JP7629780B2 - Communication Equipment and Control Systems - Google Patents

Description

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a communication device and a control system.

In recent years, information transmission methods using contactless short-distance communication technology have become increasingly widespread and are now used in a variety of fields. In contactless short-distance communication, a portable wireless communication device is used, the basic structure of which is a semiconductor element equipped with an integrated part and an antenna. Electricity is induced in the antenna by electromagnetic induction from a control device or by radio waves, which drives an integrated part (IC) chip that includes various elements that do not have a power source. The IC chip executes various processes, such as reading information embedded in the IC chip, writing information into the IC chip, generating and transmitting commands, and receiving commands from a control device. Such wireless communication devices are generally called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), but are given various names depending on their shape and use. For example, they are also called IC tags, wireless tags, RF tags, IC cards, etc.

Due to the variety of information that can be stored and the excellent portability of the wireless communication devices themselves, wireless communication devices are widely used as a means of product management, personal identification, security measures, electronic tickets, gaming cards, and commercial transaction settlement.

For example, if IC tags are used for security measures, security can be started when you go out by holding the IC tag over a control device installed in the living room. Similarly, security can be turned off when you return home by holding the IC tag over the control device.

Patent Document 1 also discloses an example in which a repeater is provided between a reader/writer and an IC tag in order to expand the communication area in communication using an IC tag.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-66250

On the other hand, after starting the security function, the user must quickly leave the house within a certain grace period. If the living room is far from the entrance, or if the user realizes they have left something behind along the way, and is unable to leave the house within the grace period, the security device may be activated.

In the case of Patent Document 1, although a repeater is provided, the IC tag and the reader/writer communicate directly, resulting in limitations to the communication area. In addition, the repeater reads the information in the IC tag, so the encryption process must be performed again. This can lead to signal delays.

In view of the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention aims to provide a communication device that can easily start security control from a remote location.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a communication device that transmits radio waves of a first frequency using a first antenna to a mobile communication device in close proximity to the communication device, receives an identification data signal associated with the mobile communication device via the radio waves of the first frequency, and transmits radio waves of a second frequency obtained by superimposing and modulating the identification data signal to a second communication device separated from the communication device using a second antenna corresponding to the second frequency.

In the above portable wireless communication device, the first antenna may have a loop shape, and the second antenna may have a shape different from the loop shape.

In the above portable wireless communication device, the radio waves of the first frequency may be short waves, and the radio waves of the second frequency may be ultra-short waves.

The portable wireless communication device may include an operable operation unit, and may transmit a control request signal to the second communication device according to the operation status of the operation unit.

The portable wireless communication device may further include a third antenna having a shape different from the first antenna and the second antenna, and may transmit a control request signal according to the operation status of the operation unit to the second communication device via radio waves of a third frequency different from the first frequency and the second frequency.

In the above portable wireless communication device, the third frequency may be greater than the second frequency.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a control system is provided that includes at least one of the above communication devices, the above second communication device, and a control device disposed in proximity to the second communication device.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second communication device may extract an identification data signal associated with the mobile communication device from radio waves of the second frequency transmitted from the communication device.

In the above control system, the second communication device may transmit the transmitted identification data signal to the control device via radio waves of the first frequency transmitted from the control device.

In the above control system, the at least one communication device may include a plurality of communication devices, each of which includes an operable operation unit, and a second identification data signal that identifies each of the plurality of communication devices may be transmitted to the second communication device when a control instruction signal corresponding to an operation status of the operation unit is transmitted to the second communication device.

In the above control system, the at least one communication device may include a plurality of communication devices, and each of the plurality of communication devices may transmit radio waves of the first frequency that have been subjected to a second modulation process to the mobile communication device when the radio waves of the first frequency that have been subjected to a first modulation in advance match a second identification data signal that identifies each of the plurality of communication devices.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a communication device can be provided that allows security control to be easily initiated from a remote location.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a block diagram of a portable communication device according to one embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a flow diagram of a security control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flow diagram of a security control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a flow diagram of a security control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a security deactivation control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a security deactivation control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a security deactivation control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a schematic diagram of radio waves transmitted and received in a control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Each embodiment of the invention disclosed in this application will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below.

In the drawings referred to in this embodiment, identical parts or parts having similar functions are given the same or similar reference symbols (reference symbols consisting of only a number followed by -1, -2, etc.), and repeated explanations may be omitted. Also, for the sake of explanation, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may differ from the actual ratios, and some components may be omitted from the drawings.

First Embodiment
A control system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

(1-1. Configuration of the control system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system 10. The control system 10 includes a control device 100, a communication device 200, an IC tag 300 (also called a portable communication device), and a sensor 400. The communication device 200 includes a second communication device 200a (also called a parent device) arranged in close proximity to the control device 100, and a first communication device 200b (also called a communication device or a child device) arranged away from the second communication device 200a. Note that when it is not necessary to distinguish between the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b, they will be described as the communication device 200.

