CH713298B1 - Portable object comprising a near-field connection device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention proposes a portable object comprising a near-field communication device. The communication device comprises an antenna (11) whose ends are intended to be electrically connected to an electronic chip (10) by forming with it an electrical circuit. Originally, the portable object comprises a control member (9, 18, 22, 31) capable of being moved between two predefined positions, namely an active position in which the communication device is activated and a passive position in which the communication device is disabled. The portable object further comprises a mechanical switch (41) capable of switching between an open state and a closed state in response to a displacement of the control member (9, 18, 22, 31) from one to the other of its preset positions.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the field of microtechnology. It relates more particularly to a portable object comprising a near-field connection device.

PRIOR ART

[0002] It is known to produce portable objects incorporating near-field communication means, for example using a radiofrequency tag. These connection means are composed of an electronic chip, or integrated circuit, electrically connected to an antenna. Most of the time, these devices do not need an autonomous power supply and are intended to communicate automatically with a reader as soon as they approach it. The electromagnetic field of the reader generates an induced current in the antenna which powers the chip and allows it to in turn emit a signal via the antenna.

[0003] Such devices are commonly found in chip cards which allow contactless payments to be made at the terminals provided for this purpose. Applications EP 603 721, EP 974 878, CH 690 525 or CH 704 583 are also known, which describe watches comprising near-field communication means in which the antennas are concealed in different places of the watch such as the dial, the middle , bezel, glass seal or glass. Other configurations plan to house the antenna in the back, the movement or even the bracelet. The integration of these contactless communication devices in a watch allows numerous applications such as the performance of information, identification, locking, access control or payment operations.

[0004] However, these automatic communication devices have great vulnerability vis-à-vis malicious third parties who could, by approaching a transceiver, recover, without the knowledge of their owners, confidential information or have bank transfers made to their profit. Various countermeasures have been developed to secure near-field communication devices. Payment cards can thus be placed in shielded cases which act as a Faraday cage and prevent communication from being established. Application US 2016/0188925 describes a method for activating or deactivating a radiofrequency tag having an electronic switch using an appropriate auxiliary reader. The electronic unlocking operation can prove to be tedious and impractical since it requires handling an object other than that by which the communication is established. Moreover, it presents a security flaw because the near-field communication device remains vulnerable between the moment it is activated and the moment communication is established. The various known security methods are unsuitable for certain portable objects such as a wristwatch, are impractical and do not completely eliminate the risk of hacking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a means for securing a near-field communication device integrated into a portable object which is easy to use and safer than the solutions of the prior art.

More specifically, the invention relates to a portable object comprising a near-field communication device. The communication device comprises an antenna whose ends are electrically connected to an electronic chip of the portable object, conventionally integrating a filter, typically a band pass filter, forming with the electronic chip an electrical circuit of the portable object. In an original way, the portable object In an original way, the portable object comprises a control member capable of being moved between two predefined positions, namely an active position in which the communication device is activated and a passive position in which the communication device is disabled. The portable object further comprises a mechanical switch capable of switching between an open state and a closed state in response to a movement of the control member from one to the other of its predefined positions.

[0007] This arrangement makes it possible to secure a near-field communication device integrated into a portable object while simplifying the operations necessary for this securing.

According to a first variant of the invention, the mechanical switch is mounted in series on the electrical circuit and is in the open state when the control member is in the passive position.

According to a second variant, the mechanical switch is mounted in parallel with the antenna and is in the closed state when the control member is in the passive position.

[0010] According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the mechanical switch is a reed switch and the portable object comprises a permanent magnet that is movable with reference to the reed switch and capable of modifying the state of the reed switch. in response to movement of the control member.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the permanent magnet is kinematically linked to the control member.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the reed switch is kinematically linked to the control member.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the portable object comprises at least two Reed switches arranged substantially perpendicularly.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the portable object comprises a safety switch arranged to change state simultaneously with the reed switch in the presence of an external magnetic field.

According to an advantageous variant of the invention, the portable object comprises a return means arranged to automatically bring the control member from the active position to the passive position.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the return means comprises an elastic element.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the portable object comprises a delay means arranged to delay the return of the control member from the active position to the passive position.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the portable object is a watch.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the watch comprises a pivoting bezel which is the control member.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the antenna is formed by a “Ceragold TM” process.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the watch comprises a pusher which is the control member.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the portable object is a smart card.

