JP4885559B2 - Non-contact terminal device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact terminal device that communicates in a non-contact state with a value information recording medium such as an IC card having an IC chip, and reads and writes an IC chip.

  In recent years, with the progress of cashless and the spread of electronic money, various services and systems using IC cards as value holding media have been provided in various fields such as distribution. Among them, non-contact type IC cards are attracting attention especially in terms of ease of use. In addition, electronic value information (electronic value) of electronic money and electronic tickets (commuter pass, boarding ticket, airline ticket, etc.) is stored in an ultra-small IC chip built in the non-contact type IC card. Various payments, such as payments at ticket vending machines at stations, payments at vending machines such as beverages, payments at stores, admission to various facilities, etc. are considered.

  When such an IC card is used, wireless communication is generally performed in a non-contact state with respect to the IC card, and information recorded on the internal IC chip is read or new information is written to the IC chip. A reader / writer device as a contact type terminal device is used (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  Such a reader / writer device includes a reading surface (reading unit) having an antenna capable of wireless communication with an IC chip. Then, the holder of the IC card can perform various payments using the electronic money described above by reading and writing the IC chip while holding the IC card close to the reading surface. Further, whether reading and writing of the IC chip is completed, that is, whether or not settlement of electronic money is completed can be easily determined by checking the contents of the display unit provided in the reader / writer device.

  The reader / writer device incorporates wireless communication means for communicating with the IC card by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling. When communicating with an IC card, the reader / writer device and the IC card are very close to each other, so that the wireless communication means within the IC card itself is affected by the system (impedance change, etc.) and can perform expected communication. There may not be. Specifically, when the distance between the IC card and the reader / writer device (antenna) changes, there may be a dead zone in which the reception level in the reader / writer device suddenly drops. Since communication is possible even if the distance between the IC card and the reader / writer device is increased, a dead zone is likely to occur within the communicable distance even when the transmission output is increased.

  For example, when the supplied power is 2.0 W to 2.5 W and the antenna power is about 0.7 W to 0.8 W, the readable distance is 50 mm to 70 mm, but it is between about 0 mm to 10 mm or 30 mm to 50 mm. There is a place where a dead zone is likely to occur somewhere in between. When the output is increased in this state, the readable distance is expanded and the place where the dead zone is likely to be generated also changes, so that the dead zone is more likely to occur. In addition, when the output is lowered, the place where the dead zone is likely to change changes, making it difficult for the dead zone to be generated at a distant location and the range of the dead zone at a close location is difficult to widen, but the reading distance is reduced and the practical range is reduced. Will be limited.

  Further, since the antenna built in the reader / writer device is generally a loop antenna, it is practically difficult to deal with the dead shape by changing the antenna shape.

  Since the occurrence of the dead zone varies depending on the subtle differences in performance of the communication means, currently, measures are taken such as selecting and using those that are less likely to cause the dead zone. In this case, however, the occurrence of the dead zone is also affected by the usage environment (place where it is placed) of the reader / writer device, so that the dead zone is reduced despite the difficult task of sorting and the cost increase due to the yield. It is difficult to connect to the current situation.

  For this reason, conventionally, a technique for detecting and feeding back a change in impedance has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 3). However, in this case, it is necessary to add a complicated circuit such as a detection circuit and a feedback circuit, and the frequency changes, which is not a practical measure.

Furthermore, in recent years, there are a variety of forms of value information recording media such as electronic money settlement functions using mobile phones and credit settlement functions. The present situation is that there is a need for a form of value holding media that can communicate without being affected by the dead zone.
JP 2002-133378 A JP 2003-141463 A JP 2003-36418 A

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a non-contact type terminal device capable of minimizing the influence of the dead zone regardless of the form of the value information recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first aspect of the present invention is capable of wireless communication with an IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact state with respect to a value information recording medium having a readable / writable IC chip. A variable antenna for dynamically changing the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction, and changing the position of the dead band between the antenna unit and the IC chip. It is in the non-contact type terminal device.

  In the first aspect, by changing the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit dynamically in the time axis direction, and changing the position of the dead zone between the antenna unit and the IC chip on the time axis, value information Regardless of the position and form of the recording medium, the influence of the dead zone can be minimized.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna unit capable of wirelessly communicating with an IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact state with respect to a value information recording medium having a readable / writable IC chip, Non-contact characterized by comprising fluctuating means for dynamically changing the average value of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction, and changing the position of the dead band between the antenna unit and the IC chip. Type terminal equipment.