In this embodiment, the control system 10 is placed in a house 20. Specifically, in the house 20, the control device 100 and the second communication device 200a of the control system 10 are placed in the living room 21 of the house 20. The first communication device 200b is placed in the entrance 23 of the house 20. The IC tag 300 can be carried by the user.

In this embodiment, in the control system 10, communication is performed between the control device 100 and the second communication device 200a. Also, communication is performed between the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b. Furthermore, communication is performed between the first communication device 200b and the IC tag 300. As a result, communication can be performed between the control device 100 and the IC tag 300. Therefore, the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b can be said to be repeaters. The IC tag 300 is configured to generate an identification data signal in accordance with a command from the control device 100 via the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b. When the IC tag 300 approaches (is held over) the first communication device 200b, the identification data signal is transmitted to the control device 100. This allows the sensor 400 to set security or deactivate security. Details of communication will be described later. The sensor 400 may be an infrared sensor, a sound sensor, an odor sensor, a smoke sensor, or any other sensor with the necessary functions.

(1-2. Configuration of the control device)
2 shows a block diagram of the control device 100. The control device 100 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, a modulation unit 130, a transmission unit 140, an antenna unit 150, a reception unit 160, a demodulation unit 170, an oscillation unit 180, and the like.

The control unit 110 is a computer and controls the entire control device 100 using a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or other arithmetic processing circuit. The control unit 110 interprets received data and commands, writes data to the memory unit 120, reads data from the memory unit 120, and generates responses that match received commands.

The storage unit 120 includes semiconductor memory such as a solid state drive (SSD), as well as magnetic recording media (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), optical recording media, magneto-optical recording media, and other storage elements. The storage unit 120 stores unique information and various rewritable security control-related information.

The modulation unit 130 modulates the commands and data sent from the control unit 110 by superimposing them onto the carrier wave generated by the oscillation unit 180. The modulated carrier wave is sent to the transmission unit 140, which amplifies the signal, attenuates unnecessary frequencies, and extracts only the frequencies to be transmitted. The signal processed in this way is transmitted to the second communication device 200a (IC tag 300) via the antenna.

The receiving unit 160 has the function of receiving a signal transmitted from the second communication device 200a (IC tag 300) using the antenna unit 150. Specifically, the receiving unit 160 removes noise contained in the carrier wave and amplifies the necessary signal. The amplified signal is sent to the demodulation unit 170 and demodulated into the necessary commands and data.

The oscillator 180 has the function of generating a carrier wave necessary for communication. For example, a 13.56 MHz radio wave is generated as the carrier wave.

The control unit 110 further includes functional units, such as a matching unit 111, a security control unit 113, and a security release control unit 115.

The matching unit 111 checks whether the IC tag 300 meets predetermined conditions based on the identification data signal transmitted from the IC tag 300. Specifically, it determines whether the identification data signal pre-stored in the memory unit 120 matches the transmitted identification data signal.

The security control unit 113 has the function of transmitting a security signal to the sensor 400 placed inside the house 20 and setting the inside of the house 20 to a security state.

The security release control unit 115 has the function of sending a security release signal to the sensor 400 placed inside the house 20 and setting the inside of the house 20 to a security release state.

(1-3. Configuration of communication device 200)
3 shows a block diagram of the communication device 200. The communication device 200 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a modulation unit 230, a receiving unit 240, a transmitting unit 245, a filter unit 250, an oscillation unit 260, an antenna unit 270 (a first antenna 271, a second antenna 273, and a third antenna 275), an operation unit 280, a display unit 290, and the like.

The control unit 210 is a computer, and uses a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or other arithmetic processing circuit to control the entire communication device 200. The control unit 210 interprets received data and commands, writes data to the memory unit 220, reads data from the memory unit 220, and generates information that conforms to received commands.

The storage unit 220 is equipped with a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, and other storage elements. The storage unit 220 stores unique information and various rewritable information related to security control.

The modulation unit 230 modulates the commands and data sent from the control unit 210 by superimposing them onto the carrier wave generated by the oscillation unit 260. The modulated carrier wave is sent to the transmission unit 245, which amplifies the signal, attenuates unnecessary frequencies, and extracts only the frequencies to be transmitted. The signal processed in this way is transmitted to the target device via the antenna unit 270.

The receiving unit 240 has a function of receiving a carrier wave transmitted from the control device 100 or the IC tag 300 (or the second communication device 200a or the first communication device 200b) via the antenna unit 270. The receiving unit 240 may remove noise contained in the carrier wave and amplify the necessary signal.

