JP7634435B2 - RFID device - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an RFID device.

RFID devices that can be carried by users have been known for some time. RFID devices have a battery and read RFID tags using power supplied from the battery. There is also known technology for using such RFID devices in, for example, white canes.

Since the area for placing the battery is limited in such white canes, it is difficult to install a large-capacity battery. Also, if the RFID device constantly reads RFIDs, the operating time will be shortened.

JP 2003-249880 A International Publication No. 2001/006354

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an RFID device that can reduce battery consumption.

The RFID device of the embodiment includes a base, a rotating body, a housing, a sensor, and an RFID module. The rotating body is provided on the base and rotates relative to the base. The housing is provided on the rotating body. The sensor includes a magnet provided on the base and a magnetic sensor that detects a predetermined movement of the housing and is provided on the rotating body or the housing and can detect the magnetism of the magnet . The RFID module is built into the housing and starts reading when the sensor detects a magnetism or no longer detects the magnetism .

According to the embodiment, an RFID device that can reduce battery consumption can be provided.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a communication system using a ferrule as an RFID device according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system using a ferrule according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a white cane according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the configuration of a first housing used in the ferrule case according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a main part of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of a third housing used in the case according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the configuration of a third housing according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery and a control board of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a battery and a control board of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an antenna of the ferrule according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of an antenna according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a control board according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a third housing and a sensor according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a third housing and a sensor according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a signal from a sensor according to the embodiment. 1 is a flowchart showing an example of use of a white cane according to an embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the use of a white cane according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a contactless charging system according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a ferrule according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a ferrule according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a ferrule according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a ferrule according to another embodiment.

The configuration of a white cane 1 having an RFID device 12, a communication system 2, and a wireless charging system 3 according to one embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 24.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 2 using a white cane 1 having a ferrule 12 as an RFID device, and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a communication system 2 using the ferrule 12. Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a white cane 1. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ferrule (RFID device) 12.

Figures 5 to 7 show the configuration of the ferrule 12, with Figure 5 being a perspective view, Figure 6 being an exploded perspective view, and Figure 7 being a cross-sectional view. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the ferrule 12 with the third housing 213 of the case 21 omitted, and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first housing 211 used in the case 21 with a portion cut away. Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the second housing 212, battery 22, antenna 23, and control board 25 of the case 21. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first part 2122, battery 22, and control board 25 of the second housing 212.

Figures 12 and 13 show the configuration of the third housing 213, with Figure 12 showing a side view and Figure 13 showing an exploded view. Figure 14 shows the configuration of the battery 22 and control board 25 when the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are in the second position, and Figure 15 shows the configuration of the battery 22 and control board 25 when the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are in the third position. Figures 16 and 17 show the configuration of the antenna 23, with Figure 16 being an oblique view and Figure 17 being a side view. Figure 18 is an oblique view showing the configuration of the control board 25.

Figures 19 and 20 are explanatory diagrams that show the configuration of the third housing 213 and the second sensor 262 of the sensor 26, with Figure 19 showing it from the side and Figure 20 showing it in a plan view. Figure 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a signal output by the second sensor 262. Figure 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the use of a white cane 1, and Figure 23 is a flow chart showing another example of the use of a white cane 1. Figure 24 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a contactless charging system 3 according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the white cane 1, for example, reads RFID tags 6 on the user's walking route using an RFID device 12, and reports the read information to the user's terminal 5. The RFID device 12 of the white cane 1, the terminal 5, and the RFID tag 6 form a communication system 2. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, the RFID device 12 of the white cane 1, together with a power transmission device 7, forms a non-contact charging system 3. The non-contact charging system 3 performs non-contact charging of the RFID device 12 by transmitting power from the power transmission device 7 to the RFID device 12 of the white cane 1.

First, the configuration of the white cane 1 will be described with reference to Figs.
As shown in Figure 3, the white cane 1 comprises a white cane body 11 and an RFID device 12. The RFID device 12 is an RFID reader that reads information from an RFID tag 6. Here, the RFID device 12 constitutes the ferrule. In the following explanation, the RFID device 12 will be described as the ferrule 12. The following explanation will be given with the ferrule 12 side of the white cane 1 defined as the bottom and the up-down direction defined as the down-side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the white cane body 11 is formed so that it can be folded, for example, into multiple stages. When unfolded, the white cane body 11 is formed into a rod shape. The white cane body 11 has a grip 111 at one end, and a ferrule 12 is attached to the other end. The white cane body 11 may be of a retractable sliding type, or may be formed from a single shaft.

As shown in Figures 2 to 11, the ferrule 12 comprises a case 21, a battery 22, an antenna 23, a power receiving coil 24, a control board 25, and a sensor 26. When the white cane 1 is in use, for example, the ferrule 12 is slid left and right on the ground while in contact with the ground, so that it slides on the ground while rotating relative to the white cane body 11.

The case 21 forms the outer shell of the ferrule 12, which rotates around a central axis coaxial with the axis of the white cane body 11. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the case 21 houses therein a battery 22, an antenna 23, a receiving coil 24, a control board 25, and a sensor 26 as electronic devices. As a specific example, as shown in Figs. 5 to 8, the case 21 includes a first housing 211, a second housing 212, and a third housing 213.

The first housing 211 is an exterior case for the ferrule 12. The first housing 211 houses the battery 22, the antenna 23, the power receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the second housing 212. When the first housing 211 rotates around the central axis of the first housing 211, the corners rotate on the ground. The first housing 211 is fixed to the third housing 213. The first housing 211 is formed, for example, from a resin material. The first housing 211 is formed, for example, from polyacetal.

As shown in Figs. 5 to 9, the first housing 211 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape. For example, the first housing 211 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape. The bottom of the first housing 211 is formed in a flat plate shape with curved corners, or in a hemispherical shape, for example. The first housing 211 accommodates the battery 22, the antenna 23, the power receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the second housing 212, and has an outer shape that is appropriately set as long as it can slide on the ground. Other examples of the outer shape of the first housing 211 include a sphere, a polygonal prism, a gourd, etc.

As a specific example, as shown in Figs. 6 to 9, the first housing 211 has, for example, a radially extending rib 2111 at the bottom of the interior, and multiple protrusions 2112 formed at the radial end of the rib 2111. The first housing 211 has an insertion portion 2113, multiple first protrusions 2114 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 2113, and a second protrusion 2115 formed on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 2113. The first housing 211 also has a guide display portion 2116 formed adjacent to the insertion portion 2113.

