DE102014117016B4 - Contactless communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) for use in inductive communication with a chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920), the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) comprises:a receptacle designed to receive the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920), the receptacle acting as a tray (612 , 712) is provided, an antenna loop as an inductive coupling element, designed to share magnetic field with the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) when it is recorded in the receptacle, the receptacle being connected to a holder is provided, which is designed to engage the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) at an engagement location, the tray (612, 712): having a base (613) opposite one open upper part, a side opening (615), guide walls (616a, 616b) on each side of the side opening (615) and a stop wall (618) opposite the side opening (615), the bottom (613) being inclined , so that a bottom section next to the stop wall (618) is further recessed from an upper level of the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) than a bottom section next to the side opening (615), oris provided with a bottom (713) opposite an open upper part, a side step (715), inclined guide banks (716a, 716b) on each side of the side step (715) and a stop bench (718) opposite the side step (715). , wherein the floor (713) is inclined so that a floor section next to the stop wall (718) between the guide banks (716a, 716b) is recessed further than a floor section next to the side shoulder (715).

Description

STATE OF THE ART

An integrated circuit card (IC card), also known as a chip card or smart card, is a card with embedded integrated circuits. A typical chip card includes a plastic body that carries a module. The module includes an integrated circuit. The IC card may provide identification, authentication, data storage and/or application processing. The IC card can provide strong security authentication for single login in large organizations.

A typical IC card functions to communicate with a host using a card reader. Depending on how the IC card connects to the card reader, there are two types of IC cards. Using electrical connectivity, the card reader can power the IC card's integrated circuits and/or communicate with the IC card. Contact-based IC cards include contact pads that provide electrical connectivity when inserted into the card reader. However, contact points can be unreliable to the extent that a mechanical connection is required between the IC card and the card reader.

Contactless IC cards are provided with the integrated circuit having a connection to an antenna. Typically, the antenna is intended to detect a magnetic field and produce a magnetic field. Using electromagnetic waves, the card reader can power the integrated circuits of the IC card and/or communicate with the IC card. Thus, reliability problems of contact-based IC cards caused by contact failure between the IC card and the card reader are overcome. However, contactless IC cards have their own source of unreliability. Given the use of the IC card in daily life, in which the user occasionally bends the IC card, the connection between the antenna and integrated circuits often breaks.

One solution is to reduce the size of the antenna so that the connection between the antenna and integrated circuits is less exposed to card bending. In particular, if the antenna is limited to the module that includes the integrated circuits, breakage of the connection is unlikely to occur during normal use of the card. However, reducing the antenna size also reduces the antenna's ability to sense and/or emit magnetic fields. Therefore the field strength must be increased. One solution uses the antenna in the card module as the primary antenna and provides a secondary antenna in the card body. The secondary antenna detects a magnetic field generated by the antenna provided in the module and/or a magnetic field generated by a card reader antenna and emits a corresponding field that is to be picked up by the card reader antenna or the antenna limited in the card module.

DE 296 23 159 U1 describes a handheld radio telephone for a vehicle, wherein the handheld radio telephone can be inserted into a hand shell and can be inductively coupled to the hand shell to transmit energy and/or signals. DE 103 21 429 A1 describes a holder for a vehicle, wherein the holder is set up to hold a mobile phone in the vehicle, the holder having an antenna which is set up to inductively couple to the mobile phone when it is held in the holder to produce a signal between the mobile phone and an external antenna of the vehicle. EP 2 278 527 A2 describes an RFID chip card interface card and a chip card reader, wherein the chip card reader has a chip contact field according to ISO 7816, so that the chip contact field is set up for galvanic contact with a contact field of the RFID chip card interface card when the RFID chip card interface card is in a Opening of the chip card reader is introduced, the RFID chip card interface card further comprising a circuit which, when the RFID chip card interface card is inserted into the opening of the chip card reader, is arranged outside the opening and provides RFID communication with another device . EP 2 017 796 A1 describes an access control system with a card control device and an authorization card, wherein the authorization card can be inserted into an opening of the card control device and wherein the card control device has a reading device which is set up when the authorization card is inserted into the opening, a barcode of the authorization card optically or a magnetic strip read the authorization card using a magnetic head. US 2006 / 0 148 404 A1 describes a mobile terminal which is equipped with a reading device for radio frequency identification (RFID) or near field (NFC) communication in order to communicate with an RFID or NFC chip card, the mobile terminal having a holding mechanism for holding the chip card having.

SHORT VERSION

The following provides a simplified summary to ensure a basic understanding of one or more aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to define its scope. Instead, the main purpose of the Abstract is to present certain concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description provided later.

According to various aspects, there is provided a device as defined in independent claim 1, the device being a smart card reader. To explain various aspects of the chip card reader, reference is made to an associated chip card in various embodiments. In a further aspect, a system for inductive communication as defined in the independent system claim is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for inductive communication between a chip card reader and a chip card is provided as defined in the independent method claim. The dependent claims define embodiments according to the invention in one or more aspects. It should be noted that features of these embodiments may be combined with one another unless expressly stated to the contrary. For example, features of method embodiments may be implemented in embodiments of the device. For example, features of an embodiment of the device may be used to carry out steps of an embodiment of the method.

The described embodiments may be useful, for example, in the field of operating contactless chip cards. Compared to traditional solutions, at least one effect can be that contactless communication is improved. Another effect can be that the power supply from a chip card reader for the chip card is improved.