The filter unit 250 has a function of extracting the identification data signal (e.g., a 212 kHz signal) from the carrier wave containing the identification data signal. A bandpass filter is used for the filter unit 250.

The oscillator 260 has the function of generating a carrier wave necessary for communication. In this example, short waves (13.56 MHz radio waves) are generated for data transmission, including power supply. A frequency different from the 13.56 MHz radio waves is used for transmitting identification data signals. Specifically, very short waves (e.g., 150 MHz radio waves) are generated. Ultra-short waves (e.g., 2.4 GHz radio waves) are generated for transmitting security instruction signals.

The antenna unit 270 is provided according to the frequency of the carrier wave. The function and communication distance of the carrier wave change depending on the frequency. In this embodiment, the antenna unit 270 includes a first antenna 271, a second antenna 273, and a third antenna 275. The first antenna 271, the second antenna 273, and the third antenna 275 have different shapes and lengths. The first antenna 271 is used as an antenna corresponding to 13.56 MHz radio waves. In this example, the first antenna 271 is a loop antenna. Although the 13.56 MHz radio waves have a short communication distance, they can supply power to the IC tag 300. The second antenna 273 is used as an antenna corresponding to ultra-short waves (e.g., 150 MHz radio waves). In this example, the second antenna is a patch antenna (more specifically, a microstrip antenna). The third antenna 275 is used as an antenna corresponding to extremely short waves (e.g., 2.4 GHz radio waves). Very high frequency or ultra high frequency waves cannot provide power, but they can extend communication distances.

The operation unit 280 includes a controller, a button, or a switch. When the user uses the operation unit to perform an action such as moving up, down, left, right, pressing, or rotating, information based on the action is input to the control unit 210. In this example, the operation unit 280 includes a security button 281 and a release button 283. The operation unit 280 may be provided so that it can be pressed, or may be formed by a capacitive touch sensor. For example, when the security button 281 is pressed, security request information is input to the control unit 210.

The display unit 290 includes a security status indicator lamp 291 and a release status indicator lamp 293. For example, a light emitting diode (LED: Light Emitting Device) is used for the display unit 290. Alternatively, the display unit 290 may have a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel.

The control unit 210 further includes, as functional units, a security request signal generating unit 211 and a security release request signal generating unit 213. The security request signal generating unit 211 generates a security request signal when the security button 281 is pressed. The security release request signal generating unit 213 generates a security release request signal when the release button 283 is pressed.

The first communication device 200b of the communication devices 200 may have a power supply unit 299. The power supply unit 299 may be connected to a power source device in the house 20. Alternatively, the power supply unit 299 may include a battery. The second communication device 200a may be supplied with power by a 13.56 MHz carrier wave transmitted from the control device 100. In this case, the first communication device 200b may not have a power supply unit 299.

(1-4. Configuration of IC tag 300)
FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the IC tag 300. As shown in FIG.

The IC tag 300 mainly includes an antenna unit 310 and an IC chip 330. The IC chip 330 can have a control unit 331, a memory unit 333, a voltage limit unit 335, a rectifier unit 337, a demodulator unit 339, a modulator unit 341, and a resistor unit 343. Furthermore, the IC tag 300 may include a capacitance for adjusting the resonant frequency.

The antenna unit 310 is an electromagnetic induction type antenna, and is arranged, for example, in a loop shape. An electromotive force (voltage) is generated in the antenna unit 310, the magnitude of which corresponds to the change in magnetic flux density passing through the area surrounded by the antenna unit 310. This electromotive force is applied to the IC chip 330 electrically connected to the antenna unit 310, and the IC chip 330 is driven. The antenna unit 310 is configured to resonate, for example, in the short wave frequency band. Specifically, the short wave corresponds to the 13.56 MHz frequency band.

The control unit 331 is a computer, and has the function of controlling transmission and reception between the first communication device 200b (or the control device 100), interpretation of commands, reading information from the memory unit 333, writing information to the memory unit 333, etc., using a CPU, ASIC, FPGA, or other arithmetic processing circuit. The control unit 331 is composed of various logic units.

The storage unit 333 is equipped with a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, and other storage elements. The storage unit 333 stores unique information and various rewritable information.

The voltage limit unit 335 has the function of protecting the IC chip 330 from the voltage that is input when an excessive voltage is induced in the antenna unit 310. When an excessive voltage is induced, the unnecessary portion of the generated current is converted into heat using the resistor unit 343 and released to the outside.

The rectifier unit 337 has the function of converting the AC current induced in the antenna unit 310 into a DC current. The power supply voltage converted to DC by the rectifier unit 337 is supplied to all components constituting the IC tag 300.

The demodulation unit 339 has the function of converting the information (command signal) contained in the carrier wave transmitted from the first communication device 200b into a signal sequence of 1s or 0s.