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the smart card comprises a flexible segment delimiting a part which is the control member

According to another advantageous variant of the invention, the smart card comprises a deformable wall at least partially delimiting a recess, the deformable wall being the control member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description, given with reference to the appended drawings in which: FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of a first variant of the invention, FIG. 2 represents a second variant of the invention, FIG. 3 represents a view of a watch according to a first embodiment of the invention, FIG. 4 represents a sectional view of the watch represented in FIG. 3, FIGS. 5 and 6 show a sectional view of the watch in FIG. 3, respectively in the passive and active positions if the switch is in series with the electrical circuit, FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the bezel of the watch in FIG. 3, FIG. 8 represents a cross-sectional view of a detail of a watch according to the invention, FIGS. 9 and 10 represent block diagrams of a secure device with a Reed switch, FIG. 11 represents the view of a watch according to a second embodiment of the invention, FIGS. 12 and 13 represent a first variant of a smart card according to the invention, respectively in the passive and active position, if the switch is in series with the electric circuit, FIGS. 14 and 15 represent a sectional view of a second variant of a chip card according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 show block diagrams of the secure near-field communication device that the invention proposes to integrate into portable objects. The communication device comprises an electronic chip 10 whose two terminals are connected to the ends of an antenna 11 in the form of a loop and forming with the electronic chip 10, integrating a band pass filter, for example of the RLC type, an electrical circuit.

In a first variant shown in Figure 1, a mechanical switch 41 is connected in series on the electrical circuit. The switch 41 is shown in the open state, that is to say that the communication device is deactivated and therefore secured. Closing switch 41 makes the device active and able to perform near-field communications.

In a second variant shown in Figure 2, a branch branch 42 is connected to the terminals of the electronic chip and constitutes a branch parallel to that formed by the antenna 11. The branch branch includes a switch 41 which is is therefore mounted in parallel with the antenna 11. When the switch is in the closed state as shown in Figure 2, the antenna is short-circuited and the communication device is deactivated. Conversely, the device is activated and able to communicate when the switch is placed in the open state.

[0029] Figures 1 to 4 represent a first portable object according to the first variant of the invention, namely a watch 1 with analog display which comprises a middle part 2, a control crown 3, a dial 4, hands 5, 6 , a crystal 7 and a movement 8. The watch also comprises a bezel 9 pivotally mounted with reference to the case 2 in both directions (arrow F in FIG. 3) over at least a predetermined angular distance as will be seen below. of the description. The watch further comprises a near-field communication device composed of an electronic chip 10 housed in the middle part 2, and of a loop-shaped antenna 11 whose two ends are intended to be electrically connected to the electronic chip 10 forming an electrical circuit with it. The antenna is formed on the upper part of bezel 9 in a conductive material, typically a metallic material. The bezel is preferably made of a non-conductive material such as a ceramic. The manufacture of such a component can be obtained by the "Ceragold™" process described in application EP 2725000. This process makes it possible to produce end portions 12, 13 of conductive material passing through bezel 9 and connecting the antenna located on the upper part to the lower part of the bezel on which they open. Elastic contact lugs 14, 15, connected to the electronic chip 10, are arranged to bear against the lower part of the bezel 9.

When the control member, here the bezel, is in a first predefined position, called passive position, shown in Figure 5, the contact tabs 14, 15 bear against the non-conductive material of the bezel 9 so that the electrical circuit formed by the antenna 11 and the chip 10 is open and the near-field communication device is deactivated.

When the control member is in a second predefined position, called active position, shown in Figure 6, the contact tabs 14, 15 bear against the conductive material of the end portions 12, 13 so that the electronic chip 10 is electrically connected to antenna 11 and that the electrical circuit is active and can perform its function in the presence of a near field.