This summary is provided with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. This summary is not intended to identify critical features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of protection of the claimed subject matter. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed. Additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description and upon review of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1 schematically shows a female device designed according to certain embodiments.
• 2 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 3 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments.
• 4 is a schematic view of a portion of a male device according to certain embodiments.
• 5 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 6 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments.
• 7 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 8th schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments.
• 9 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 10 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments.
• 11 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 12 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 13 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments.
• 14 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments.
• 15 schematically shows a system 900 of a female device and corresponding male device according to certain embodiments.
• 16 schematically shows a variant of the system 900 of the female device and corresponding male device according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Techniques according to the claimed subject matter are described below with reference to the drawings. The detailed description refers to the attached figures. By way of explanation, numerous specific details are presented to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it is clear that the claimed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details.

Illustrated embodiments

1 schematically shows a female device configured to cooperate with a male device, according to certain embodiments. It is understood that the words “female” and “male” used here can be interchanged since, for example, a chip card obviously accommodates a card reader.

The female device in 1 is intended as a card reader 110 for use in a chip card security system. The card reader 110 may be provided on an access barrier to restrain unauthorized persons. For example, in certain implementations of such a system, a user has a chip card uniquely associated with the user. The user uses the chip card for authentication, for example to gain access to a restricted area. The user can have the card reader 110 communicate with the chip card to establish access authorization. The chip card reader 110 has an opening 115 for a slot 112 (in 1 shown in dashed lines), which is designed to accommodate the chip card. The chip card reader 110 is equipped with a conductive coil 114 (also referred to here as a reader coil) which is designed for inductive coupling to the chip card. The reader coil 114 is coupled via coil feed lines (not shown) to reader control circuits (not shown) which act to power a chip card received on the smart card reader 110 and/or to communicate with the smart card received on the smart card reader 110. In certain embodiments, the first feed point and/or the second feed point of the card coil and/or the reader coil are connected to a first trace and a second trace, respectively, each adapted for connection to circuits, as the case may be, in the female device or in the male device are provided. An axis of the reader coil 114 (referred to herein as the reader coil axis 111) is defined by a magnetic field generated by the reader coil 114 when current flows through the conductor turns of the reader coil 114. The reader coil 114 is arranged such that the reader coil axis 111 is essentially perpendicular to a plane with a chip card accommodated in the slot 112.

In certain embodiments, the reader coil 114 is as in 1 shown provided as a planar coil. In certain embodiments (not shown), the reader coil 114 is provided as a non-planar coil, such as a cylindrical coil. According to certain implementations, the reader coil 114 is located on a floor or ceiling of the slot 112, which is defined in FIGS 1 illustrated embodiments is provided as a receptacle. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 114 is embedded in the floor or ceiling of the slot 112. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 114 is located in a plane below a surface of the floor or ceiling of the slot 112. In certain embodiments, the plane with the reader coil 114 is parallel to a plane with the floor and/or a plane with the ceiling of the slot 112. In certain embodiments, a conductor strip or trace is provided substantially at a coil feed point and is wound outwardly to form the reader coil 114 in a planar and/or spiral shape. It is understood that the in 1 The spiral shape shown is only for schematic illustration. In particular, the coil feed point does not have to be in the center of the planar coil. In certain embodiments (not shown), the conductor is provided at a first coil feed point offset from a central point with respect to the turns and is wound outwardly to a second coil feed point so as to separate a central portion of the spiral reader coil from conductor and/or keep a conductive path clear. In certain embodiments, the reader coil draws a shape other than a circle, such as a rectangle shape or other shape, including irregular shapes that lack symmetry. Other shapes or patterns of conductive material may also be implemented to form the reader coil. In certain embodiments, the reader coil is provided as a single loop. In certain embodiments, the reader coil is provided as a portion of a loop. In certain embodiments, the reader coil is provided as a portion of a circular loop of infinite radius, ie, the reader coil is provided as a straight conductor.

2 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is used as a card reader 210 Intended for use in a chip card security system. The card reader 210 is the in 1 Card reader 110 shown is similar. As in 2 shown, however, the card reader 110 is provided with a drawer 212 instead of a slot as a receptacle for receiving a chip card. The drawer 212 is provided with a bottom 213 facing an open top, a side opening 215, guide walls 216a and 216b on each side of the side opening 215, and a stop wall 218 facing the side opening 215.

The chip card reader 210 is provided with a reader coil 214 which is designed for inductive coupling to the chip card. As above with reference to in 1 As described in the illustrated embodiments, the reader coil 214 is coupled to reader control circuits (not shown) of the card reader 210 via coil feed lines (not shown). An axis of the reader coil 214 (referred to herein as the reader coil axis 211) is defined by a magnetic field generated by the reader coil 214 when current flows through the conductor turns of the reader coil 214. The reader coil 214 is arranged so that the reader coil axis 211 is essentially perpendicular to a plane with a chip card accommodated in the drawer 212. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 214 is as in 2 shown as a planar coil. In certain embodiments, the reader coil is provided as a non-planar coil (not shown), such as a cylindrical coil. According to certain implementations, the reader coil 214 is located on the floor 213. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 214 is embedded in the floor 213. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 214 is in a plane below a surface of the floor 213. In certain embodiments, the plane with the reader coil 214 is parallel to a plane with the floor 213. As above with reference to FIG 1 Illustrated embodiments described, other variants of the reader coil 214 can also be implemented.