  In the second aspect, by dynamically changing the average value of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction, the position of the dead band between the antenna unit and the IC chip is made different on the time axis. The influence of the dead zone can be minimized regardless of the position and form of the value information recording medium.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antenna unit capable of wireless communication with an IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact state with respect to a value information recording medium having a read / write IC chip, It is characterized by comprising a changing means for dynamically changing the reference value before modulation of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction, and making the position of the dead band between the antenna unit and the IC chip different. The contactless terminal device.

  In the third aspect, by changing the reference value before modulation of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction, the position of the dead band between the antenna unit and the IC chip is different on the time axis. By doing so, the influence of the dead zone can be minimized regardless of the position and form of the value information recording medium.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the power source supplies power to the antenna unit, and the changing unit is a voltage from the power source supplied to the antenna unit. It is a non-contact type terminal device characterized in that it is a means for varying.

  In the fourth aspect, the dead zone can be changed by changing the power supply voltage related to transmission.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the transmitter has a transmission circuit that sends a signal to the antenna unit, and the changing unit is obtained from the transmission circuit of the antenna unit. A non-contact type terminal device is a means for superimposing an AC signal on a transmission output related to a signal.

  In the fifth aspect, the dead zone can be changed by superimposing alternating current on the transmission output.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the signal to be superimposed is a low-frequency signal.

  In the sixth aspect, the signal can be modulated periodically.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the contactless terminal device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the signal to be superimposed is a random noise signal.

  In the seventh aspect, the signal can be modulated in a random state.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the eighth aspect includes a function of detecting reception intensity when information from the IC chip is acquired by the antenna unit, and the reception intensity is predetermined. The contactless terminal device has a function of stopping the operation of the changing means when the strength is exceeded and operating the changing means when the received intensity is equal to or lower than a predetermined strength.

  In the eighth aspect, the received signal can be fed back to maintain the output level.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the ninth aspect includes a function of detecting reception intensity when information from the IC chip is acquired by the antenna unit. 1 variation means and second variation means for varying the fluctuation range in a state where the fluctuation range is smaller than the fluctuation by the first fluctuation means, and when the reception intensity exceeds a predetermined intensity, the first fluctuation The contactless terminal device is characterized in that the operation of the means is stopped and the operation of only the second changing means is continued.

  In the ninth aspect, when the output signal is modulated by the first fluctuation means and the second fluctuation means and the output level is maintained by feeding back the received signal, the second fluctuation means having a small fluctuation range is used. Signals can be modulated by fluctuations, and extremely stable communication can be achieved with minimal fluctuation operations.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to ninth aspects, by transmitting and receiving information to and from the IC chip via the antenna unit, information can be transmitted in a non-contact state to the IC chip. A non-contact type terminal device is characterized by performing writing.

  In the tenth aspect, not only the information of the IC chip is used but also the information can be updated.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the tenth aspects, the written information is read after the information is written to the IC chip in a non-contact state, and the consistency of the written information is increased. It is in the non-contact type terminal device characterized by determining.

  In the eleventh aspect, when the information on the IC chip is updated, it is possible to confirm the consistency of whether or not the information is correctly updated by reading the updated information again.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the information communicated with the IC chip is information including at least an amount of money. .

  In the twelfth aspect, the present invention can be applied to processing of information including a monetary amount.

  The non-contact type terminal device of the present invention communicates with a value information recording medium such as an IC card having an IC chip in a non-contact state, and when reading or writing an IC chip, the non-contact type terminal device takes the form of a value information recording medium. Regardless, it is possible to minimize the influence of the dead zone.

  FIG. 1 is an external view of a non-contact type terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a schematic block configuration of a contact type terminal device, FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a basic communication system, FIGS. 5 and 6 are conceptual diagrams of signal modulation, and FIGS. 7 to 12 are schematic diagrams of a communication system provided with variable means. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 show the flow of the feedback system operation.