Thus by rotating the bezel 9, it is possible to activate and deactivate at will the near-field communication device which allows, by deactivating the device, to guard against the risk of fraudulent communication. The assembly composed of the bezel and the end portions 12, 13 on one side and by the contact tabs 14, 15 and the case on the other, constitutes a mechanical switch 41 as it appears in the block diagram of Figure 1. The example described here considers that the switch is in series with the electrical circuit. It can of course be adapted for the case where this switch is in parallel with the electric circuit, and where the closed respectively open positions correspond to an inactive respectively active circuit.

The watch 1 may also include a return means in the form of a spring 16, arranged to bring the bezel 9 from the active position to the passive position. The spring 16 is placed in a housing of the middle part and bears against a lug 17 secured to the bezel 9. A stop, not shown, allows the position of the bezel to be indexed in the active position where the contact lugs 14, 15 bear against the end portions 12, 13 of the antenna 11.

The user who wishes to activate the device, for example to make a payment, must rotate the bezel 9 against the action of the return spring 16 to the stop. As soon as he releases bezel 9, the latter automatically returns to the passive position where the device is inactive. The return means thus offers additional security by eliminating the risk of forgetting the bezel in the active position. Alternatively, it is also possible to introduce a delay means at the level of the control device to slow down or delay its return to the passive position so that the communication device remains active for the time necessary to establish the connection without the user has to maintain the control member in the active position. This has the further advantage of avoiding a communication fault in the event that the user releases the control member prematurely.

Other technical solutions for making the antenna are possible. You can replace galvanic growth with solder paste. The ceramic bezel for the antenna insertion can also be machined as a loop-like coiled wire. In another variant represented in FIG. 7, a pivoting bezel 9 is produced in a non-conductive material comprising on its periphery a housing 23 in which is inserted a thin printed circuit 24 carrying the electronic chip 10 and the antenna 11 in loop shape. A cover 25 makes it possible to close the housing 23 by protecting and fixing the printed circuit 24. The cover 25 can be made of any kind of non-conductive material such as a polymer or a ceramic. The circuit formed by the antenna 11 is open and its ends open out facing a conductive blade located on the box in a manner analogous to that shown in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. The ends come into galvanic contact with the conductive blade when the bezel is in the active position so as to activate the near field communication device.

[0036] Figure 8 shows a section of another variant of the watch of Figure 5 in which the electrical circuit composed of the electronic chip 10 and the antenna 11, comprises another type of mechanical switch, in l occurrence a magnetic switch 26 with reed switch type flexible blade, instead of the galvanic switch described above. In this case, the watch also comprises a permanent magnet 27 kinematically linked to the case and movable with reference to the reed switch 26 which is kinematically linked to the control member. The assembly is arranged so that the movement of the control member, here the bezel 9, between its predefined positions, modifies the state of the Reed switch 26. FIG. 8 represents the control member in its active position . In the illustrated embodiment, the reed switch 26 is secured to the bezel 9 while the permanent magnet 27 is secured to the box 2. Alternatively the electrical circuit and the reed switch 26 could be housed in the box and the magnet could be kinematically connected to the actuator.

In an alternative embodiment not shown, a portable object comprises at least two reed switches 26 cooperating with at least one permanent magnet 27. In an original way, the reed switches 26 are arranged so that an external magnetic field cannot switch all the reed switches simultaneously. To do this, the reed switches have distinct orientations and are preferably arranged substantially perpendicular. This prevents the switches 26 from being able to be closed simultaneously by being placed in a homogeneous external magnetic field during a fraudulent connection attempt using a reader and a magnet. This provides additional safety for near field communication devices using reed switches.

[0038] Figures 9 and 10 show other configurations making it possible to completely secure a near-field communication device using reed switches. To guard against the risk of a fraudulent connection using a reader and a magnet, the portable object includes an additional safety switch 33 which is also a Reed switch. Unlike the main Reed switch 26, the safety switch 33 is not associated with a permanent magnet because it is not intended to change state during normal operation but only in the event of an attack.

In a first configuration shown in Figure 9, the safety switch 33 is connected in series with the reed switch 26. The safety switch 33 is in this case an NF type switch, normally closed, c that is to say that it is closed in the absence of a magnetic field and that it switches to the open position under the effect of a magnetic field. Reed switch 26 is of the NO type, normally open, and operates in reverse of the previous one. In the event of an attack using a magnet, the safety switch 33 and the reed switch 26 switch simultaneously under the effect of the external magnetic field, so that the communication device remains inactive, the switch safety being open. Preferably the Reed switch 26 and the safety switch 33 are arranged as close as possible, ensuring that the movement of the permanent magnet 27, controlling the switch 26, has no effect on the safety switch 33 .