3 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments. The male device is intended as a chip card 120 for use in a chip card security system, for example with the chip card reader 110, 210. For example, in certain implementations of such a system, a user has a smart card uniquely associated with the user for use in authenticating the user. The chip card 120 has a flat body 129; according to certain embodiments, the body 129 is both rigid and flexible. For example, the body 129 consists essentially of plastic. In another example, the body includes 129 pieces of cardboard. In certain embodiments, the body 129 comprises textile and/or a fiber matrix. In certain embodiments, body 129 is provided as a laminate. According to certain embodiments, the body 129 has a rectangular shape with a gripping edge 125, a stop edge 128 opposite the gripping edge 125 and side edges 126a, 126b between the gripping edge 125 and the stop edge 128. Although in 3 a section of the chip card 120 is shown with streamlining on the gripping edge 125, it is understood that the streamlining is only intended to illustrate where a user would typically hold the chip card 120, for example to place the chip card 120 in a receptacle of a card reader, such as according to above described embodiments with reference to 1 and 2 , to insert. In certain implementations, a surface or other property of the body 129 does not differ depending on whether or not a portion of the body 129 is close to the gripping edge 125. In certain embodiments, the body 129 is provided with a module 122 that includes a substrate, in particular a semiconductor substrate. The substrate is referred to here as IC 123 because the substrate is provided with an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may be implemented partially or entirely in hardware using logic circuits or VLSI design. In certain embodiments, the module 122 further includes a conductive coil 124 (hereinafter also referred to as a card coil). 3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the card coil 124 is provided separately from the IC 123.

In certain implementations the in 3 chip card 120 shown is designed to have an in 1 card reader 110 shown to interact. For example, a user can insert the chip card 120 into the slot 112 of the chip card reader 110 via the opening 115. The user pushes the chip card 120 into the slot 112, with slot walls acting as rails and side edges 126a, 26b of the chip card body 129 acting as sliding shoes sliding on the rails. At least one effect is that the user can easily and precisely cause the stop edge 128 of the chip card 120 to abut against a lower part of the slot 112 opposite the opening 115, so that the chip card reader 110 effectively grasps the chip card 120 at a point of engagement. on which the reader coil 114 is coaxial with the card coil 124 in order to enable particularly good inductive coupling.

In certain implementations the in 3 chip card 120 shown is designed to be used with the in 2 card reader 210 shown interact. For example, a user can place the chip card 120 in the drawer 212 of the card reader 210 place. Seen from the stop wall 218, the gripping edge 125 and a certain section can extend towards the central section of the chip card body 129 beyond the lateral opening 214 outside the drawer 212. The user pushes the chip card 120 towards the stop edge 218 of the drawer 212, with the guide walls 216a and 216b acting as rails and side edges 126a, 126b of the chip card body 129 acting as sliding shoes sliding on the rails. At least one effect is that the user can easily and precisely cause the stop edge 128 of the chip card 120 to abut against a lower part of the slot 112 opposite the opening 115, so that the chip card reader 210 effectively grasps the chip card 120 at a point of engagement. on which the reader coil 214 is coaxial with the card coil 124 in order to enable particularly good inductive coupling.

4 is a schematic view showing a portion of a male device according to certain embodiments. Similar to those referred to above 3 Embodiments described is the male device of 4 as a chip card 220 for use in a chip card security system, for example with the chip card reader 110, 210. The chip card 220 has a flat body 229, which consists essentially of plastic, for example, although as referred to above 3 described, other materials can also be considered. According to certain embodiments, the body 229 has a rectangular shape with a stop edge 228 adapted to engage a stop wall in a card reader, and side edges 226a, 226b adjacent the stop edge 228. In certain embodiments, the body 229 is provided with a Module 222 provided, which includes an IC 223 formed, for example, on and/or in a semiconductor substrate. In certain embodiments, the module 222 further includes a conductive coil 224 (hereinafter also referred to as a card coil). 4 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the card coil 224 is provided with the substrate of the IC 223. According to certain embodiments, IC 223 includes card coil 224.

In certain implementations the in 4 The chip card 220 shown is designed for communicative interaction with the in 1 card reader 110 shown and/or with the in 2 Karenleser 210 shown as above with reference to the in 1 and 2 and 3 illustrated embodiments described.

5 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is intended as a card reader 310 for use in a smart card security system. The card reader 310 is referenced above 2 disclosed embodiments similar. As in 5 shown, the card reader 310 is provided with a drawer 312 as a receptacle for holding a chip card. The drawer 312 is provided with a bottom 313 opposite an open upper part, a side opening 315, guide walls 316a and 316b on each side of the side opening 315 and a stop wall 318 opposite the side opening 315. The chip card reader 310 is provided with a reader coil 314 which is designed for inductive coupling to the chip card. As above with reference to in 2 As described in the illustrated embodiments, the reader coil 314 is coupled to reader control circuits (not shown) of the card reader 310 via coil feed lines (not shown). An axis of the reader coil 314 (referred to herein as the reader coil axis 311) is defined by a magnetic field generated by the reader coil 314 when current flows through the conductor bonds of the reader coil 314. The reader coil 314 is arranged so that the reader coil axis 311 is essentially perpendicular to a plane with a chip card accommodated in the drawer 312. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 314 is as in 3 shown as a planar coil. A section in the vicinity of the reader coil axis 311 is free of coil conductors, ie coil turns.