  The configuration of the contactless terminal apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the non-contact type terminal device 1 has a readable / writable IC chip 2 and outputs information in a non-contact state to an IC card 3 as a value information recording medium formed in a rectangular shape, for example. Communication with the IC chip 2 is possible.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the non-contact type terminal device 1 is configured by a holding unit 10 and a terminal body unit 15 in the present embodiment. The holding unit 10 includes a reading surface 5 on which the IC card 3 is brought close to the surface, and a wireless communication unit 8 having an antenna substrate 7 as an antenna unit capable of wirelessly communicating information with the IC chip 2. . The terminal body unit 15 controls the operation of the wireless communication unit 8 and performs data processing and recording of the IC chip 2 via the antenna substrate 7 and the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna substrate 7 in the time axis direction. And a control unit 12 that controls the contactless terminal device 1 in an integrated manner.

  In the non-contact type terminal device 1 of the present embodiment, the holding unit 10 and the terminal body unit 15 are wiredly connected by a cable 16, and the holding unit 10 can be separated from the terminal body unit 15. Note that the cover unit 10 and the terminal main unit 15 can be formed integrally.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the holding unit 10 has a plastic case 20, and the case 20 has a lower case 21 that can be placed on the placement surface and a predetermined inclination with respect to the placement surface. The upper case 22 is configured to be fitted on the upper side of the lower case 21 with an angle (for example, an inclination angle of 30 degrees). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a part of the surface of the upper case 22 is a reading surface 5.

  The reading surface 5 is formed with a light surface 23 that emits light on the surface of the reading surface 5 in a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the IC card 3, for example, a rectangular shape. The light surface 23 surrounds the periphery of the antenna substrate 7. It is formed in a slit shape. In the upper case 22, areas other than the light surface 23 are optically shielded. Note that the shape of the light emitted from the light surface is not limited to the shape of the present embodiment, and the light surface is not necessarily required.

  The antenna substrate 7 is formed so that, for example, a transmission coil pattern and a reception coil pattern are adjacent to each other on the surface, and is electrically connected to the RF substrate 28 shown in FIG. A transceiver unit 29 is mounted on the RF substrate 28, and the transceiver unit 29 and the antenna substrate 7 constitute a wireless communication unit 8.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the holding unit 10 includes a display unit 30 that displays the contents of the IC chip 2 and a speaker 31 that outputs sound from the vicinity of the reading surface 5. The display unit 30 is provided on the surface of the upper case 22 so as to be adjacent to the light surface 23, and the display unit 30 is electrically connected to the circuit board 27 via the I / O module 26. The speaker 31 can output sound through a sound hole 32 formed on the surface of the upper case 22 so as to be adjacent to the display unit 30. Like the display unit 30, the speaker 31 is an I / O module 26. Is electrically connected to the circuit board 27 via In addition, the speaker 31 is controlled so as to output different sound according to a control signal from the control unit 12. The audio output is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment, and is not necessarily required.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the terminal body unit 15 can be placed on the placement surface, and in the present embodiment, a predetermined inclination angle (for example, an inclination angle of 30 degrees) with respect to the placement surface. The case 35 is made of plastic and has the settlement module 11 and the control unit 12 in the case 35.

  Further, the terminal body unit 15 includes an operation key 36 including a plurality of buttons capable of inputting information such as an amount of money, and displays various information such as information input by the operation key 36 and data in the IC chip 2. A portion 37 is provided. Furthermore, a printer unit 38 capable of printing the information displayed on the display unit 37 on paper and a communication means capable of connecting and transmitting information recorded in the settlement module 11 to an external organization, for example, a modem unit 39 is provided. ing.

  The modem unit 39 is connected to an IP network via a third party in addition to connecting and communicating with a modem for communication transmission / reception installed directly in an external organization, and via communication means such as the Internet. It is also possible to send it to an external organization.

  The display unit 37, the printer unit 38, and the modem unit 39 are integrally controlled by the control unit 12 in accordance with an input from the operation key 36. The settlement module 11 is electrically connected to the RF board 28 via the cable 16, and the control unit 12 is electrically connected to the circuit board 27 via the cable 16. The control unit 12 has a function of outputting sound to the speaker 31.

  A case where electronic payment such as electronic money payment or credit payment is performed by the IC card 3 using the non-contact type terminal device 1 configured as described above will be described.

  By turning on the power button from the operation key 36, a self-diagnosis (self-test) is performed to determine whether each function is normal. For example, it is confirmed whether the connection state between the cover unit 10 and the terminal body unit 15 is normal, or the payment module 11 itself diagnoses whether its function is normal. Note that the self-test is not limited to the diagnostic content, and can be set arbitrarily. Further, during the self-test, for example, “Self-diagnosis” is displayed on the display unit 37 of the terminal body unit 15.