The control unit 331 also generates a response (identification data signal) to the command received from the control device 100, and sends this generated identification data signal to the modulation unit 341. The modulation unit 341 modulates a carrier wave with the identification data signal in order to transmit the identification data signal to the control device 100. The signal generated in this way (identification data signal) is transmitted from the antenna unit 310 via the carrier wave.

(1-5. Security control method)
Next, the security control method will be described. Figures 5 to 7 are flow charts showing the security control method. At the time of starting security control, the release state indicator lamps 293 of the first communication device 200b and the second communication device 200a are displayed as lit (S101). At this time, a 13.56 MHz carrier wave including a read signal of the IC tag 300 is constantly transmitted from the control device 100 to the second communication device 200a. When the second communication device 200a receives a read signal (a transmission command signal of the identification data signal), the 13.56 MHz carrier wave is removed. At this time, a 150 MHz radio wave is generated as a frequency for the read signal from the second communication device 200a to the first communication device 200b. The read signal is transmitted to the first communication device 200b via the 150 MHz radio wave.

First, the user presses the security button 281 of the first communication device 200b. At this time, information based on the pressing operation (security request information) is input. At this time, the release status indicator lamp 293 may be displayed flashing. The security request information is transmitted to the control unit 210, and the security request signal generating unit 211 of the first communication device 200b generates a security request signal (S103). The oscillator unit 260 of the first communication device 200b generates a 2.4 GHz radio wave. The modulator unit 230 modulates the generated security request signal by superimposing it on the 2.4 GHz radio wave. The security request signal is transmitted to the second communication device 200a via the 2.4 GHz radio wave using the third antenna 275 corresponding to the 2.4 GHz radio wave (S105).

When the second communication device 200a receives a carrier wave including a security request signal via the third antenna 275 (S105), the release status indicator lamp 293 of the second communication device 200a may flash. The filter unit 250 of the second communication device 200a removes the carrier wave. The modulation unit 230 modulates the security request signal by superimposing it onto a 13.56 MHz carrier wave transmitted from the control device 100. The security request signal is transmitted from the first antenna 271 to the control device 100 via the carrier wave (S107). The control device 100 receives the transmitted security request signal (S109). The received security request signal is stored in the memory unit 120.

When the control device 100 receives a security request signal, it may detect whether the identification data signal of the IC tag 300 is transmitted within a predetermined period of time. If the identification data signal is not transmitted within the predetermined period of time (if a timeout occurs), it may erase the security request signal. At this time, information may be transmitted to the second communication device 200a to indicate that the security request signal has been erased.

Next, when the IC tag 300 is held over (close to) the first communication device 200b (S201), a 13.56 MHz carrier wave is transmitted from the antenna section 270 (first antenna 271) of the first communication device 200b to the antenna section 310 of the IC tag 300 (S203). At this time, magnetic lines of force are generated in the antenna section 310 (inside the ring of the antenna section 310). Furthermore, the magnetic lines of force generate electromagnetic induction, and as a result, an induced electromotive force is supplied to the IC chip 330. This activates the IC chip 330, enabling transmission and reception with the first communication device 200b.

When power is supplied to the IC chip 330, the modulation unit 341 superimposes and modulates an identification data signal (212 kHz signal) for identifying the IC tag 300 onto a 13.56 MHz carrier wave. In this example, ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation, which biases the amplitude of the carrier wave, is used as the modulation method. The identification data signal included in the carrier wave is transmitted to the first communication device 200b via the antenna unit 310 (S205).

The first communication device 200b receives the 13.56 MHz carrier wave including the identification data signal at the first antenna 271. Next, the filter unit 250 extracts the identification data signal by removing the carrier wave (S207). The oscillator unit 260 generates a 150 MHz radio wave as the carrier wave. The modulator unit 230 superimposes the identification data signal (212 kHz signal) on the generated carrier wave (150 MHz radio wave) and modulates it (S209). The first communication device 200b transmits the identification data signal to the second communication device using the second antenna 273 corresponding to the carrier wave (150 MHz radio wave) (S211).

The second communication device 200a receives the carrier wave (150 MHz radio wave) including the identification data signal by the second antenna 273 (S213). Next, the filter unit 250 of the second communication device 200a extracts the identification data signal by removing the carrier wave. The modulation unit 230 superimposes the identification data signal on the carrier wave (13.56 MHz radio wave) and modulates it (S215). The identification data signal is transmitted to the control device 100 from the first antenna 271 corresponding to the carrier wave (13.56 MHz radio wave) via the carrier wave (S217). The control device 100 receives the identification data signal via the carrier wave. Specifically, the control device 100 demodulates the identification data signal from the carrier wave and receives (acquires) the identification data signal (S219).