6 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments. The male device is intended as a smart card 320 for use in a smart card security system, for example with a smart card reader according to any of those referred to above 1 , 2 and 5 described embodiments. The chip card 320 has a flat body 329. According to certain embodiments, the body 329 has a rectangular shape with a gripping edge 325, a stop edge 328 opposite the gripping edge 325 and side edges 326a, 326b between the gripping edge 325 and the stop edge 328. In certain embodiments, the Body 329 provided with a module 322 which includes an IC 323. In certain embodiments, the module 322 further includes a conductive coil 324 (also referred to herein as a card coil). 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown, turns of the card coil 324 essentially surround the IC 323.

In certain implementations the in 6 shown chip card 320 designed for communicative interaction with the in 5 card reader 310 shown, for example as above with reference to in 1 until 4 illustrated embodiments described.

7 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is provided as a card reader 410, for example in 5 illustrated embodiments, in particular with a drawer 412 with a side opening 415, guide walls 416a and 416b on each side of the side opening 415 and a stop wall 418. A reader coil 414 is embedded in a floor 413. In 7 Embodiments shown differ in this respect from in 5 illustrated embodiments, than the reader coil 414 is smaller, so that a magnetic field generated by a given current flowing in the turns of the reader coil 414 has more density.

8th schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments. The male device is intended as a smart card 420 for use in a smart card security system, for example with a smart card reader according to any of those referred to above 1 , 2 , 5 and 7 described embodiments. The chip card 420 has a flat body 429. According to certain embodiments, the body 429 has a rectangular shape with a gripping edge 425, a stop edge 428 opposite the gripping edge 425 and side edges 426a, 426b between the gripping edge 425 and the stop edge 428. In certain embodiments, the Body 429 provided with a module 422 which includes an IC 423. In certain embodiments, the IC 423 further includes a conductive coil 424 (also referred to herein as a card coil). 8th The exemplary embodiments shown are similar to those referred to above 4 described embodiments, turns of the card coil 424 are provided with the IC 423.

In certain implementations the in 8th shown chip card 420 designed for communicative interaction with the in 7 shown card reader 410, for example as above with reference to in 1 until 4 illustrated embodiments described.

9 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is provided as a card reader 510, for example in 3 illustrated embodiments, in particular with a drawer 512 with a side opening 515, guide walls 516a and 516b on each side of the side opening 515 and a stop wall 518. A reader coil 514 is embedded in a bottom 513 of the drawer 512. In 9 Embodiments shown differ in this respect from in 2 illustrated embodiments, as the reader coil 514 is closer to the side opening 515.

10 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments. The male device is intended as a smart card 520 for use in a smart card security system, for example with a smart card reader at least as described above 9 described embodiments. The chip card 520 is in 3 Embodiments shown are similar, in particular with a body 529 with a gripping edge 525, a stop edge 528 opposite the gripping edge 525 and a first side edge 526a and a second side edge 526b opposite the first side edge 526a between the gripping edge 525 and the stop edge 528. However, there is one Card coil 524 at a substantially central position of the chip card 520, where as in 10 shown two diagonals 527a, 527b meet via the chip card 510.

In certain implementations the in 10 shown chip card 520 designed for communicative interaction with the in 9 shown card reader 510, for example as above with reference to in 1 until 4 illustrated embodiments described. In particular, when the chip card 520 is picked up on the tray 512, the card coil 524 and the reader coil 514 overlap. When the stop edge 528 of the chip card 520 abuts the stop wall 518 of the card reader 510, the reader coil axis 511 and the card coil axis 521 coincide. At least one effect is good sharing of the magnetic field and hence good inductive coupling between the smart card 520 and the card reader 510. Since the card coil 524 is located at a central portion of the smart card 520, the coupling is good no matter how in a longitudinal direction the smart card 520 is in the drawer 512 is picked up; In these embodiments, the stop edge 528 and the gripping edge 525 are only functionally differentiated when received in the drawer 512, while there need not be any difference structurally. This makes the chip card 520 easier to use.

11 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is provided as a card reader 610, for example referred to above 1 and 9 is similar to the embodiments described. The card reader 610 has a receptacle provided as a tray 612, which is provided with a bottom 613 opposite an open upper part, a side opening 615, guide walls 616a and 616b on each side of the side opening 615 and a stop wall 618 opposite the side opening 615 is provided. At in 11 In the illustrated embodiments, the floor 613 is inclined so that a floor section next to the stop wall 618 is recessed further from an upper level of the card reader 610 than a floor section next to the side opening 615. In certain implementations the in 10 shown chip card 520 designed for communicative interaction with the in 11 card reader 610 shown. A chip card placed in the drawer 612 can slide towards the stop wall 618 in order to be held at the place of engagement. When the stop edge of the chip card 520 abuts the stop wall 618 of the card reader 610 to share magnetic field and consequently good inductive coupling between the chip card 520 and the card reader 610.

12 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is provided as a card reader 710, for example referred to above 1 and 9 is similar to the embodiments described. The card reader 710 has a receptacle provided as a tray 712, which is provided with a bottom 713 opposite an open upper part, a side landing 715, inclined guide banks 716a and 716b on each side of the side landing 715 and a stop bench 718 opposite the side landing 715 is provided. Similar to in 11 In the illustrated embodiments, according to certain embodiments, the floor 713 is inclined, so that a floor section next to the stop wall 718 between the guide banks 716a, 716b is recessed further than a floor section next to the side shoulder 715. In certain implementations the in 10 shown chip card 520 designed for communicative interaction with the in 12 card reader 710 shown. A smart card pressed lightly into the tray 712 slides down the guide banks 716a and 716b and the stop bench 718 to align with the floor 713 and thus be held in a place of engagement to create a magnetic field and consequently good inductive coupling between the Share chip card 520 and card reader 710.

