform proximity communication with the communication partner;
Control means for causing the magnetic force generation means to generate a magnetic force attracting the magnetic force of the communication counterpart when the determination means determines that close communication with the communication counterpart is performed ,
Measuring means for measuring the strength of electromagnetic waves of proximity communication output from the communication partner ,
The communication device controls the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating means so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave measured by the measuring means is not less than a predetermined intensity . A measuring means for measuring a distance to the communication partner;
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generation unit such that a distance from the communication partner measured by the measurement unit is equal to or less than a predetermined distance. Further comprising a measuring means for measuring the quality of communication in proximity communication with the communication partner,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generation unit so that the quality of communication measured by the measurement unit is equal to or higher than a predetermined quality. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the magnetic force generation unit to generate a magnetic force that repels a magnetic force generated by the communication partner when close proximity communication with the communication partner is completed. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a power acquisition unit that acquires power from an electromagnetic wave of proximity communication output from the communication partner. In a communication method of a communication device that performs proximity communication with a communication partner that generates magnetic force,
The communication device includes magnetic force generation means for generating magnetic force,
Determine whether to perform proximity communication with the communication partner,
If it is determined to perform near field communication with the communication partner, the magnetic force generating means generates a magnetic force that attracts the magnetic force of the communication partner ,
Look including the step of measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic wave of the near field communication output from the communication partner,
A communication method for controlling the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating means so that the intensity of an electromagnetic wave to be measured is not less than a predetermined intensity . In a program to be executed by a computer of a communication device that performs proximity communication with a communication partner that generates magnetic force,
The communication device includes magnetic force generation means for generating magnetic force,
Determine whether to perform proximity communication with the communication partner,
If it is determined to perform near field communication with the communication partner, the magnetic force generating means generates a magnetic force that attracts the magnetic force of the communication partner ,
Look including the step of measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic wave of the near field communication output from the communication partner,
A program for causing a computer to execute a process including a step of controlling the magnetic force generated by the magnetic force generating means so that the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to be measured is not less than a predetermined intensity .

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