Next, the comparison unit 111 of the control device 100 checks whether the IC tag 300 meets a predetermined condition based on the identification data signal (S301). Specifically, it is determined whether the identification data signal stored in advance in the storage unit 120 matches the identification data signal transmitted from the IC tag 300. If the identification data stored in advance does not match the identification data transmitted from the IC tag 300, that is, if the comparison result is inappropriate (S303; No), the security control process ends. At this time, the security request signal may be canceled. The control device 100 may also transmit an instruction signal to the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b to return the release state indicator lamp 293 from a flashing state to a lit state. The control device 100 may also transmit an instruction signal to the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b to indicate that the comparison result is inappropriate.

If the identification data stored in advance matches the identification data transmitted from the IC tag 300, that is, if the comparison result is correct (S303; Yes), the security control unit 113 starts security control (S305). Specifically, the security control unit 113 drives each of the sensors 400.

When the security control state is entered, the security control unit 113 generates a security start signal. The generated security start signal is transmitted to the second communication device 200a via a 13.56 MHz carrier wave (S307). When the second communication device 200a receives the security start signal (S309), the security status indicator lamp 291 of the second communication device 200a is lit (S311). At this time, the release status indicator lamp 293 is turned off in conjunction with the security status indicator lamp 291 being lit. The security start signal is also transmitted from the second communication device 200a to the first communication device 200b via a 2.4 GHz carrier wave (S313). The generation, modulation, and transmission methods of each carrier wave are the same as those described above. When the first communication device 200b receives the security start signal (S315), the security status indicator lamp 291 of the first communication device 200b is lit (S317). This completes the security control process.

(1-6. Security Release Control Method)
Next, the security release control method will be described. Figures 8 to 10 are flow charts showing the security release control method. At the start of security release control, the security status indicator lamps 291 of the first communication device 200b and the second communication device 200a are displayed (S401).

First, the user presses the release button 283 of the first communication device 200b. At this time, the security release request signal generating unit 213 of the first communication device 200b generates a security release request signal (S403). The oscillator 260 of the first communication device 200b generates a 2.4 GHz radio wave as a carrier wave for the security release request signal. The modulator 230 modulates the security release request signal by superimposing it on the 2.4 GHz radio wave. The security release request signal is transmitted to the second communication device 200a via the 2.4 GHz radio wave using the third antenna 275 (S405).

When the second communication device 200a receives a carrier wave including a security release request signal via the third antenna 275 (S405), the filter unit 250 of the second communication device 200a removes the carrier wave. The modulation unit 230 modulates the security release request signal by superimposing it onto a 13.56 MHz carrier wave transmitted from the control device 100. The security release request signal is transmitted to the control device 100 via the carrier wave (S407). The control device 100 receives the transmitted security release request signal (S409). The received security release request signal is stored in the memory unit 120.

When the control device 100 receives the security release request signal, it may detect whether the identification data signal of the IC tag 300 is transmitted within a predetermined period of time. If the identification data signal is not transmitted within the predetermined period of time, it may erase the security release request signal. At this time, it may transmit a signal to the second communication device 200a to indicate that the security release request signal has been erased.

Next, when the IC tag 300 is held over (close to) the first communication device 200b (S501), a 13.56 MHz carrier wave is transmitted from the antenna section (first antenna 271) of the first communication device 200b to the antenna section 310 of the IC tag 300 (S503). At this time, magnetic lines of force are generated in the antenna section 310. These magnetic lines of force cause electromagnetic induction in the antenna section 310, and as a result, an induced electromotive force is supplied to the IC chip 330. This activates the IC chip 330, enabling transmission and reception with the first communication device 200b.

When power is supplied to the IC chip 330, the modulation unit 341 superimposes an identification data signal for identifying the IC tag 300 onto a 13.56 MHz carrier wave and modulates it. The identification data signal is transmitted from the antenna unit 310 to the first communication device 200b via the carrier wave (S505).

The first communication device 200b receives a 13.56 MHz carrier wave including an identification data signal at the first antenna 271. The filter unit 250 extracts the identification data signal by removing the carrier wave (S507). The oscillator unit 260 generates a very short wave (150 MHz radio wave) as a carrier wave. The modulator unit 230 superimposes the identification data signal onto the generated carrier wave (150 MHz radio wave) and modulates it (S509). The first communication device 200b transmits the identification data signal to the second communication device 200a using the second antenna 273 corresponding to the carrier wave (150 MHz radio wave) (S511).

The second communication device 200a receives the carrier wave (150 MHz radio wave) including the identification data signal by the second antenna 273 (S513). Next, the filter unit 250 of the second communication device 200a extracts the identification data signal by removing the carrier wave. The modulation unit 230 superimposes the identification data signal onto the carrier wave (13.56 MHz radio wave) and modulates it (S515). The identification data signal is transmitted from the first antenna 271 to the control device 100 via the carrier wave (13.56 MHz radio wave) (S517). The control device 100 receives the identification data signal via the carrier wave. In this example, the control device 100 demodulates the identification data signal from the carrier wave and receives (acquires) the identification data signal (S519).