The rib 2111 is integrally formed on the upper surface of the bottom of the first housing 211. The rib 2111 extends, for example, in four radial directions from the center of the bottom of the first housing 211. In other words, the rib 2111 is formed in a cross shape and protrudes from the upper surface of the bottom of the first housing 211. The upper surface of the rib 2111 is formed in a flat shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first housing 211.

The protrusions 2112 extend in the axial direction of the first housing 211 from the radial end of the rib 2111. The protrusions 2112 are formed integrally with the inner peripheral surface of the first housing 211. The multiple protrusions 2112 are each formed integrally with the radial end of the rib 2111. In this embodiment, the rib 2111 is formed in a cross shape, so four protrusions 2112 are provided. For example, one of the four protrusions 2112 has a higher axial height than the other three protrusions 2112.

At least a portion of the upper surface of the rib 2111 and/or the multiple protrusions 2112 abuts against the antenna 23, supporting the antenna 23 in the axial direction.

The insertion portion 2113 is formed at the open upper end of the first housing 211. The insertion portion 2113 is inserted into the third housing 213. The insertion portion 2113 is formed with a smaller diameter than the outer diameter of the center side of the first housing 211. The insertion portion 2113 is formed, for example, by making the open end of the first housing 211 thinner than the outer diameter of the center side of the first housing 211.

The multiple first protrusions 2114 are arranged at equal intervals on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 2113. For example, two first protrusions 2114 are provided. The two first protrusions 2114 are arranged, for example, at symmetrical positions on the outer circumferential surface of the insertion portion 2113. The second protrusion 2115 is provided, for example, between the two first protrusions 2114 in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 2113.

The guidance display unit 2116 displays the position of the first housing 211 inserted into the third housing 213. For example, the guidance display unit 2116 is a display that guides the positions for attaching and detaching the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 and the position for turning the power ON/OFF. For example, the guidance display unit 2116 is three indentations that guide these positions, and unevenness or Braille that displays "OFF" and "ON". In other words, the guidance display unit 2116 is a display that guides the operating position of the ferrule 12 visually or tactilely.

As shown in FIG. 8, the second housing 212 is formed in a cylindrical shape that can be inserted into the first housing 211. The second housing 212 is housed in the first housing 211. For example, the second housing 212 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second housing 212 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first housing 211 so that it can be inserted into the first housing 211. The second housing 212 houses or holds, for example, the battery 22, the antenna 23, the receiving coil 24, the control board 25, and the sensor 26. The second housing 212 is restricted in its circumferential movement by the first housing 211. In addition, the second housing 212 is restricted in its axial movement by the first housing 211 and the third housing 213. As a result, the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 and the third housing 213.

The second housing 212 holds the antenna 23 at its lower end, for example. The second housing 212 houses the battery 22 and the control board 25 inside, for example. The second housing 212 holds the power receiving coil 24 on its outer circumferential surface, for example. The second housing 212 holds a part of the sensor 26 at its upper portion, for example. In addition, the second housing 212 has four notches 2121 formed at its lower end, for example, in which the four protrusions 2112 of the first housing 211 are disposed. The notches 2121 engage with the protrusions 2112 in the circumferential direction, thereby restricting the circumferential movement of the second housing 212 relative to the first housing 211.

The second housing 212 is formed from a single part, or is configured by assembling multiple parts. As a specific example, as shown in Figs. 8 and 10, the second housing 212 includes a first part 2122 and a second part 2123. The second housing 212 is formed by assembling the first part 2122 and the second part 2123 together.

The first part 2122 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The first part 2122 holds, for example, the antenna 23 at the lower end and the power receiving coil 24 on the outer circumferential surface. The first part 2122 holds, for example, the battery 22 and the control board 25. The lower ends of the battery 22 and the control board 25 are inserted into the first part 2122, and the first part 2122 holds the battery 22 and the control board 25. The first part 2122 is formed with ribs, protrusions, etc., so as to be able to regulate the radial and circumferential movement of the battery 22 and the control board 25.

The second part 2123 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The second part 2123 is fixed to the first part 2122, for example, by engagement or fitting with claws, projections, or the like. The second part 2123, for example, is assembled to the first part 2122 to form the cylindrical second housing 212 together with the first part 2122. The second part 2123 covers the radial periphery of the battery 22 and control board 25 held by the first part 2122. The second part 2123 also has a holding portion 21231 at the upper end of which a part of the sensor 26 is provided, and a restricting portion 21232 that covers the upper part of the control board 25.

The holding portion 21231 holds, for example, a Hall sensor (magnetic sensor) 2621 of the sensor 26, which will be described later. The restricting portion 21232 restricts the axial movement of the control board 25. The restricting portion 21232 is, for example, a rib formed in an opening at the upper end of the second component 2123 and facing at least a part of the upper end of the control board 25 in the axial direction. In addition, the upper end of the second component 2123 is open at a portion facing the battery 22 in the axial direction.

The third housing 213 is fixed to the tip of the white cane body 11. As shown in Figure 5, the third housing 213 fixes the first housing 211 so that it can rotate around the axial direction of the white cane body 11. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, 12 and 13, the third housing 213 comprises, for example, a base 2131 fixed to the white cane body 11, a bearing member 2132 provided on the base 2131, and a cover 2133 fixed to the bearing member 2132.

The base 2131 includes, for example, a fixed portion 21311, an umbrella portion 21312 formed integrally with the fixed portion 21311, and an axis portion 21313 formed integrally with the umbrella portion 21312.

The fixed part 21311 is fixed to the tip of the white cane body 11. The umbrella part 21312 covers the upper surface of the cover part 2133. The shaft part 21313 is, for example, coaxial with the white cane body 11 fixed to the fixed part 21311. The bearing member 2132 is inserted or fitted into the shaft part 21313, and the bearing member 2132 is fixed in the axial direction by a bolt 21314 or the like.

The bearing member 2132 is, for example, a ball bearing or a needle bearing. The bearing member 2132 rotatably holds the cover portion 2133 on the shaft portion 21313.

The lid 2133 is a rotating body that is rotatably provided with respect to the base 2131. The lid 2133 is rotatably fixed to the shaft 21313 of the base 2131 via the bearing member 2132. The lid 2133 rotates with respect to the base 2131. The lid 2133 fixes the first housing 211. The lid 2133 covers the open end of the first housing 211. The lid 2133 is formed so that, with the first housing 211 fixed, the first housing 211 can be moved to two positions where the power of the ferrule 12 is ON and OFF.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the cover 2133 is provided with a first terminal 25211 of the positive terminal 2521 that is connected to the battery 22. The cover 2133 is configured to be able to move the first terminal 25211 and switch the electrical connection state between the battery 22 and the control board 25 when the relative circumferential positions of the cover 2133 and the first housing 211 change.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cover portion 2133 includes a top plate portion 21331, an outer peripheral wall portion 21332, and an inner peripheral wall portion 21333. The top plate portion 21331 is formed in a disk shape. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 13, the top plate portion 21331 is fixed to the bearing member 2132.

The outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is formed integrally with the outer peripheral edge of the top plate portion 21331. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2113 of the first housing 211. The inner diameter of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 is smaller than the circumscribing circle of the multiple first protrusions 2114 formed on the insertion portion 2113 and coaxial with the central axis of the first housing 211, and the circumscribing circle of the second protrusions 2115 formed on the insertion portion 2113 and coaxial with the central axis of the first housing 211.

The outer peripheral wall portion 21332 has, for example, a first groove 21335 and a second groove 21336 formed on the inner peripheral surface. The first grooves 21335 are provided in the same number as the first protrusions 2114 of the insertion portion 2113. The first grooves 21335 are formed so that the first protrusions 2114 can be inserted into them. The first grooves 21335 extend in the axial direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332. The first grooves 21335 also extend in one direction along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332 at the center side in the axial direction of the outer peripheral wall portion 21332. Here, the one direction along the circumferential direction is the direction in which the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are rotated and fixed.

The second groove 21336 is formed so that the second protrusion 2115 can be inserted in the axial direction and can move in the circumferential direction. For example, the second groove 21336 is formed in a shape that allows the second protrusion 2115 to move in the circumferential direction between the first position and the second position and between the second position and the third position when a rotational force of a certain level or more is applied to the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133, and allows the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133 to rotate. Also, for example, the second groove 21336 restricts the movement of the second protrusion 2115 between the first position and the second position and between the second position and the third position when a rotational force smaller than a certain level is applied to the first housing 211 and the lid portion 2133.

Here, the first position is a position where the insertion portion 2113 is inserted into the lid portion 2133. The second position is a position where the insertion portion 2113 is fixed to the lid portion 2133, and where the first terminal 25211 and the second terminal 25212 of the positive terminal 2521 are separated as shown in FIG. 14. The third position is a position where the insertion portion 2113 is fixed to the lid portion 2133, and where the first terminal 25211 and the second terminal 25212 of the positive terminal 2521 are in contact as shown in FIG. 15.

The fixing of the insertion part 2113 to the third housing 213 in the second and third positions means that the axial movement and the relative circumferential movement of the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 are restricted. That is, in the second and third positions, the first protrusion 2114 of the insertion part 2113 is in a portion that extends in the circumferential direction of the first groove 21335, so that the axial movement of the insertion part 2113 (first housing 211) relative to the cover part 2133 of the third housing 213 is restricted. In addition, in the second and third positions, the movement of the second protrusion 2115 is restricted by the second groove 21336, so that the circumferential movement of the first housing 211 relative to the cover part 2133 of the third housing 213 is restricted.

For example, the second groove 21336 is configured with a plurality of grooves that extend in the axial direction and in which the second protrusion 2115 can be disposed. Specifically, the second groove 21336 is configured with three grooves formed at positions corresponding to the first position, the second position, and the third position.

The inner wall portion 21333 is disposed with a predetermined gap between the inner surface of the outer wall portion 21332 and the insertion portion 2113. The height of the inner wall portion 21333 from the top plate portion 21331 may be formed to be different depending on the location. The inner wall portion 21333 may also be configured by arranging multiple arc-shaped walls in the circumferential direction.

In the case 21 configured in this manner, the base 2131 is fixed to the white cane body 11. The shaft 21313 and bearing member 2132 of the base 2131 form a rotation mechanism. The first housing 211, the second housing 212 and the cover 2133 rotate relative to the base 2131 by the rotation mechanism (shaft 21313 and bearing member 2132) and form a rotating part that houses various electronic devices. In addition, the second housing 212 is fixed to the first housing 211 in the circumferential direction by the projections 2112 and notches 2121 engaging in the circumferential direction. In addition, the case 21 is fixed to the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 in the axial direction by the antenna 23 or the second housing 212 abutting against the rib 2111 or the protrusion 2112 of the first housing 211, and the second housing 212 or the battery 22 abutting against a part of the third housing 213 (e.g., a part of the lid portion 2133) or the first terminal 25211 fixed to the lid portion 2133 of the third housing 213.

The battery 22 is a power source that supplies power to the antenna 23, the control board 25, and the sensor 26. The battery 22 is a secondary battery.

The antenna 23 has a radiating element. The antenna 23 is, for example, a linearly polarized antenna. For example, the antenna 23 is an inverted F antenna or a patch antenna (microstrip antenna). The antenna 23 may be a circularly polarized antenna. The antenna 23 is formed, for example, in a shape that can be placed in the first housing 211 and attached to the second housing 212. The outer shape of the antenna 23 is, for example, formed in a circular shape with a diameter equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the first housing 211.

As a specific example, as shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the antenna 23 includes a base 231, a ground layer 232, and an antenna pattern 233. Fig. 16 also shows an example of the antenna pattern 233 and a power feed point 234. The base 231 is formed, for example, in a disk shape with a diameter equal to or smaller than the inner diameter of the first housing 211. The base 231 may be an annular shape with an opening in the center, or may be a plate shape with one main surface protruding cylindrically. Note that the shape of the antenna 23 is not limited to a circular shape, as long as it can be placed inside the first housing 211 and can be attached to the second housing 212.

The base 231 is formed across both main surfaces and has one or more through holes 2311 that connect the ground layer 232 and the antenna pattern 233. The ground layer 232 is formed on one main surface of the base 231. The antenna pattern 233 is formed on the other main surface of the base 231. The antenna pattern 233 forms a radiating element.

The receiving coil 24 receives the transmitted power from the transmitting coil 74 and supplies the received power to the receiving circuit 2551 described below. As shown in Figs. 8 and 11, the receiving coil 24 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The receiving coil 24 has a receiving surface that receives power and is formed in a cylindrical shape. The receiving coil 24 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second housing 212. As a specific example, as shown in Fig. 11, the receiving coil 24 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first component 2122 of the second housing 212.

The power receiving coil 24 is provided in the second housing 212 coaxially with the first housing 211, the second housing 212, and the third housing 213. In other words, the power receiving coil 24 is arranged coaxially with the center of rotation of the first housing 211, i.e., the shaft portion 21313 and the bearing member 2132 of the third housing 213 that constitute the rotation mechanism. As shown in FIG. 24, the power receiving coil 24 is connected in series or parallel with a power receiving resonant capacitor 2553 described later to constitute a resonant circuit (power receiving resonant circuit).