  As a result of the self-test, when it is determined that there is an abnormality or failure, “error” is displayed on the display unit 37 of the terminal body unit 15. In response to this, the operator of the non-contact type terminal device 1 confirms the electrical connection state of the cable 16 or the like, or performs predetermined measures such as searching for a failure part. On the other hand, when it is determined that the input is normal, the state waits for input from the operation key 36. At this time, the power can be shut off by turning off the power button of the operation key 36.

  For example, when the holder of the IC card 3 purchases an item with a price of 1000 yen, the operator of the operation key 36 inputs the amount information of 1000 yen with the operation key 36. The control unit 12 determines whether the instruction from the operator is an instruction, that is, what kind of signal is the input signal from the operation key 36 and performs control according to the determination. For example, in the case described above, a signal is sent to the settlement module 11 so as to perform a settlement process of 1000 yen in response to an input signal from the operation key 36. If the input signal from the operation key 36 is a power OFF signal, the termination process is executed. If the input signal from the operation key 36 is a signal for performing various settings and management of the terminal body unit 15. Executes setting / management processing.

  When the control unit 12 determines that the settlement process is to be performed, the control unit 12 displays the input amount on the display unit 37 of the terminal body unit 15. The operator confirms that an accurate input has been made with the amount displayed on the display unit 37, and then presses the confirmation button with the operation key 36. In response to this, the control unit 12 transmits money amount information to the settlement module 11. Further, a control signal is sent through the cable 16 and the circuit board 27 so that the light is turned on from the light surface 23. On the other hand, when the amount information is input, the settlement module 11 places the transmission / reception unit 29 in a standby state and waits for an input from the antenna board 7.

  The holder of the IC card 3 can easily hold the IC card 3 over the reading surface 5 by guiding the blinking light through the light surface 23. When the IC card 3 is held over the reading surface 5, the transmitting / receiving unit 29 reads information recorded on the IC chip 2 of the IC card 3 via the antenna substrate 7 by wireless communication and transmits the information to the settlement module 11. The settlement module 11 performs data processing of the IC chip 2 that has been sent.

  That is, the amount of 1000 yen inputted by the operation key 36 is subtracted from the saving amount recorded in the IC chip 2, and a new saving amount (balance) is calculated to perform settlement processing. After the settlement process is completed, a new saving amount is written (overwritten) in the IC chip 2 via the transmission / reception unit 29 and the antenna substrate 7. At the same time, the payment module 11 notifies the control unit 12 that the payment has been completed normally. The end can be notified by sound or light.

  On the other hand, similarly to the display unit 30 of the cover unit 10, the control unit 12 uses the purchase amount that has been settled, that is, the amount input by the operation key 36 and the new saving amount as a settlement result, and displays the display unit 37 of the terminal body unit 15. To display. After confirming the display on the display unit 37 again, the operator prints out the settlement result by the printer unit 38.

  The settlement result printout is used as a receipt for the holder as well as for the operator. Further, the control unit 12 may be set so that the settlement result is displayed on the display unit 37 and at the same time the settlement result is automatically printed out by the printer unit 38. If the payment does not end normally and, for example, a payment abnormality occurs due to some reason, for example, communication failure, the payment abnormality can be notified by sound or light.

  Further, the data of the IC chip 2 recorded in the settlement module 11 can be transmitted to the external organization periodically by the operator, for example, once every evening in the evening. That is, the modem unit 39 can communicate with a communication receiving modem (not shown) installed in an external organization and transmit data. As described above, the modem unit 39 may be connected to the IP network via the third party organization, and may be transmitted via communication means such as the Internet. For example, when an electronic payment function such as electronic money payment or credit payment is added to the IC card 3, communication with the center is performed by a communication means using the modem unit 39, and an electronic money payment or credit payment is performed. Settlement can be made.

  As shown in FIG. 4, wireless communication is performed between the non-contact terminal device 1 and the IC card 3 by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling. That is, the non-contact terminal device 1 includes a control circuit 41 and a modulation circuit 42, and outputs a signal from an antenna unit 43 (corresponding to the antenna substrate 7). The antenna unit 43 exchanges signals with the antenna unit 44 of the IC card 3, receives information from the control unit 46 of the IC card 3, and sends the information to the control circuit 41 via the demodulation circuit 47. The control circuit 41 is connected to the interface unit 48, and in the case of the external interlocking type, is connected to an external control device.