13 schematically shows a female device according to certain embodiments. The female device is provided as a card reader 810, for example referred to above 1 and 9 is similar to the embodiments described. The card reader 810 has a substantially rectangular receptacle provided as a tray 812 having a bottom 813 opposite an open top portion, side openings 815a and 815b on each narrow side of the tray 812 and guide walls 816a and 816b on each wide side the drawer 812 is provided. Similar to above for example with reference to 9 In the embodiments described, a reader coil 814, which defines a reader coil axis 811, is located at a substantially central position of the bottom 813. The guide walls 816a and 816b are provided with projections 817a, 817b, 817c, 817d which are designed to form corresponding recesses in one To engage chip card body, which is received in the tray 812, so as to be held at an engagement location.

14 schematically shows a male device according to certain embodiments. The male device is provided as a chip card 820, for example in 3 and in 10 is similar to the embodiments shown. In particular, the chip card 820 has a body 829 with a first gripping edge 825a and a second gripping edge 925b opposite the first gripping edge 825a and a first side edge 826a and a second side edge 826b opposite the first side edge 826a between the gripping edges 825a and 825b. Similar to above for example with reference to 10 In the embodiments described, a card coil 824, which defines a card coil axis 821, is located at a substantially central position of the chip card 820. According to certain embodiments, the first side edge 826a and/or the second side edge 826b are with at least one recess 827a, 827b, 827c, 827d , which are designed to receive a corresponding projection 817a, 817b, 817c, 817d of a receptacle of a female device when received in the receptacle.

In certain implementations the in 14 shown chip card 820 designed for communicative interaction with the in 13 card reader 810 shown, for example if projections are not too large so that the side edges 826a 826b of the chip card 820 can no longer run on the side walls 816a, 816b of the card reader tray 812, then the chip card 820 essentially as above with reference to in 1 until 4 illustrated embodiments described can be used with the card reader 810. Alternatively, the smart card 820 may be placed substantially vertically down the tray 812 so that the projections 817a, 817b, 817c, 817d engage corresponding ones of the recesses 827a, 827b, 827c, 827d. When the chip card 820 is picked up on the tray 812, that is, at a point of engagement of the chip card reader 810, with the reader coil axis 811 coinciding with the card coil axis 821, the at least one projection 817a, 817b, 817c, 817d of the card reader 810 comes with the at least one corresponding recess 827a, 827b, 827c, 827d of the chip card 820 engage, and the card coil 824 and the reader coil 814 overlap. At least one effect is safe sharing of magnetic field between reader coil 814 and card coil 824 and consequently good inductive coupling between chip card 820 and card reader 810.

15 schematically shows a system 900 of a female device and corresponding male device according to certain embodiments.

In the 15 Female device shown is provided as a card reader 910, which has certain elements with reference to, for example 1 described embodiments has in common. The card reader 910 has a receptacle which is provided as a table 912 which has a substantially planar surface 913. In certain embodiments, the table 912 is provided with a reader coil 914. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 914 is located on the planar surface 913 of the table 912, embedded in the surface 913 of the table 912, or buried in the card reader 910 beneath the planar surface 913 of the table 912. As with embodiments described above, the reader coil 914 is designed and disposed within the card reader 910 to provide a magnetic field having an axis substantially perpendicular to the planar surface 913 and thus a reader coil axis 911 as in 15 defined with a dashed line. In certain embodiments, the planar surface 913 is provided with at least one projection 917 designed to engage as many recesses of the corresponding male device. In certain embodiments, a central portion in the vicinity of the reader coil axis 911 is provided with a projection 917 adapted to engage a recess of the corresponding male device. In certain embodiments, as in 15 shown a contour of the projection 917 essentially circular.

In the 15 The male device shown is provided as a smart card 920, for example described above with reference to 3 disclosed embodiments is similar. The chip card 920 is designed for use in a chip card security system, for example with the chip card reader 910. The smart card 920 has a body 929 that is substantially flat, according to certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, body 921 is provided with a module 922 that includes a substrate 923, also referred to herein as IC 923 because the substrate is provided with an integrated circuit. In certain embodiments, the module 922 further includes a slidable coil 924 (also referred to herein as a card coil). 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the card coil 924 is provided separately from the IC 923 and is coupled to the IC 923 via supply lines 924a, 924b. Similar to embodiments disclosed above, the card coil 924 is designed and disposed in the male device to share and/or provide a magnetic field having an axis substantially perpendicular to the flat body 929 and thus a card coil axis 921 as shown in FIG 15 defined with a dashed line shown. The chip card 920 has at least one recess 927 which is designed to engage with at least one corresponding projection provided in the card reader 910. In certain embodiments, the recess 927 coincides with the card coil axis 921. In certain embodiments, the recess 927 has a round shape or border. In certain embodiments, the recess 927 is circular. In certain embodiments, the recess 927 is formed as a through hole. In certain embodiments in which the module 922 is provided with the card coil 924, the module 922 is also provided with the recess 927. In certain embodiments, as in 15 shown, the module 922 is provided with a circular hole to form the recess 927, the circular hole being surrounded by turns of the card coil 924.

In certain embodiments of the reader coil 914 and/or the card coil 924, a coil conductor is provided at a first coil feed point offset with respect to an axis and wound outwardly to a second coil feed point so as to form a central portion of the coil of conductor and/or or to keep the channel clear. In certain embodiments, the reader coil 914 and/or the card coil 924 draws a shape other than a circle, such as a rectangular shape. In certain embodiments (not shown), the reader coil 914 and/or the card coil 924 are cylindrical.