When the power receiving coil 24, which serves as a power receiving resonant circuit, approaches the power transmitting coil 74, it becomes electromagnetically coupled to the power transmitting coil 74. In the power receiving coil 24, an induced current is generated by the magnetic field output from the power transmitting coil 74. The power receiving coil 24 may be configured as a winding structure in which an insulated electric wire is wound, or may be configured by forming a coil pattern on a cylindrical printed circuit board.

The receiving coil 24 supplies the received AC power to the receiving circuit 2551 described below. In addition, for example, when using a magnetic resonance method for power transmission, the self-resonant frequency of the receiving resonant circuit as the receiving coil 24 is set to be approximately the same as the frequency at which the transmitting coil 74 transmits power.

Examples of the control board 25 are shown in Figures 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, and 18. The control board 25 includes a board 251 and a terminal 252. The control board 25 is formed to be capable of various processes by the processing circuits, modules, wiring patterns, etc. mounted on the board 251. As a specific example, the control board 25 includes an RFID module 253, a communication unit 254, and a power receiving unit 255. The control board 25 is connected to the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24. The control board 25 is also connected to the battery 22 via the terminal 252.

The substrate 251 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape that can be accommodated within the second housing 212. The substrate 251 may be composed of a plurality of substrates. As a specific example, the substrate 251 includes a first substrate 2511 and a second substrate 2512. The first substrate 2511 and the second substrate 2512 are electrically connected. The first substrate 2511 and the second substrate 2512 are arranged side by side in the radial direction of the second housing 212 within the second housing 212.

The terminal 252 is connected to the battery 22. The terminal 252 includes a positive terminal 2521 and a negative terminal 2522.

The positive terminal 2521 contacts the positive electrode of the battery 22. As a specific example, the positive terminal 2521 includes a first terminal 25211 and a second terminal 25212. The first terminal 25211 is fixed to the third housing 213. When the first housing 211 housing the second housing 212 is fixed to the cover 2133 of the third housing 213 and positioned at the second position, the first terminal 25211 contacts the positive electrode of the battery 22 and is separated from the second terminal 25212, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 14. When the first housing 211 housing the second housing 212 is fixed to the cover 2133 of the third housing 213 and positioned at the third position, the first terminal 25211 contacts both the positive electrode of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 15.

6, 14, and 15, the first terminal 25211 is formed in a band shape extending in an arc. When the first housing 211 and the third housing 213 rotate relatively and move from the second position to the third position, the first terminal 25211 moves in the circumferential direction in conjunction with the circumferential movement of the third housing 213, and connects the positive pole of the battery 22 to the second terminal 25212.

The second terminal 25212 is provided on the board 251. For example, the second terminal 25212 is provided on one of the boards 251 adjacent to the battery 22 inside the second housing 212. As a specific example, the second terminal 25212 is provided on the upper end side of the first board 2511 in a position accommodated inside the second housing 212. The second terminal 25212 contacts the first terminal 25211 in the second position.

The negative terminal 2522 contacts the negative electrode of the battery 22. For example, the negative terminal 2522 is provided on one of the boards 251 adjacent to the battery 22 inside the second housing 212. As a specific example, the negative terminal 2522 is provided on the lower end of the first board 2511 in a position accommodated inside the second housing 212. The negative terminal 2522 contacts the negative electrode of the battery 22 when the battery 22 is placed in the second housing 212.

The RFID module 253 is electrically connected to the antenna 23. The RFID module 253 reads, for example, the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 constitutes an RFID reader together with the antenna 23. The RFID module 253 may also constitute an RFID reader/writer together with the antenna 23, as a configuration for reading and writing the RFID tag 6.

The RFID module 253 controls the antenna 23, and emits radio waves from the antenna 23 in order to wirelessly communicate data with the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 thus emits radio waves from the antenna 23 to supply power to the RFID tag 6, demodulates the data in the RFID tag 6, and receives the response wave returned from the RFID tag 6 via the antenna 23 by changing the load on the antenna 23. In this way, the RFID module 253 reads the data in the RFID tag 6.

As a specific example, the reading of an RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 will be explained. First, the RFID module 253 emits radio waves from the antenna 23 to perform wireless communication with the RFID tag 6, and the RFID tag 6 is activated by receiving this radio wave. Next, the RFID module 253 amplitude-modulates the carrier wave emitted from the antenna 23 with a signal that encodes communication data, and the RFID tag 6 demodulates the amplitude-modulated communication data and returns a response wave by changing the load on the antenna of the RFID tag 6. The RFID module 253 receives this response wave via the antenna 23 to obtain the data of the RFID tag 6.

The RFID module 253 includes, for example, a control unit 2531 and a storage unit 2532. In addition, the RFID module 253 is provided with a coupler, a filter, an amplifier, a balun, etc., as appropriate according to the reader function of the RFID module 253. The control unit 2531 executes arithmetic processing. The control unit 2531 is a processor as a processing circuit. The control unit 2531 performs various processes based on, for example, a program stored in the storage unit and data used in the program. The storage unit 2532 stores the program, data used in the program, etc. The storage unit 2532 is a memory and storage. The storage unit 2532 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 2532 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) (registered trademark) or a FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) (registered trademark).

The RFID module 253 reads data from the RFID tag 6 received from the antenna 23 by the control unit 2531 executing a program stored in the memory unit 2532. The RFID module 253 also outputs the information read from the RFID tag 6 to the communication unit 254.

The communication unit 254 connects to the terminal 5 via wireless communication. The communication unit 254 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal 5 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). For example, the communication unit 254 is a BLE module.

The communication unit 254 is mounted on the substrate 251. For example, the communication unit 254 transmits an advertisement, and when the terminal 5 receives the advertisement and receives a connection request sent from the terminal 5, it performs GATT (Generic attribute profile) communication. For example, when using the white cane 1, the user sets in advance the terminal 5 that will receive information from the communication unit 254, and the communication unit 254 communicates with the set terminal 5.

The power receiving unit 255 charges the battery 22 with the power transmitted from the power transmitting coil 74 and received by the power receiving coil 24. The power receiving unit 255 supplies the received power to the battery 22. The power receiving unit 255, together with the power receiving coil 24, constitutes a power receiving device.

As shown in FIG. 24, the power receiving unit 255 includes, for example, a power receiving circuit 2551, a control circuit 2552, and a resonance capacitor 2553.