  In this way, when performing communication with the IC card 3 by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling, the contactless terminal device 1 and the IC card 3 are in a very close state, so that the reception level in the contactless terminal device 1 is high. There may be dead zones that suddenly drop. For this reason, in the non-contact type terminal device 1 of the present embodiment example, the fluctuation means for dynamically changing the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit 43 in the time axis direction, or the average of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit Fluctuating means for dynamically changing the value in the time axis direction or at least one changing means for dynamically changing the reference value before modulation of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction is provided. Yes. By the changing means, the position of the dead zone between the antenna unit 43 and the antenna unit 44 of the IC card 3 is dynamically changed in the time axis direction so as to minimize the influence of the dead zone.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the low frequency 52 is superimposed on the transmission signal 51 to periodically change the output of the transmission signal 51 in the time axis direction. Here, the low frequency 52 is a period for successfully communicating and processing during the operation of holding the IC card 3 over the non-contact type terminal device 1, for example, about 2 Hz to 1 kHz, preferably about 5 Hz to 500 Hz.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a random noise signal 53 is superimposed on the transmission signal 51 to change the output of the transmission signal 51 randomly in the time axis direction.

  Also, the voltage from the power source is changed. The range of the output fluctuation is, for example, varied in a range between about 0.3 W and 1.0 W with the antenna power.

  The outline of the communication system of the non-contact type terminal device 1 provided with the fluctuation | variation means is demonstrated based on FIG. 7 thru | or FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as the member shown in FIG. 7 and 8 show examples provided with means for changing the voltage of the power supply, and FIGS. 9 to 12 show examples provided with means for superimposing alternating current on the transmission output.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, voltage changing means 61 is provided between the power supply 55 and the modulation circuit 42 so that the voltage from the power supply 55 is changed. In the example shown in FIG. 8, output fluctuation command means 62 is connected to the power supply 55 as means for changing the voltage, and power whose voltage has been changed is output from the power supply 55 when necessary.

  For this reason, by changing the voltage, the transmission output can be dynamically changed in the time axis direction, and thereby the dead zone can be dynamically changed in the time axis direction. That is, even if the position where the IC card 3 is placed is a dead band position at a certain moment, it is not a dead band position at the next moment. Since communication is performed in a very short time, if the dead zone deviates from the dead zone at a certain moment, the processing is actually performed without feeling the dead zone. When the control is performed by open loop control, the system can be constructed easily and at low cost without complicating the circuit.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, a low frequency superimposing means 64 is provided between the modulation circuit 42 and the antenna unit 43 so that a low frequency is superimposed on a signal sent to the antenna unit 43. The example shown in FIG. 10 includes a low frequency superimposition command adding means 65 between the control circuit 41 and the modulation circuit 42, and adds a command for superimposing a low frequency to the control command signal sent from the control circuit 41 to the modulation circuit 42. Thus, a low frequency is superimposed on the signal sent to the antenna unit 43.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, a low frequency superimposing command means 66 is connected to the modulation circuit 42 so that the low frequency is superimposed on the modulation circuit 42 when necessary. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a low frequency superimposing output means 67 is connected to the control circuit 41, and a command for outputting a signal on which the low frequency is superimposed is sent from the control circuit 41 to the modulation circuit 42. is there.

  With the configuration shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, low frequency can be superimposed, so that the dead band can be dynamically changed in the time axis direction by periodically modulating the output signal from the antenna unit 43. . In FIGS. 9 to 12, when a low frequency is superimposed, it is possible to provide a random noise generating function for adding random noise to generate a random noise signal. The signal can be modulated in a random state.

  In the contactless terminal device 1 described above, even if the position where the IC card 3 is placed is a dead band position at a certain moment, it is not a dead band position at the next moment, so communication may be disabled. Disappear. Since communication is performed in a very short time, if the dead zone deviates from the dead zone at a certain moment, the processing is actually performed without feeling the dead zone. When the control is performed by open loop control, the system can be constructed easily and at low cost without complicating the circuit.

  By detecting the reception result of the demodulation circuit 47 and feeding it back to the fluctuation means, and adding the function of changing the transmission output when the reception output exceeds a predetermined output, stable communication can be achieved with minimal control. can do. Furthermore, it is also possible to add a function for resuming fluctuations when the output is below a predetermined output. Thereby, more stable communication becomes possible.