Next, the comparison unit 111 of the control device 100 checks whether the IC tag 300 meets a predetermined condition based on the identification data signal (S601). If the identification data stored in advance does not match the identification data transmitted from the IC tag 300, that is, if the comparison result is inappropriate (S603; No), the security release control process ends without being completed. At this time, the security release request signal may be canceled. The control device 100 may also send an instruction signal to the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b to return the security status indicator lamp 291 from a flashing state to a lit state. The control device 100 may also send an instruction signal to the second communication device 200a and the first communication device 200b to indicate that the comparison result is inappropriate.

If the identification data stored in advance matches the identification data transmitted from the IC tag 300, that is, if the comparison result is correct (S603; Yes), the security release control unit 115 starts security release control (S605). Specifically, the security release control unit 115 stops driving each of the sensors 400.

When the security release control state is entered, the security release control unit 115 generates a security release signal. The generated security release signal is transmitted to the second communication device 200a via a 13.56 MHz carrier wave (S607). When the second communication device 200a receives the security release signal (S609), the release status indicator lamp 293 of the second communication device 200a is lit (S611). At this time, the security status indicator lamp 291 is turned off in conjunction with the release status indicator lamp 293 being lit. Similarly, the security release signal is transmitted from the second communication device 200a to the first communication device 200b using the third antenna 275 corresponding to the 2.4 GHz carrier wave (S613). When the first communication device 200b receives the security release signal (S615), the release status indicator lamp 293 of the first communication device 200b is lit (the security status indicator lamp 291 is turned off) (S617). This completes the security deactivation control process.

In this embodiment, radio waves of the required frequency and antennas corresponding to said frequencies are used according to requirements such as the information to be transmitted, communication distance, and power supply. Therefore, communication is performed between IC tags that do not have a power supply unit using short waves and short wave antennas that can supply power. In addition, communication is performed between distant communication devices using very short waves or ultra short waves that enable long distance communication, and antennas that support very short waves or ultra short waves. This makes it possible to provide a communication device that can easily perform security control even from a remote location.

Here, we will further compare a conventional repeater with the communication device of this embodiment. In the case of a conventional repeater, the repeater reads IC tag information. At this time, the repeater decrypts the IC tag information before reading it. Therefore, after the repeater reads the IC tag information, it is necessary to encrypt the IC tag information again within the repeater before transmitting it to the reader/writer in order to prevent the IC tag information from being intercepted. This may result in delays in signal transmission. Furthermore, the control process becomes more complex due to the reading process and encryption process. Therefore, the repeater needs to be equipped with a control element that corresponds to the control process.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, when the communication device 200 receives the identification data signal included in the carrier wave, the communication device 200 (particularly the first communication device 200b) does not perform the reading process of the identification data signal related to the IC tag 300, but only extracts and transmits the signal (only the control device 100 performs the reading process of the identification data signal). This makes it possible to suppress delays in signal transmission due to the reading process and encryption process. In addition, even if another person receives the IC tag information, since the IC tag information is encrypted, it is not easy to decipher the IC tag information. Therefore, the confidentiality of the identification data signal generated by the IC tag 300 can be maintained. In addition, since the communication device 200 does not perform the reading process and encryption process, the control process in the communication device 200 is simplified. As a result, the number of control elements mounted on the communication device 200 can be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the communication device 200 can be reduced.

Second Embodiment
In this embodiment, a communication device different from that in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Specifically, an example in which a communication device 200 has two antennas will be described. Note that the description of the first embodiment will be appropriately cited for overlapping descriptions.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the control system 10A. As shown in Figure 11, the control system 10A includes a control device 100, a communication device 200A (first communication device 200Ab, second communication device 200Aa), an IC tag 300, and a sensor 400. Figure 12 shows a block diagram of the communication device 200A. As shown in Figure 12, the communication device 200A includes a control unit 210, a memory unit 220, a modulation unit 230, a receiving unit 240, a transmitting unit 245, a filter unit 250, an oscillation unit 260, an antenna unit 270A (first antenna 271A, third antenna 275A), an operation unit 280, and a display unit 290.

In this embodiment, the carrier frequency for transmitting the identification data signal and the security request signal may be the same. In this example, a 2.4 GHz radio wave is used as a common carrier wave for the identification data signal and the security request signal.