The receiving circuit 2551 converts the received power supplied from the receiving coil 24 into power that can be supplied to the battery 22. For example, the receiving circuit 2551 rectifies the received power supplied from the receiving coil 24 and converts it into DC. Such a receiving circuit 2551 is realized, for example, by a rectifier circuit including a rectifier bridge composed of multiple diodes. In this case, a pair of input terminals of the rectifier bridge are connected to a receiving resonant circuit composed of the receiving coil 24 and the resonant capacitor 2553. The receiving circuit 2551 outputs DC power from a pair of output terminals by full-wave rectifying the received power supplied from the receiving coil 24.

The control circuit 2552 controls the operation of the power receiving circuit 2551. The control circuit 2552 includes, for example, a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit executes arithmetic processing. The control unit is a processor as a processing circuit. The control unit performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the storage unit and data used in the programs. The storage unit stores programs and data used in the programs. The storage unit is memory and storage. The storage unit is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control circuit 2552 may be configured with a microcomputer and/or an oscillator circuit.

The charging circuit 256 supplies the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 2551 to the battery 22 as power for charging. For example, the charging circuit 256 converts the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 2551 into a direct current used to charge the battery 22. That is, the charging circuit 256 converts the power from the power receiving circuit 2551 into charging power of a predetermined current value and voltage value for charging the battery 22 and supplies it to the battery 22. Also, for example, the charging circuit 256 includes a charging IC having a port that transmits the charging state to the control unit of the control circuit 2552.

The sensor 26 detects changes in the posture of the ferrule 12 (case 21). As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 26 includes a first sensor 261 and a second sensor 262.

The first sensor 261 detects the posture of the ferrule 12. The first sensor 261 is a motion sensor. For example, the first sensor 261 is a three-axis gyro sensor that can detect angular velocity or a three-axis acceleration sensor that can detect acceleration. The first sensor 261 may also be a six-axis sensor that can detect angular velocity and acceleration. As shown in FIG. 18, the first sensor 261 is mounted on, for example, the substrate 251. The first sensor 261 outputs the detected angular velocity or acceleration as a signal to the control unit 2531.

The second sensor 262 detects the rotation of the ferrule 12, specifically, the rotation of the first housing 211. As shown in Figures 4, 19, and 20, the second sensor 262 includes, for example, a Hall sensor (magnetic sensor) 2621 that detects magnetism, and one or more magnets 2622 provided on the umbrella portion 21312 of the third housing 213.

As shown in FIG. 8, the Hall sensor 2621 is provided in the holding portion 21231 of the second housing 212. The Hall sensor 2621 may also be configured to be provided in the lid portion 2133. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 20, the Hall sensor 2621 moves in the circumferential direction as the first housing 211 rotates. For example, the Hall sensor 2621 moves in the circumferential direction relative to a single or multiple magnets 2622, detects the magnetism of the magnet 2622 that faces it during the movement, and outputs a signal to the control unit 2531.

The magnet 2622 is disposed in a position facing the hall sensor 2621 when the hall sensor 2621 moves to a predetermined position, in other words, when the first housing 211 (rotating part) reaches a predetermined rotation angle of the base part 2131. For example, when a plurality of magnets 2622 are provided, the plurality of magnets 2622 are disposed at positions equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of magnets 2622 are provided on the umbrella part 21312 of the third housing 213. For example, the plurality of magnets 2622 are disposed at equal intervals on a coaxial circle coaxial with the axis of the shaft part 21313 of the third housing 213. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, four magnets 2622 are provided, and the magnets 2622 are disposed at 90 degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

In the white cane 1 configured in this manner, the third housing 213 of the case 21 is formed so that the cover 2133 can rotate on the umbrella part 21312 via the bearing member 2132. Therefore, when a user holds the white cane 1 and moves the ferrule 12 left and right with the ferrule 12 in contact with the ground, the case 21 of the ferrule 12 slides on the ground while rotating around the central axis of the shaft part 21313 of the third housing 213.

When the first housing 211 of the case 21 rotates, the antenna 23 housed within the first housing 211 also rotates. Therefore, the ferrule 12 can change the direction of polarization even if the antenna 23 is a linearly polarized antenna.

When the first housing 211 rotates, the first sensor 261 rotates around the same axis as the rotation axis of the first housing 211 due to the rotation of the first housing 211, and detects the acceleration or angular velocity. The first sensor 261 outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the detected acceleration or angular velocity, for example, to the RFID module 253. When the first housing 211 rotates, the hall sensor 2621 of the second sensor 262 rotates around the same axis as the rotation axis of the first housing 211 due to the rotation of the first housing 211. When the hall sensor 2621 approaches the magnet 2622 in the axial direction, it detects magnetism and outputs a voltage signal of +V to, for example, the RFID module 253. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the hall sensor 2621 always outputs a voltage signal of 0V (Low level) or +V (High level).

For example, when the control unit 2531 of the RFID module 253 detects rotation or a specific motion of the first housing 211 based on the voltage signal output from the first sensor 261 and/or the second sensor 262, the control unit 2531 starts reading the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253. Also, for example, when the control unit 2531 of the RFID module 253 detects that the first housing 211 is not rotating based on the voltage signal output from the first sensor 261 and/or the second sensor 262, the control unit 2531 stops reading the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253.

Here, starting/stopping reading of the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 means, for example, starting and stopping power supply to the processing circuit and antenna 23 required for reading by the RFID module 253 excluding the control unit 2531. Also, for example, stopping reading of the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 may mean a standby state in which power is supplied to the RFID module 253 but reading is not performed.

Next, an example of a method for starting and stopping reading of an RFID tag 6 by an RFID module 253 using such a white cane 1 will be explained using the flow chart shown in FIG. 22. Note that in the following explanation of the method, an example of a method for starting and stopping reading of an RFID tag 6 using a second sensor 262 will be explained.

First, when the user rotates the first housing 211 and the cover 2133 to move the first housing 211 and the cover 2133 to the third position, the first terminal 25211 comes into contact with the positive terminal of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212, and power is supplied to the control board 25. This causes the second sensor 262 to start detecting the rotation of the first housing 211 (ACT 1).