  An example of the operation of the feedback system will be described based on FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the detection of the IC card 3 is started in step S1, and the variation of the transmission output is started in step S2. In step S3, it is determined whether or not the reception level exceeds a predetermined value. If the reception level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the determination of the reception level is repeated. If it is determined in step S3 that the reception level exceeds the predetermined value, the change in transmission output is stopped in step S4, and processing such as settlement processing is started in step S5. After the process is finished in step S6, it is determined whether or not all the processes are finished in step S7. If not finished, the process proceeds to step S2 to start output fluctuation again. If it is determined in step S7 that all the processes have been completed, the detection of the IC card 3 is terminated in step S8, and the process is terminated.

  Therefore, since the detection of the IC card 3 is started and the fluctuation of the transmission output is started and the fluctuation of the transmission output is stopped when the transmission output exceeds a predetermined output, the stable communication with the minimum control. Can be made possible.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the detection of the IC card 3 is started in step S11, and the fluctuation of the transmission output is started in step S12. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the reception level exceeds a predetermined value. If the reception level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the determination of the reception level is repeated. If it is determined in step S13 that the reception level exceeds the predetermined value, the change in transmission output is stopped in step S14, and processing such as settlement processing is started in step S15.

  After the process is completed in step S16, it is determined whether or not all the processes are completed in step S17. If not completed, it is determined whether or not the reception level exceeds a predetermined value in step S18. If it is determined in step S18 that the reception level exceeds the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S15 to start processing that has not been completed. If it is determined in step S18 that the reception level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S12, and transmission output fluctuation is started again. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that all the processes have been completed, the detection of the IC card 3 is terminated in step S19, and the process is terminated.

  Therefore, since the detection of the IC card 3 is started and the fluctuation of the transmission output is started and the fluctuation of the transmission output is stopped when the transmission output exceeds a predetermined output, the stable communication with the minimum control. Can be made possible. In addition, since the fluctuation is resumed when the output becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined output while the process is completed, more stable communication is possible.

  Another embodiment of the communication system will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication system according to another embodiment, FIG. 16 shows an operation flow, and FIGS. 17 and 18 show concepts representing changes in output waveforms. Note that the same members as those shown in FIGS. 4 to 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, the changing means includes a first changing means and a second changing means that changes in a state in which the changing range is smaller than the change by the first changing means. The IC chip information from the antenna unit is input via a receiving circuit, and includes reception level determination means for detecting the input reception output, and when the reception level of the detected reception signal exceeds a predetermined output, This is provided with a function of stopping the operation of the first changing means and continuing the operation of only the second changing means.

  For this reason, when the output signal is modulated by the first fluctuation means and the second fluctuation means, and the output level can be maintained by feeding back the received signal, the signal is caused by the fluctuation by the second fluctuation means having a small fluctuation range. Can be modulated to enable extremely stable communication with a minimum of fluctuation operation.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the contactless terminal device 1 includes a control circuit 41 and a modulation circuit 42, and outputs a signal from the antenna unit 43. The antenna unit 43 exchanges signals with the antenna unit 44 (see FIG. 4) of the IC card 3, receives information from the control unit 46 (see FIG. 4) of the IC card 3, and controls it via the demodulation circuit 47. It is sent to the circuit 41. The control circuit 41 is connected to the interface unit 48, and in the case of the external interlocking type, is connected to an external control device.

  As means for changing the voltage, the first changing means 71 is connected to the power supply 55, and the second changing means 72 is provided between the power supply 55 and the modulation circuit 42. The first variation means 71 is configured to output electric power whose voltage has been varied from the power source 55 (large designation), and the second variation means 72 is a variation having a smaller variation range than the first variation means 71 (for example, a small amplitude). In this case, the voltage from the power source 55 is changed. A reception level determination means 73 is connected to the demodulation circuit 47 and the reception level of the IC card 3 is determined. The determination result received by the reception level determination means 73 is sent to the first fluctuation means 71, and the first fluctuation means 71 is operated according to the determination result.

  For this reason, the dead zone can be dynamically changed in the time axis direction by changing the voltage. That is, even if the position where the IC card 3 is placed is a dead band position at a certain moment, it is not a dead band position at the next moment. Since communication is performed in a very short time, if the dead zone deviates from the dead zone at a certain moment, the processing is actually performed without feeling the dead zone.