In a second configuration shown in Figure 10, the safety switch 33 is mounted in parallel with the reed switch 26. In this configuration the two switches are of the same type. In the example shown in Figure 10 they are of the NO type, the safety switch being mounted on a branch branch. In the event of attack by an external magnetic field, the safety switch closes simultaneously with the Reed switch so that the antenna 11 is short-circuited and the device remains inactive. It would also be possible to use two NF type switches, by inverting their position, the controlled Reed switch 26 being this time on the bypass branch.

[0041] FIG. 11 represents a second embodiment of a watch 1 according to the invention comprising a middle part 2 in which a movement 8 is housed. A near-field communication device is mounted on the periphery of the movement 8 and comprises an electronic chip 10 and an antenna 11. The antenna 11 forms an open loop provided with two end portions 12, 13 located opposite a push button 18. The end 19 of the push button 18 is made in a conductive material and is arranged to bear jointly against the two end portions 12, 13. To do this, at least one of the end portions can be mounted on an elastic support or else the end 19 can be mounted slightly pivoting in reference to push button 18.

The push button 18 further comprises a return spring 16 which maintains the push button in a passive position in which there is no contact between the end 19 and the end portions 12, 13. In this position passive the electrical circuit formed by the antenna 11 and the chip 10 is open which makes the communication device inactive. When the push button 18 is pressed, its end 19 moves and comes to rest against the two end portions 12, 13, which has the effect of closing the electrical circuit formed by the chip 10 and the antenna 11 and of activating the near field communication device. As soon as the pressure on the push button 18 is released, the latter automatically returns to its passive position and the communication device is deactivated. It is of course possible to carry out the two variants explained above via the control crown, whether by rotation or by pressure. As before, the galvanic switch can be replaced by a magnetic switch. In this case, a permanent magnet can be kinematically linked to the pusher or to the control crown in order to control a reed switch replacing the terminal portions. As before, it is possible to configure the push-button so that it is parallel to the electric circuit, and that when the user presses it, he opens the contact and makes the system active.

Figures 12 and 13 show another type of portable object according to the invention, namely a smart card 20. This comprises a near-field communication device embedded in the mass and formed of an antenna 11 connected to an electronic chip 10. Antenna 10 forms an open loop terminating in two portions 12, 13 emerging at the surface of card 20. These portions are conductive and robust to the environment, as are the electrical contacts of a bank card. A flexible segment 21, made for example of an elastomeric material, delimits a part 22 and forms a hinge allowing the part 22 to fold up. Part 22 constitutes a control member able to be moved around the hinge formed by flexible segment 21. In the absence of constraint, part 22 is located in the plane of smart card 20, that is to say say in the passive position shown in Figure 5. The part 22 includes a conductive pad 23, slightly protruding and arranged to bear against the end portions 12, 13 when the part 22 is folded into the active position shown in Figure 13 so as to close the electric circuit formed by the antenna 11 and the chip 10 and to activate the near-field communication device. The elasticity of the material making up the flexible segment 21 allows the automatic elastic return of the part 22 to the passive position. Alternatively, part 22 could include a permanent magnet 27 and control a reed switch 26 mounted in series on the loop of antenna 11.

Figures 14 and 15 show an alternative embodiment of a smart card according to the invention. The smart card 20 is here seen in section, the communication device is in the passive state in FIG. 14 and in the active state in FIG. 15. The smart card 20 has a multilayer structure. It consists of a lower layer 29 intended to bear against a reader, an upper layer 28 and between the two, a spacer 30. The spacer 30 and the lower 29 and upper 31 layers delimit a recess 32 inside the chip card 20. There are the terminal portions 12, 13 and the conductive pad 23, described in the previous embodiment. These elements are placed in the cavity 32 facing each other, on the internal faces of the lower and upper layers. The upper layer 28 comprises a deformable wall 31 at least partially delimiting the recess 32. By exerting pressure on the deformable wall 31, the latter moves from a passive position to an active position in which the electrical contact is established between the end portions 12, 13 and the conductive pad 23. The deformable wall 31 thus constitutes the control member. The elasticity of the wall allows it to return to its original passive position as soon as the pressure is released.