When the Hall sensor 2621 of the second sensor 262 approaches the magnet 2622, the Hall sensor 2621 outputs a voltage signal. The control unit 2531 detects the voltage signal output from the Hall sensor 2621. As a specific example, when the control unit 2531 detects an edge of the voltage signal output from the Hall sensor 2621 (YES in ACT 2), the control unit 2531 stores the detected information in the memory unit 2532, for example. Note that when the control unit 2531 does not detect an edge of the voltage signal output from the Hall sensor 2621 (NO in ACT 2), the control unit 2531 waits until it detects a voltage signal. Here, the edge of the voltage signal is the rising edge of the voltage signal (from 0V to the output voltage) or the falling edge of the voltage signal (from the output voltage to 0V).

Next, the control unit 2531 determines whether the edge of the voltage signal has exceeded a predetermined number N (ACT 3). Here, the predetermined number N is a value equal to or greater than 0. Here, the predetermined number N is a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of times that the edge of the voltage signal is detected, which is set arbitrarily, and is set to the number of times that reading will not start when the first housing 211 is rotated accidentally while the white cane 1 is not being used.

If the edge of the voltage signal has not exceeded the predetermined number of times N (NO in ACT 3), the control unit 2531 returns to ACT 2 and continues detecting the voltage signal. If the edge of the voltage signal has exceeded the predetermined number of times N (YES in ACT 3), the control unit 2531 starts reading the RFID tag 6 (ACT 4). If the RFID module 253 detects the RFID tag 6 by the antenna 23 (YES in ACT 5), the control unit 2531 issues a notification (ACT 6). Here, the notification refers to communicating the information of the read RFID tag 6 to the terminal 5 by the communication unit 254, or notifying the user of the information of the RFID tag 6 by the notification unit 54 of the terminal 5 described later.

If the RFID tag 6 is not detected by the antenna 23 (NO in ACT 5), the control unit 2531 continues reading the RFID tag 6 (ACT 4).

The control unit 2531 also determines whether the time during which the second sensor 262 does not detect the rotation of the first housing 211 exceeds a predetermined time stored in the memory unit 2532 (ACT 7). If the second sensor 262 detects the rotation of the first housing 211 before the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in ACT 7), the process returns to ACT 4 and continues reading the RFID tag 6.

If the second sensor 262 does not detect rotation of the first housing 211 even after a predetermined time has elapsed (YES in ACT 7), it is determined that the white cane 1 is not being used, and the control unit 2531 controls the RFID module 253 to stop reading the RFID tag 6. Then, it returns to ACT 2 and repeats the following flow. In this way, the white cane 1 determines the usage situation from the detection result (voltage signal) of the second sensor 262, and switches between starting and stopping reading of the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253.

Next, another example of a method for starting and stopping reading of an RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 using a white cane 1 will be described using the flow chart shown in FIG. 23. Note that in the following method description, an example of a method for starting reading of an RFID tag 6 using the first sensor 261 will be described. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which reading of an RFID tag 6 is not stopped, and therefore, in the following method description example, a description of stopping reading will be omitted.

First, when the user rotates the first housing 211 and the cover 2133 to move the first housing 211 and the cover 2133 to the third position, the first terminal 25211 comes into contact with the positive terminal of the battery 22 and the second terminal 25212, and power is supplied to the control board 25. This causes the first sensor 261 to start detecting the rotation of the first housing 211 (ACT 11).

When the first sensor 261 detects acceleration or angular velocity, it outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the detected acceleration or angular velocity. The control unit 2531 determines whether or not the voltage signal output from the first sensor 261 is a specific motion of the first housing 211 (ACT 12). Here, a specific motion is a movement of the first housing 211 in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the first housing 211, a predetermined amount of rotation of the first housing 211, etc.

If the specific motion of the first housing 211 is not detected (NO in ACT 12), the control unit 2531 determines the motion of the first housing 211 based on the voltage signal output from the first sensor 261 until the motion of the first housing 211 becomes the specific motion.

When a specific motion of the first housing 211 is detected (YES in ACT 12), the control unit 2531 starts reading the RFID tag 6 (ACT 13). When the RFID tag 6 is detected by the antenna 23 (YES in ACT 14), the control unit 2531 issues a notification (ACT 15). When the RFID tag 6 is not detected by the antenna 23 (NO in ACT 14), the control unit 2531 continues reading the RFID tag 6 (ACT 13).

Next, the communication system 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the communication system 2 is made up of a white cane 1 having a ferrule 12 as an RFID device, a terminal 5, and an RFID tag 6.

The terminal 5 is a device that can be worn or carried by the user of the white cane 1. The terminal 5 is, for example, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a wearable device such as a smartwatch, an audio device such as earphones, a dedicated terminal that can notify information by sound or vibration, etc. The terminal 5 may be configured to be built into the grip 111 of the white cane body 11.

The terminal 5 includes, for example, an input unit 51, a display unit 52, a communication unit 53, an alarm unit 54, a memory unit 55, and a control unit 56.

The input unit 51 is a device that accepts user input, such as a button, an operation panel, or a touch panel.

The display unit 52 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

The communication unit 53 is controlled by the control unit 56. The communication unit 53 is any communication interface capable of communicating with the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 using wireless communication technology. The communication unit 53 may also be configured to be capable of communicating with terminals or networks other than the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 using wired communication technology or wireless communication technology.

The communication unit 53 may be implemented as, for example, a communication module or a communication board. The communication unit 53 transmits and receives information to and from the communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is a standard of Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 53 can also connect to a network via a base station using, for example, a short-range wireless communication technology such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or a long-range wireless communication technology such as a general-purpose wireless communication technology including a mobile phone line such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) (registered trademark).

The notification unit 54 notifies the outside with sound or vibration. For example, the notification unit 54 is a speaker or a vibrator. The notification unit 54 outputs sound and vibration in different patterns. For example, when the notification unit 54 is a speaker and notifies information with sound, the notification unit 54 notifies with sound based on parameters such as different sound types, volume, and length of sound set corresponding to the information to be notified. Here, sound includes voice. Also, when the notification unit 54 is a vibrator and notifies with vibration, the notification unit 54 notifies with vibration based on parameters such as different vibration types, vibration strength, and vibration length set corresponding to the information to be notified. Note that the notification unit 54 may notify with either sound or vibration, or may notify with both sound and vibration.

The memory unit 55 is what is called a memory or storage. The memory unit 55 stores various data. For example, the memory unit 55 stores various control programs and control data. The memory unit 55 temporarily stores data being processed by the control unit 56. The memory unit 55 stores setting values required for executing application programs as a database. The memory unit 55 also stores execution results of application programs. The memory unit 55 also stores information on the RFID tag 6 received by the communication unit 53. The memory unit 55 also stores parameters of the notification unit 54 that correspond to the information on the RFID tag 6.