In certain embodiments of the reader coil 914, the central portion of the coil is substantially free of coil conductor and/or any trace of the reader coil 914. In certain embodiments, the projection 917 is provided with a magnetizable metal pin or other element made of a material that has an effect of the can amplify the magnetic field generated in the coil 914, in particular a material with high magnetic permeability. At least one effect may be to improve inductive coupling for powering circuits contained in the corresponding male device and/or communicating with the ent speaking male device. In particular, when the card reader 910 is used to communicate with the smart card 920, the coupling is improved because when the smart card 920 is on the card reader 910, the recess 927 engages the projection 917 of the card reader 910, as shown in 15 indicated by an arrow coinciding with the coil axes 911 and 921, the projection 917 then ensures a substantially coaxial overlap of the reader coil 914 and the card coil 924, with the reader coil axis 911 and the card coil axis 921 coinciding. At the same time, the pin of the projection 917 can come close to or even penetrate a plane defined by at least one turn of the card coil 924. A pin of the projection 917 can thus function as a transmitter core common to the reader coil 914 and the card coil 924 in order to further strengthen the inductive coupling.

With respect to the chip card 929, the body 929 has a rectangular shape according to certain embodiments. According to other embodiments, the body 929 has a shape other than rectangular. According to certain embodiments, the shape of the body 929 is determined by non-technical criteria, such as desired geometric shape, trademark contour, and/or others. According to certain embodiments, a number and location of recesses is determined to be different from 1. At least one effect is to provide the chip card body with a feature characteristic to be used, for example, as a marker to recognize the chip card as being issued by a particular organization.

Numerous combinations and variations of the embodiments described above are contemplated.

Although embodiments in which the male device is provided as a smart card are described above with reference to a body of the smart card and a module contained in the body, according to certain embodiments of the male device, the body and module are one and the same structure, i.e. a substrate an antenna of the male device and circuits coupled to the antenna of the male device are provided on and/or in a carrier forming body and/or module, as the case may be.

Although embodiments in which the male device is provided as a smart card including a coil as an inductive coupling element are described above, according to certain embodiments of the male device, the number of coupling elements need not be limited to 1. For example, in certain embodiments in which the male device is provided as a smart card with a body and a module contained in the body, in addition to an antenna formed with the substrate and connected to circuits with the substrate, a booster antenna may be in and/or on the body the chip card can be provided, for example to surround the antenna formed with the substrate in order to broadly detect magnetic fields and to inductively couple the signals induced in the booster antenna to the antenna formed with the substrate and / or to provide better inductive coupling transmission capacity of the chip card.

In certain embodiments, the receptacle of the female device is provided with at least one spring-loaded pin or other button adapted to engage a corresponding recess provided in the male device when placed in the engaged position. The engagement of a corresponding recess can therefore, for example, indicate that communication with a male device designed to cooperate with the female device is imminent. In certain embodiments, when engaged with a recess, the spring-loaded pin is coupled to card reader circuits to be placed in a release mode so that the card reader circuits power and/or communicate with circuits provided in the male device using inductive coupling.

According to certain embodiments, the male device is provided with a base adapted to engage the corresponding receptacle of the male device, such as in the case of those referred to above 15 described planar surface 913 of a base with a corresponding planar bottom surface and with a recess to engage the male device projection and ensure coaxial alignment of the reader coil and card coil. However, a body of the male device need not have a planar shape, but may be shaped as desired within the limits of provided circuitry such as IC 923 for communicative coupling and operation of the male device to provide a substantially three-dimensional token.

For example shows 16 schematically a variant of the system 900 of the female device and corresponding male device according to certain embodiments. The female device is as referred to above 15 described while the male device as a three-dimensional figure with a machined body 979 and a base 972 is provided. The base 972 includes circuits 973 connected to an inductive element provided as a coil 974, which is designed for inductive coupling via a magnetic field along an axis 971 of the coil 974. According to certain embodiments, the base 972 is provided with a recess 977 designed to receive the projection 917 of the female device, ie, the "card reader" 910. Thus, a user can easily and securely position the male device at the engagement location where the projection 917 engages the recess 977 to achieve coupling, for example, for the IC 973 to be inductively powered by the male device and/or for communication between the male device and the female device.

The operation of embodiments described above is contactless. The male device, such as a smart card, is inserted into the receptacle of the female device to engage such that the female device engages the male device at the engagement location. At this location, inductive antenna elements, such as reader coils and chip card coils, are essentially aligned coaxially, so that inductive coupling between the respective coils is ensured. Male device circuits may receive power from the female device via inductive coupling. If the female device and the male device are designed for communicative coupling, the coupling may further be communicative so as to enable the exchange of signals between the female device and the male device received in the receptacle.

Other embodiments

The present description describes, in one aspect, according to certain embodiments, a first device for use in inductive communication. The first device is also referred to here as the female device. In specific embodiments, the female device is intended for use in inductive communication with a male device. In particular, the female device includes a receptacle designed to receive the male device. In certain embodiments, the female device includes an inductive coupling element configured to share magnetic field with the male device when received in the receptacle.

According to certain embodiments, the coupling element is designed as an antenna. In certain embodiments, the antenna is provided as a conductive loop designed for current flow in the conductive loop. In certain embodiments, the female device is designed to generate the current for flow in the antenna. In certain embodiments, the current is used to generate a transmitting magnetic field for use as a carrier of power and/or signaling to the male device received in the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the current is intended to be generated by a receiving magnetic field received by the male device received in the receptacle.