The portable objects according to the invention offer great ease of use and better security than those provided with electronic switches of the prior art, the change of state of which must be ordered in advance from an electronic device. outside, for example from a smartphone.

Advantageously, the security device proposed by the invention makes it possible to eliminate any risk of fraudulent communication because the device can be activated while the portable object is already nearby and under the magnetic influence. of the reader with which it is intended to communicate, so that communication is instantly established with the target reader as soon as the control member is moved into the active position. In addition, the automatic return of the control member to its passive position immediately secures the device as soon as the desired operation has been performed and even though the portable object is still within the range of the magnetic field of the target reader.

[0047] Furthermore, the mechanical locking means proposed by the invention gives the user control over the security of the near-field communication device and provides him with the confidence that has hitherto been lacking in the use of this technology.

[0048] The use of the Ceragold™ process for producing an antenna offers several advantages. It makes it possible to easily integrate the antenna into a watch part, such as the bezel or even the dial or the case. This integration can be carried out in a visible and aesthetic way on an exterior face or, on the contrary, in a discreet way on an interior face. This manufacturing process also makes it possible to produce an extremely durable and solid antenna capable of resisting aging under the most severe conditions of use and the most hostile environments. The realization of the antenna can moreover be easily combined with that of markers intended to facilitate the reading of time information. Similarly, the use of amorphous metal as a conductive element can also be envisaged.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will be able to make multiple variations from the embodiments presented without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. Portable object comprising a near-field communication device, the communication device comprising an antenna (11) whose ends are electrically connected to an electronic chip (10) of the portable object forming with the electronic chip (10) an electrical circuit of the portable object, characterized in that the portable object comprises a control member (9, 18, 22, 31) capable of being moved between two predefined positions, namely an active position in which the communication is activated and a passive position in which the communication device is deactivated, the portable object further comprising a mechanical switch (41) able to switch between an open state and a closed state in response to a movement of the control (9, 18, 22, 31) from one to the other of its predefined positions. 2. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical switch (41) is mounted in series on the electrical circuit and in that the switch is in the open state when the control member is in passive stance. 3. Portable object according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical switch (41) is mounted in parallel with the antenna and in that the switch is in the closed state when the control member is in passive stance. 4. Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mechanical switch (41) is a reed switch (26) and in that the portable object comprises a permanent magnet (27) movable with reference to the Reed switch (26) and capable of modifying the state of the Reed switch (26) in response to a movement of the control member. 5. Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the permanent magnet (27) is kinematically linked to the control member. 6. Portable object according to claim 4, characterized in that the reed switch (26) is kinematically linked to the control member. 7. Portable object according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least two reed switches arranged substantially perpendicularly. 8. Portable object according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a safety switch (33) arranged to change state simultaneously with the reed switch (26) in the presence of a magnetic field outside. 9. Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a return means (16) arranged to automatically bring the control member from the active position to the passive position. 10. Portable object according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the return means (16) comprises an elastic element. 11. Portable object according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises a delay means arranged to delay the return of the control member from the active position to the passive position. 12. Portable object according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portable object is a watch (1). 13. Portable object according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a pivoting bezel (9) and in that the control member is the bezel (9). 14. Portable object according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the antenna is formed on the bezel which is made of a non-conductive material such as a ceramic. 15. Portable object according to claim 13, characterized in that the antenna is made of amorphous metal. 16. Portable object according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a pusher (18) and that the control member is the pusher (18). 17. Portable object according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a control crown and in that the control member is the control crown. 18. Portable object according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the portable object is a smart card (20). 19. Portable object according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the smart card comprises a flexible segment (21) delimiting a part (22) and in that the part (22) is the control member. 20. Portable object according to claim 18, characterized in that the smart card comprises a deformable wall (31) at least partially delimiting a recess (32) and in that the deformable wall (31) is the control member.