Such a storage unit 55 includes, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) (registered trademark), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a NAND type flash memory, an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.

The control unit 56 is a processor having a processing circuit. The control unit 56 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may be a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or other general-purpose or dedicated processor. The single or multiple processors are mounted on a circuit board such as a motherboard or a graphics board.

The control unit 56 performs various functions, such as input processing of external commands inputted by the input unit 51, display processing to display information on the display unit 52, communication processing by the communication unit 53, and notification processing by the notification unit 54, in accordance with the control program and control data stored in the memory unit 55, for example.

The RFID tag 6 is attached, for example, to stations, roads, buildings, etc. For example, in the example of FIG. 1, the RFID tag 6 is shown embedded under the braille blocks on a station platform or in the tracks on the platform, and attached to a railway vehicle. The RFID tag 6 may be a passive tag or an active tag. The RFID tag 6 includes a tag antenna 61 including a matching circuit, and an IC chip 62. When the RFID tag 6 is an active tag, the RFID tag 6 includes a battery, a power supply circuit, etc.

An example of using such a communication system 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a user walks while swinging a white cane 1 from side to side with the ferrule 12 in contact with the ground. If an RFID tag 6 is placed on or near the walking path, the ferrule 12 receives information transmitted from the placed RFID tag 6 via the antenna 23 and reads it via the RFID module 253. The communication unit 254 of the ferrule 12 then transmits the information of the RFID tag 6 to the communication unit 254 of the terminal 5, and the terminal 5 issues a notification corresponding to the information of the RFID tag 6 via the notification unit 54.

For example, if the RFID tag 6 is attached to the track side of a station platform, the terminal 5 uses the information in the RFID tag 6 to notify the user that the ferrule is located on the track side of the platform. Also, if the RFID tag 6 is attached to a railway vehicle, the terminal 5 notifies the user of the position of the railway vehicle, for example the position of the doors of the railway vehicle and information about the vehicle. In this way, the communication system 2 can read information from the RFID tag 6 on the walking route using a white cane, which is an RFID device, and notify the user of the information via the terminal 5.

Next, the contactless charging system 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
24 , the non-contact charging system 3 is made up of the ferrule 12 serving as a power receiving device having a power receiving section 255 and a power receiving coil 24, and the power transmitting device 7. The non-contact charging system 3 performs non-contact charging of the ferrule 12 by the power transmitting device 7.

As shown in FIG. 24, the power transmission device 7 includes a power transmission stand, a power supply circuit 72, a power transmission circuit 73, a power transmission coil 74, a control circuit 75, an alarm unit 76, a resonance capacitor 77, and a power supply unit 78.

The power transmission base 71 is formed so that the ferrule 12 can be inserted. For example, by inserting the ferrule 12 into the power transmission base 71, the white cane 1 is held in an upright position. The power transmission base 71 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the power transmission base 71 is formed to an inner diameter that allows the ferrule 12 to be inserted and allows the position of the white cane 1 to be held. The inner diameter of the power transmission base 71 is the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first housing 211 of the ferrule 12.

The power transmission stand 71 houses a power supply circuit 72, a power transmission circuit 73, a power transmission coil 74, a control circuit 75, an alarm unit 76, and a resonance capacitor 77. Note that the power transmission stand 71 only needs to be able to house at least the power transmission coil 74, and may be configured such that the power supply circuit 72, the power transmission circuit 73, the control circuit 75, the alarm unit 76, etc. are provided in separate cases, etc.

The power supply circuit 72 converts the voltage of an external DC power supply into a voltage suitable for the operation of each circuit. The power supply circuit 72 generates power for the power transmission circuit 73 to transmit power, and supplies this power to the power transmission circuit 73. The power supply circuit 72 also generates power for operating the control circuit 75, and supplies this power to the control circuit 75.

The power transmission circuit 73 generates transmission power to be transmitted from the power transmission coil 74. The power transmission circuit 73 supplies the generated transmission power to the power transmission coil 74. For example, the power transmission circuit 73 generates AC power as the transmission power by switching the DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 72 based on the control of the control circuit 75.

The power transmission coil 74 outputs power that can be received by the power receiving coil 24 according to the power transmission supplied from the power transmission circuit 73. The power transmission coil 74 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The power receiving surface of the power transmission coil 74 that receives power is formed in a cylindrical shape. The power transmission coil 74 is arranged on the power transmission table 71 so that the power transmission surface faces the power receiving surface of the power receiving coil 24 provided on the second housing 212 of the ferrule 12 inserted into the power transmission table 71. In other words, the power transmission coil 74 is arranged at a height position on the power transmission table 71 that faces radially the power receiving coil 24 inserted into the power transmission table 71. For example, the power transmission coil 74 is housed in the power transmission table 71.

For example, the power transmission coil 74 is connected in series or parallel with the resonant capacitor 77 to form a resonant circuit (power transmission resonant circuit). When AC power is supplied from the power transmission circuit 73, the power transmission coil 74 as a power transmission resonant circuit generates a magnetic field according to the supplied AC power. The power transmission coil 74 may be configured as a winding structure in which an insulated electric wire is wound, or may be configured by forming a coil pattern on a printed circuit board.

The control circuit 75 controls the operation of the power transmission circuit 73 and the notification unit 76. The control circuit 75 includes, for example, a control unit and a memory unit. The control unit executes arithmetic processing. The control unit is a processor as a processing circuit. The control unit performs various processes based on, for example, programs stored in the memory unit and data used in the programs. The memory unit stores programs, data used in the programs, etc. The memory unit is memory and storage. The memory unit is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control circuit 75 may be configured with a microcomputer and/or an oscillator circuit, etc.

For example, the control circuit 75 switches the notification of the notification unit 76 depending on the power transmission state of the power transmission device 7 or the charging state of the battery 22. The control circuit 75 also controls the frequency of the AC power output from the power transmission circuit 73, and controls the on/off operation of the power transmission circuit 73. For example, the control circuit 75 controls the power transmission circuit 73 to switch between a state in which the power transmission coil 74 generates a magnetic field (power transmission state) and a state in which the power transmission coil 74 does not generate a magnetic field (standby state). The control circuit 75 may also perform control to change the timing of power transmission by intermittently generating a magnetic field in the power transmission coil 74.

The notification unit 76 is an indicator that indicates the state of the power transmission device 7, a speaker that notifies the state of the power transmission device 7 by sound, etc. The notification unit 76 switches the display according to the control of the control circuit 75. For example, the notification unit 76 has an LED and a speaker, and notifies the operating state of the power transmission device 7 by turning on and off or switching the display color, and by using different sound or voice patterns.