  As shown in FIG. 16, detection of the IC card 3 is started in step S21, and fluctuations in transmission output are started in step S22. In step S23, the power due to the voltage fluctuation by the first fluctuation means 71 is outputted from the power supply 55, and the fluctuation range of the transmission output is designated as large (state in FIG. 17A). In step S24, it is determined whether or not the reception level exceeds a predetermined value. If the reception level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the determination of the reception level is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the reception level exceeds the predetermined value, in step S25, a fluctuation with a small fluctuation range (for example, small amplitude vibration: FIG. 17B) is added by the second fluctuation means 72 (FIG. 17B). 17 (c) state). In step S25, when the small-amplitude vibration falls within the predetermined value range of the reception level (see A part in FIG. 18), the voltage fluctuation by the first fluctuation means 71 is stopped, and the second fluctuation means 72 Fluctuations due to small amplitude vibrations are executed (see part B in FIG. 18: small designation).

  After the variable range is set to a small designation in step S25, processing such as settlement processing is started in step S26. It is determined that all processes have been completed. In step S27, all processes are terminated. In step S28, the variation in transmission output is stopped. In step S29, detection of the IC card 3 is terminated, and the process is terminated.

  Therefore, when the output signal is modulated by the first varying means 71 and the second varying means 72 and the received signal is fed back and the output level can be maintained, the first varying means 71 is stopped and the fluctuation range is small. The signal is modulated by the fluctuation by the second fluctuation means 72. For this reason, it is possible to enable extremely stable communication with a minimum variation operation.

  In the non-contact type terminal device described above, since the dead zone can be dynamically changed in the time axis direction, the dead zone is not fixed, and the value information recording medium other than the IC card 3 is used regardless of the form of the value information recording medium (for example, It is possible to minimize the influence of the dead zone.

  Further, in the contactless terminal device described above, the influence of the dead zone can be minimized, so that not only reading of information from the IC chip but also writing of information to the IC chip is performed in a stable communication state. It becomes possible.

  Furthermore, since the above-described contactless terminal device can minimize the influence of the dead zone, after writing information to the IC chip, the IC is again used to check the consistency of the written information. Even when reading from the chip, it is possible to perform a series of these processes in a stable communication state, and it is possible to dramatically improve the reliability of information exchange with the IC chip. Become.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used in the industrial field of a non-contact type terminal device that communicates in a non-contact state with a value information recording medium such as an IC card having an IC chip, and reads and writes the IC chip.

1 is an external view of a contactless terminal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the II-II arrow directional view in FIG. It is a schematic block block diagram of the non-contact type terminal device which concerns on one example of embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of a basic communication system. It is a conceptual diagram of signal modulation. It is a conceptual diagram of signal modulation. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system provided with the fluctuation | variation means. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system provided with the fluctuation | variation means. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system provided with the fluctuation | variation means. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system provided with the fluctuation | variation means. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system provided with the fluctuation | variation means. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system provided with the fluctuation | variation means. It is a flowchart of a feedback system operation. It is a flowchart of a feedback system operation. It is a schematic block block diagram of the communication system which concerns on other example embodiments. It is an operation | movement flowchart. It is a conceptual diagram showing the change of an output waveform. It is a conceptual diagram showing the change of an output waveform.

Explanation of symbols

1 Contactless terminal device 2 IC chip 3 IC card (value holding media)
5, 65 Reading surface 7 Antenna board (antenna part)
8 Wireless communication unit 10 Holding unit (reading unit)
11 Payment module (data processing storage)
12 Control Unit 15 Terminal Main Unit (Terminal Main Unit)
20 Case 21 Lower Case 22 Upper Case 23 Optical Surface 26 I / O Module 27 Circuit Forming Board 28 RF Board 30, 37 Display Unit 31 Speaker 36 Operation Key 38 Printer Unit 39 Modem Unit 41 Control Circuit 42 Modulation Circuit 43, 44 Antenna Unit 46 Control circuit 47 Demodulation circuit 48 Interface unit 51 Transmission signal 52 Low frequency 53 Random noise signal 55 Power supply 61 Voltage fluctuation means 62 Output fluctuation command means 64 Low frequency superposition means 65 Low frequency superposition command addition means 66 Low frequency superposition command means 67 Low Frequency superimposing command output means 71 First varying means 72 Second varying means 73 Reception level determining means