The antenna unit 270A is provided according to the frequency of the carrier wave. The function and communication distance of the carrier wave change depending on the frequency. In this embodiment, the antenna unit 270A includes a first antenna 271A and a third antenna 275A. The first antenna 271A and the third antenna 275A have different shapes and lengths. In this example, the first antenna 271A is used as an antenna for 13.56 MHz. Specifically, the first antenna 271A is a loop antenna. Although the 13.56 MHz radio wave has a short communication distance, it can supply power to the IC tag 300. The second antenna 273A is used as an antenna compatible with ultra-high frequency waves (e.g., 2.4 GHz radio waves). Although the ultra-high frequency waves cannot supply power, they can extend the communication distance.

By using this embodiment, the number of antennas in a communication device can be reduced. Therefore, the manufacturing costs of the communication device can be reduced.

Third Embodiment
In this embodiment, a communication device different from that in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Specifically, an example having a plurality of first communication devices will be described.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the control system 10B. As shown in Figure 13, the control system 10B includes a control device 100, a communication device 200B, an IC tag 300, and a sensor 400. The communication device 200B includes a first communication device 200Bb and a second communication device 200Ba. In this embodiment, a plurality of first communication devices 200Bb (specifically, a first communication device 200Bb-1, a first communication device 200Bb-2, and a first communication device 200Bb-3) are provided.

Figure 14 shows an example of a carrier wave in this embodiment. Figure 14 (A) is an example of a carrier wave CW-1 of the first communication device 200Bb-1. Figure 14 (B) is an example of a carrier wave CW-2 of the first communication device 200Bb-2. Figure 14 (C) is an example of a carrier wave CW-3 of the first communication device 200Bb-3. In this embodiment, a modulation process (second modulation) for adding address information of the first communication device 200Bb is performed in advance by turning the carrier wave ON/OFF at a low frequency (for example, 9600 Hz) at a timing other than the modulation for communication of each information (also called the first modulation). In other words, in this embodiment, double modulation is performed on the carrier wave. The address information may be generated by a control device.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (A), carrier OFF processing is performed twice at the timing of Sig1 (Sig1-1). This identifies that the communication processing is by the first communication device 200Bb-1. Then, at the timing of Sig2, information that matches the address information is transmitted from the first communication device 200Bb-1 to the IC tag 300. Furthermore, at the timing of Sig3, information is transmitted from the IC tag 300 to the first communication device 200Bb-1.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14(B), wave transmission OFF processing is performed three times at the timing of Sig1 (Sig1-2). This identifies the communication processing as being performed by the first communication device 200Bb-2. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14(C), wave transmission OFF processing is performed four times at the timing of Sig1 (Sig1-3). This identifies the communication processing as being performed by the first communication device 200Bb-3.

In this embodiment, the first communication device corresponding to the address information can transmit identification information and information corresponding to the button to the control device 100. Therefore, it is possible to identify which first communication device transmitted the information.

In this embodiment, an example of performing the second modulation by ON/OFF processing is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, communication may be performed using carrier waves of two different frequencies simultaneously (in this example, a 13.56 MHz radio wave and a 2.4 GHz radio wave).

In addition, in this embodiment, the second modulation does not necessarily have to be performed. For example, when the security button of each first communication device 200Bb is pressed, an identification data signal (second identification data signal) that identifies each of the first communication devices may be transmitted together with the security request signal. This makes it easy to identify which first communication device transmitted the security request signal.

Fourth Embodiment
In this embodiment, a control system different from that in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Specifically, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the control device 100 and the second communication device 200a are provided separately, but in this embodiment, an example in which the control device and the second communication device are integrated will be described.

Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a control system 10C. As shown in Figure 15, the control system 10C includes a control device 100C, a first communication device 200b, and an IC tag 300. In Figure 15, only the control device 100C of the control system 10C may be placed in the living room 21 of the house 20.

Figure 16 shows a block diagram of the control device 100C. The control device 100C includes a control unit 110, a memory unit 120, a modulation unit 130, a transmission unit 140, a reception unit 160, a demodulation unit 170, and an oscillation unit 180, as well as an antenna unit 150C and a filter unit 190.

The filter unit 190 has a function of extracting the identification data signal (e.g., a 212 kHz signal) from the carrier wave containing the identification data signal. A bandpass filter is used for the filter unit 190.

The antenna section 150C includes a first antenna 151, a second antenna 153, and a third antenna 155. The first antenna 151, the second antenna 153, and the third antenna 155 have different shapes and lengths. The first antenna 151 is used as an antenna that supports 13.56 MHz radio waves. In this example, the first antenna 151 is a loop antenna. The second antenna 153 is used as an antenna that supports very high frequencies (e.g., 150 MHz radio waves). In this example, the second antenna is a patch antenna (more specifically, a microstrip antenna). The third antenna 155 is used as an antenna that supports extremely high frequencies (e.g., 2.4 GHz radio waves).