In certain embodiments, the receptacle is provided with a mount designed to engage the male device at an engagement location. At least one effect is that the engagement location can be selected such that overlapping of projections of the coupling elements onto a boundary plane between the coupling elements is optimized. Thus, a density of a magnetic field given for sharing can be optimized. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the engagement location is selected to optimize a portion of a magnetic field shared between the inductive coupling element of the female device and a corresponding inductive coupling element of the male device.

In certain embodiments, the holder is provided as a guide designed to guide the male device toward the engagement site. For example, the guide is provided as a rail on which the male device is to slide along the rail. In certain embodiments, the rail may be designed for a shoe portion of the male device to slide along the rail. According to certain embodiments, the holder is provided as walls of an insertion cavity as a receptacle designed to receive the male device. In certain embodiments, the insertion cavity is designed to receive a major portion of the male device. In certain embodiments, the insertion cavity has an opening configured for the main portion of the male device to enter the insertion cavity. In certain embodiments, the engagement location is provided at an end of the insertion cavity opposite the opening.

In certain embodiments, the recording is provided in such a way that a first force is applied Holding the male device at the engagement site is greater than a second force for holding the male device at another location on the receptacle. Grasping the male device at the engagement site can make it easier to find a position where the proportion of the magnetic field shared between the female device and the male device is improved when the male device, when picked up on the receptacle of the female device, is pulled to the intervention site. Such a "pull" effect may be felt by the user as a result of bringing the male device into the vicinity of the surgical site, as the configuration for engagement provides an additional pull toward the surgical site. In certain embodiments, the receptacle is provided with a projection adapted to engage a recess provided in the main portion of the male device. Certain embodiments include a force coupling member configured to couple to engage the male device at the engagement location so as to provide a force that is additive to the second force to produce the first force. For example, the force coupling element is provided as a spring. As another example, the force coupling element is provided as a magnet, in particular as a static magnet.

According to certain embodiments, the female device is designed as a chip card reader with an antenna loop as an inductive coupling element. In certain embodiments, the receptacle is designed to receive a smart card as the male device.

The present description describes, in one aspect, according to certain embodiments, a second device designed for use in inductive communication. The second device is also referred to herein as a male device. In specific embodiments, the male device is intended for use in inductive communication with a female device. Certain embodiments of the male device include an inductive coupling element designed to share magnetic field with the female device when received on a receptacle of the female device.

According to certain embodiments, the coupling element is designed as an antenna. In certain embodiments, the antenna is provided as a conductive loop designed for current to flow in the conductive loop. In certain embodiments, the male device is designed to generate the current for flow in the antenna. In certain embodiments, the current is intended to generate a transmitting magnetic field for use as a carrier of signaling to the female device. In certain embodiments, the current is intended to be generated by a receiving magnetic field received by the female device received in the receptacle. According to certain embodiments, current generated by the receiving magnetic field may be used to power circuits of the male device.

In certain embodiments, the male device is designed to engage the receptacle at an engagement location. At least one effect can be improved usability, since the complementary engagement means on the receptacle allows a user to easily position the male device at the engagement site and hold it there for communication with a female device. Thus, for example, inductive coupling may not require any amplification from a secondary antenna.

In certain embodiments, the male device is configured to cooperate with a mount of the female device that is configured as a guide to guide the male device toward the engagement site. The male device, according to certain embodiments, includes a shoe portion adapted to slide along the guide provided as a rail. The male device, according to certain embodiments, is provided with a main portion adapted to be received by the holder provided as a wall of an insertion cavity. In certain embodiments, the main portion is provided with a recess designed to engage a projection provided with the female device receptacle. Certain embodiments include a force coupling element configured for magnetic coupling to engage the male device at the engagement site of the female device. According to certain embodiments of the male device, the inductive coupling element is provided as an antenna loop. In certain embodiments, the male device is designed as a smart card to be received as a male device by incorporating a card reader.

In certain embodiments, the male device is provided with an engagement pattern. The engagement pattern should match a complementary engagement pattern provided on the male device receptacle. At In certain embodiments, the engagement pattern is provided as a relief. In certain embodiments the relief is colored. A user can see characteristic structures of the relief. For example, an organization that issues the IC card to users of the organization's services may provide a mark on the IC card to allow users to identify the IC card as being issued by a particular organization. Effectively, the pattern can thus act to limit cooperation to card readers that have an appropriate complementary pattern and, using freedom in designing the shape and/or contour of the pattern, the pattern can also function as a medium for providing a trademark.

In certain embodiments, the male device is provided with a lighting element coupled to the integrated circuit. For example, the lighting element is a light-emitting diode (LED) coupled to the integrated circuit. In certain implementations, the LED is supported by a module that holds the integrated circuit. The male device is designed to emit light indicating power to the integrated circuit from the inductive coupling element. In certain implementations where the male device is provided as an IC card with the module formed or otherwise inserted therein, a body of the IC card is provided with a cavity in which light emitted by the LED can propagate to an opening of the cavity to allow the user to see the light. In certain embodiments, the female device is provided with a lighting element coupled to the integrated circuit. For example, the lighting element is a light-emitting diode (LED) coupled to control circuitry of the female device and/or disposed in a portion of the receptacle. The female device is designed to emit light that indicates coupling between the female device and the male device. In certain embodiments where the male device is positioned on the receptacle at the engagement site, an opening of the cavity of the male device is formed in the male device so as to coincide with the position of the luminous element of the female device. Thus, the opening of the cavity receives light emitted from the female device, and the cavity directs the received light to the opening of the cavity. In certain embodiments, the cavity receives an optical fiber for guiding light emitted by the LED to the opening. A user of the IC card can thus see the light and thereby conclude that the IC card is positioned well enough on a receptacle of the card reader as a female device for the card reader to supply power to the IC card, thereby enabling communication between the card reader and the IC card is physically enabled.