Claims (12)

Relative value information recording medium having a read-write IC chip, capable of performing wireless communication antenna portion between the IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling non-contact state,
And variation means for dynamically varying the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction,
A transmission circuit for transmitting a signal to the antenna unit;
The non-contact type terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuating means is means for superimposing an AC signal on a transmission output of the antenna unit related to a signal acquired from the transmission circuit . Relative value information recording medium having a read-write IC chip, capable of performing wireless communication antenna portion between the IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling non-contact state,
And variation means for dynamically changing the average value of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction,
A transmission circuit for transmitting a signal to the antenna unit;
The non-contact type terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuating means is means for superimposing an AC signal on a transmission output of the antenna unit related to a signal acquired from the transmission circuit . Relative value information recording medium having a read-write IC chip, electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling unmodulated electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit capable of wireless communication antenna portion between the IC chip by a non-contact state and variation means for dynamically changing at the reference value of time axis direction,
A transmission circuit for transmitting a signal to the antenna unit;
The non-contact type terminal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluctuating means is means for superimposing an AC signal on a transmission output of the antenna unit related to a signal acquired from the transmission circuit . The contactless terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the changing unit superimposes a low-frequency signal on the transmission output to periodically change the transmission output in a time axis direction. . 4. The non-contact type terminal device according to claim 1 , wherein the changing unit superimposes a random noise signal and randomly changes the transmission output in a time axis direction . In any one of Claims 1-5 ,
A function of detecting a reception level of wireless communication from the IC chip of the antenna unit when performing wireless communication between the antenna unit and the IC chip by the electromagnetic induction or the electromagnetic coupling ,
A contactless terminal device comprising a function of stopping the operation of the changing means when the reception level exceeds a predetermined value and operating the changing means when the reception level is equal to or lower than the predetermined value . An antenna unit capable of wireless communication with an IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact state with respect to a value information recording medium having a readable / writable IC chip;
Fluctuation means for dynamically changing the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction;
A function of detecting a reception level of wireless communication from the IC chip of the antenna unit when performing wireless communication between the antenna unit and the IC chip by the electromagnetic induction or the electromagnetic coupling ,
The fluctuation means includes a first fluctuation means and a second fluctuation means that fluctuates in a state where the fluctuation range is smaller than the fluctuation by the first fluctuation means, and when the reception level exceeds a predetermined value , The operation of the first changing means is stopped, and the operation of only the second changing means is continued. The non-contact type terminal device. An antenna unit capable of wireless communication with an IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact state with respect to a value information recording medium having a readable / writable IC chip;
Fluctuation means for dynamically changing the average value of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction,
A function of detecting a reception level of wireless communication from the IC chip of the antenna unit when performing wireless communication between the antenna unit and the IC chip by the electromagnetic induction or the electromagnetic coupling,
The fluctuation means includes a first fluctuation means and a second fluctuation means that fluctuates in a state where the fluctuation range is smaller than the fluctuation by the first fluctuation means, and when the reception level exceeds a predetermined value, Stop the operation of the first changing means and continue the operation of only the second changing means.
A non-contact type terminal device. An antenna unit capable of wireless communication with an IC chip by electromagnetic induction or electromagnetic coupling in a non-contact state with respect to a value information recording medium having a readable / writable IC chip
Fluctuation means for dynamically changing the reference value before modulation of the electromagnetic output transmitted from the antenna unit in the time axis direction;
A function of detecting a reception level of wireless communication from the IC chip of the antenna unit when performing wireless communication between the antenna unit and the IC chip by the electromagnetic induction or the electromagnetic coupling,
The fluctuation means includes a first fluctuation means and a second fluctuation means that fluctuates in a state where the fluctuation range is smaller than the fluctuation by the first fluctuation means, and when the reception level exceeds a predetermined value, Stop the operation of the first changing means and continue the operation of only the second changing means.
A non-contact type terminal device. In any one of Claims 1-9,
A contactless terminal device that writes information in a non-contact state to the IC chip by transmitting and receiving information to and from the IC chip via the antenna unit. In claim 10,
A non-contact type terminal device, wherein after writing information to the IC chip in a non-contact state, the written information is read and the consistency of the written information is determined. In any one of Claims 1-11,
The information communicated with the IC chip is information including at least an amount of money.

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