In this embodiment, the first communication device 200b transmits the identification data of the portable communication device to the control device 100C via ultra-high frequency waves without decrypting the identification data. The control device 100C decrypts the identification data and then reads the identification data signal.

Therefore, by using this embodiment, the control device 100C can have the functions of the second communication device 200b. This can further simplify the configuration of the control system.

(Modification)
The above-described embodiments of the present invention may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent. Furthermore, those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or deletes components or modifies the design based on each embodiment are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

Furthermore, even if there are other effects and advantages different from those brought about by the above-mentioned embodiments, if they are clear from the description in this specification or can be easily predicted by a person skilled in the art, they are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the control system 10 is placed in a house 20 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control system 10 may be placed in a factory, a building, or other facility. In this case, the control device 100 and the second communication device 200a of the control system 10 may be placed in a central control room of each facility, and the first communication device 200b may be placed at an entrance/exit.

In addition, in the first embodiment of the present invention, an example is shown in which the identification data signal of the IC tag 300 is transmitted after the security request signal is transmitted, but the present invention is not limited to this. The security request signal may be transmitted after the identification data signal of the IC tag 300 is transmitted, or the security request signal and the identification signal of the IC tag 300 may be transmitted simultaneously.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the antenna section 310 of the IC tag is configured to resonate at 13.56 MHz, which is a short wave, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the IC tag 300 has a power supply mechanism, the antenna section 310 may be configured to resonate at an ultra-high frequency.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, an example was shown in which an identification data signal is generated and transmitted when the IC tag 300 is held over the first communication device 200b, but the present invention is not limited to this. The IC tag 300 can be held over a control device to perform similar control.

10...control system, 20...house, 21...living room, 23...entrance, 100...control device, 110...control unit, 111...matching unit, 113...security control unit, 115...security release control unit, 120...memory unit, 130...modulation unit, 140...transmission unit, 150...antenna unit, 160...reception unit, 170...demodulation unit, 180...oscillation unit, 200...communication device, 200a...second communication device, 200b...first communication device, 210...control unit, 211...security request signal generation unit, 213...security release request signal generation unit, 220...memory unit, 230...modulation unit, 240...reception unit, 2 45: transmitter, 250: filter, 260: oscillator, 270: antenna, 271: first antenna, 273: second antenna, 275: third antenna, 280: operation unit, 281: security button, 283: release button, 290: display unit, 291: security status indicator lamp, 293: release status indicator lamp, 299: power supply unit, 300: tag, 310: antenna unit, 330: IC chip, 331: control unit, 333: memory unit, 335: voltage limit unit, 337: rectifier, 339: demodulator, 341: modulator, 343: resistor, 400: sensor

Claims (11)

A communication device fixedly installed in a facility ,
When the control device receives a security request signal,
transmitting radio waves of a first frequency to a mobile communication device placed in close proximity to the communication device by a user using a first antenna;
receiving an identification data signal associated with the portable communication device via radio waves at the first frequency;
a second antenna corresponding to the second frequency is used to transmit the second frequency radio wave obtained by superposing and modulating the identification data signal to a second communication device disposed in the facility close to the control device and provided at a different location from the communication device;
Communications equipment. The first antenna has a loop shape,
The second antenna has a shape different from the loop shape.
The communication device according to claim 1 . the first frequency radio wave is a short wave,
The second frequency radio wave is a very high frequency wave.
3. A communication device according to claim 1 or 2. A control unit that can be operated is included.
transmitting a control request signal to the second communication device in accordance with an operation status of the operation unit;
A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. further comprising a third antenna having a different shape from the first antenna and the second antenna;
transmitting a control request signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation unit to the second communication device via radio waves having a third frequency different from the first frequency and the second frequency;
The communication device according to claim 4. The third frequency is greater than the second frequency.
The communication device according to claim 5. At least one communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 6;
the second communication device;
The control device.
Control system. the second communication device extracts an identification data signal associated with the portable communication device from radio waves of the second frequency transmitted from the communication device;
8. The control system of claim 7. The second communication device transmits the transmitted identification data signal to the control device via radio waves of the first frequency transmitted from the control device.
8. The control system of claim 7. The at least one communication device includes a plurality of communication devices;
Each of the plurality of communication devices includes an operable operation unit,
transmitting, to the second communication device, a second identification data signal for identifying each of the plurality of communication devices when transmitting, to the second communication device, a control request signal corresponding to an operation state of the operation unit;
8. The control system of claim 7. The at least one communication device includes a plurality of communication devices;
Each of the plurality of communication devices transmits the radio wave of the first frequency subjected to the second modulation process to the mobile communication device when the radio wave matches a second identification data signal that identifies each of the plurality of communication devices and is included in the radio wave of the first frequency that has been subjected to the first modulation in advance.
8. The control system of claim 7.