The present description describes, in one aspect, a system for inductive communication, according to certain embodiments. The system includes a female device in accordance with the disclosure of embodiments of the first device. Further, the system includes a male device in accordance with the disclosure of embodiments of the second device.

The description describes, in another aspect, according to certain embodiments, a method for inductive communication between a female device and a male device, both devices having an inductive coupling element. The method includes receiving the male device at a receptacle of the female device. In certain embodiments, the method includes engaging the male device at an engagement site of the receptacle. In certain embodiments, the method includes conducting current to one of the coupling elements, the current serving to signal information to be transmitted. In certain embodiments, the method includes reading a current signal generated at the other of the coupling elements to extract received information from the current signal.

In the above description of exemplary implementations, specific numbers, material configurations, and other details are presented to better explain the invention as claimed. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the claimed invention may be practiced using details other than those exemplified herein. The present implementations are described with respect to example embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that individual aspects of the implementations may be claimed separately and one or more of the features of the various embodiments may be combined. Thus, although a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of multiple implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as desired and advantageous for a given or specific application. Implementation can be done in conjunction with communication protocols. The order in which the embodiments/implementations and methods/processes are described should not be construed as limiting and any number of the implementations and processes described can be combined. In certain cases, well-known features are omitted or simplified to clarify the description of the example implementations.

In the present application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” and not an exclusive “or”. That is, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, "X uses A or B" is therefore intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. The articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and in the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless otherwise stated or it is clear from the context that they refer to one singular form refers. The word “exemplary” is used here with the meaning of serving as an example, individual case or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferable or advantageous over any other aspect or design. Instead, the word exemplifies concepts and techniques in a concrete way. For example, the term “techniques” may refer to one or more devices, apparatus, systems, methods, articles of manufacture, and/or computer-readable instructions, as indicated by the context described herein. For purposes of the present disclosure and claims, the terms "coupled" and "connected" may have been used to describe how various elements are connected to one another. Such a described connection of various elements can be either direct or indirect. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “comprising,” “with,” or variations thereof, and similar expressions are open-ended terms intended to be inclusive. These expressions may indicate the presence of specified elements or features, but do not exclude additional elements or features. Where certain implementations have been described above with respect to first and second functionality, other implementations not shown may include only the first functionality (not second functionality) or may include only the first functionality (not second functionality).

Claims (10)

Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) for use in inductive communication with a chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920), the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) includes: a receptacle designed to hold the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920), the receptacle being provided as a drawer (612, 712), an antenna loop as an inductive coupling element, designed to share magnetic field with the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) when it is recorded in the recording, wherein the receptacle is provided with a holder designed to engage the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) at an engagement location, the tray (612, 712): is provided with a bottom (613) opposite an open upper part, a side opening (615), guide walls (616a, 616b) on each side of the side opening (615) and a stop wall (618) opposite the side opening (615), wherein the floor (613) is inclined so that a floor section next to the stop wall (618) is further from an upper level of the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) than a floor section next to the side opening (615) is left out, or with a bottom (713) opposite an open upper part, a side step (715), inclined guide banks (716a, 716b) on each side of the side step (715) and a stop bench (718) opposite the side step (715). , wherein the floor (713) is inclined so that a floor section next to the stop wall (718) between the guide banks (716a, 716b) is recessed further than a floor section next to the side shoulder (715). Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910). Claim 1 , wherein the holder is provided as a guide designed to guide the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) towards the place of intervention. Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910). Claim 2 , wherein the guide is provided as a rail which is designed for a sliding shoe section of the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) to slide along the rail. Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the holder is provided as walls of an insertion cavity as a receptacle which is designed to hold a main portion of the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920). Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910). Claim 4 , where the Insertion cavity has an opening which is designed for the main portion of the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) to enter the insertion cavity, and wherein the engagement location is provided at one end of the insertion cavity opposite the opening. Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle is provided such that a first force for holding the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) at the engagement site is greater than a second force for holding the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) at another location on the receptacle. Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910). Claim 6 , wherein the receptacle is provided with a projection designed to engage a recess provided in the main portion of the chip card (120, 220, 920). Chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910). Claim 6 or 7 , further comprising a force coupling element adapted for magnetic coupling to engage the smart card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) at the engagement location so as to provide a force that is directed to the second Force added to create the first force. System for inductive communication, the system having a chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th and a chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920), the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) having: an inductive coupling element designed to share magnetic field with the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) when it is recorded on a receptacle of the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910). , wherein the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) is designed to engage with the recording at an engagement location. Method for inductive communication between a chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) and a chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920), both of which have an inductive coupling element have, the method comprising: Picking up the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) on a holder of the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910), which acts as a tray (612, 712 ) is provided, wherein picking up the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) involves sliding the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) along an inclined base of the chip card reader ( 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910) in the direction of a stop wall of the chip card reader (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 910); engaging the chip card (120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 820, 920) at an engagement location of the recording; Conducting current to one of the coupling elements, the current intended to signal information to be transmitted; and Reading a current signal generated at the other of the coupling elements to extract received information from the current signal.

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