The power supply unit 78 is, for example, an AC adapter or a mobile battery. The power supply unit 78 supplies power to the power supply circuit 72.

With a white cane 1 having a ferrule (RFID device) 12 configured in this way, the use status of the white cane 1 is determined from the rotation or specific motion of the first housing 211 detected by the sensor 26, and if it is determined that the white cane 1 is being used, reading by the RFID module 253 begins. Also, if it is determined that the white cane 1 is not being used from the rotation or specific motion of the first housing 211, reading by the RFID module 253 stops.

As a result, the RFID module 253 only reads the RFID tag 6 when the white cane 1 is in use, reducing power consumption. Because consumption of the battery 22 can be reduced, the operating time of the white cane 1 can be extended. The battery 22 can also be made smaller. Furthermore, because a small battery 22 can be used, the weight of the white cane 1 can be prevented from increasing.

As described above, the white cane 1 and ferrule (RFID device) 12 according to one embodiment can switch the reading state of the RFID module 253 based on the rotation or specific motion of the first housing 211. Therefore, the white cane 1 and ferrule 12 can reduce consumption of the battery 22.

The white cane 1 and ferrule 12 are not limited to the examples of the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, in the above-mentioned example, an example was described in which an electronic device is provided in the second housing 212 of the case 21, but it is sufficient that the case 21 is configured to house at least the antenna 23 and the power receiving coil 24, and other electronic devices may be housed in the white cane body 11 or the grip 111. Also, the above-mentioned electronic device may be housed in the second housing 212.

In the above example, the RFID device 12 is described as having a configuration including a first sensor 261, which is a motion sensor, and a second sensor 262, which is a Hall sensor, as the sensor 26, but this is not limited to the above. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the ferrule 12 may be configured to have only a second sensor 262 having a Hall sensor 2621 and a magnet 2622. Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the ferrule 12 may be configured to have only a first sensor 261, which is a motion sensor. The sensor 26 may be another sensor as long as it can detect the rotation or a specific motion of the first housing 211.

In the above example, the RFID module 253 starts and stops reading the RFID tag 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the ferrule 12 may be configured to have a control unit 257, which is a processor, mounted on the board 251, and to start and stop reading the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 using this control unit 257. Also, as shown in FIG. 28, the communication unit 254 may be provided with a control unit 2541, which is a processor, and a storage unit 2542, which is a memory, and to start and stop reading the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 using this control unit 2541. In other words, the RFID device 12 may be configured to start and stop reading the RFID tag 6 by the RFID module 253 using any of the control units and storage units provided in the RFID device 12.

Any of the white canes 1 configured as described above can reduce battery consumption.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
The following provides a description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of this application.
[1] A base portion,
A rotor provided on the base and configured to rotate relative to the base;
A housing provided on the rotating body;
A sensor for detecting a predetermined movement of the housing;
an RFID module that is built into the housing and starts reading when the sensor detects the predetermined movement;
An RFID device comprising:
[2] The sensor includes a magnet provided on the base and a magnetic sensor provided on the rotating body or the housing and capable of detecting magnetism of the magnet;
The RFID module starts the reading when the sensor detects a magnetic field or when the sensor no longer detects the magnetic field.
[3] The RFID device according to [2], wherein a plurality of the magnets are provided in a circumferential direction of the housing.
[4] The sensor is a motion sensor,
The RFID device according to claim 1, wherein the RFID module starts the reading when the predetermined movement is detected.
[5] The RFID device according to [4], wherein the movement of the housing is a movement in a direction intersecting a rotation axis of the housing.

1...white cane, 2...communication system, 3...contactless charging system, 5...terminal, 6...RFID tag, 7...power transmission device, 11...white cane body, 12...ferrule (RFID device), 21...case, 22...battery, 23...antenna, 24...power receiving coil, 25...control board, 26...sensor, 51...input unit, 52...display unit, 53...communication unit, 54...alarm unit, 55...memory unit, 56...control unit, 61...tag antenna, 62...IC chip, 71...power transmission stand, 72...power supply circuit, 73...power transmission circuit, 74...power transmission coil , 75...control circuit, 76...alarm unit, 77...resonance capacitor, 78...power supply unit, 111...grip, 211...first housing (housing), 212...second housing, 213...third housing, 231...base, 232...ground layer, 233...antenna pattern, 234...power supply point, 251...substrate, 252...terminal, 253...RFID module, 254...communication unit, 255...power receiving unit, 256...charging circuit, 258...interrupting circuit, 261...first sensor, 262...second sensor, 2111...rib, 211 2...protrusion, 2113...insertion portion, 2114...first protrusion portion, 2115...second protrusion portion, 2116...guidance display portion, 2121...notch, 2122...first part, 2123...second part, 2131...base portion, 2132...bearing member, 2133...cover portion (rotating body), 2311...through hole, 2511...first substrate, 2512...second substrate, 2521...positive terminal, 2522...negative terminal, 2531...control portion, 2532...storage portion, 2541...control portion, 2542...storage portion, 2551...power receiving circuit, 2552 ...Control circuit, 2553...Resonant capacitor, 2621...Hall sensor, 2622...Magnet, 21231...Holding portion, 21232...Regulating portion, 21311...Fixed portion, 21312...Umbrella portion, 21313...Axis portion, 21314...Bolt, 21331...Top plate portion, 21332...Outer wall portion, 21333...Inner wall portion, 21335...First groove, 21336...Second groove, 25211...First terminal, 25212...Second terminal, 25521...Control portion, 25522...Voltage conversion circuit, 25523...Logical OR circuit.

Claims (4)

A base and
A rotor provided on the base and configured to rotate relative to the base;
A housing provided on the rotating body;
a sensor including a magnet provided on the base and a magnetic sensor that detects a predetermined movement of the housing and is provided on the rotating body or the housing and can detect magnetism of the magnet ;
an RFID module that is built into the housing and starts reading when the sensor detects a magnetic field or when the sensor no longer detects the magnetic field ;
An RFID device comprising: The RFID device according to claim 1 , wherein the magnet is a plurality of magnets provided in a circumferential direction of the housing. A base and
A rotor provided on the base and configured to rotate relative to the base;
A housing provided on the rotating body;
A motion sensor that detects a predetermined movement of the housing;
An RFID device comprising: an RFID module built into the housing and which starts reading when the motion sensor detects the specified movement; and wherein the movement of the housing is in a direction intersecting the rotation axis of the housing . The RFID device according to claim 1 , further comprising a battery housed within the housing.