EP4285514A1 - Device and method for processing a near-field communication - Google Patents

Device and method for processing a near-field communication

Info

Publication number
EP4285514A1
EP4285514A1 EP21852036.9A EP21852036A EP4285514A1 EP 4285514 A1 EP4285514 A1 EP 4285514A1 EP 21852036 A EP21852036 A EP 21852036A EP 4285514 A1 EP4285514 A1 EP 4285514A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
nfc
ibc
command
switching
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21852036.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Philippe Michel Levionnais
Olivier Lepetit
Romain HUET
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Orange SA
Original Assignee
Orange SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Orange SA filed Critical Orange SA
Publication of EP4285514A1 publication Critical patent/EP4285514A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B13/00—Transmission systems characterised by the medium used for transmission, not provided for in groups H04B3/00 - H04B11/00
    • H04B13/005—Transmission systems in which the medium consists of the human body
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B5/00—Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems
    • H04B5/70—Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes
    • H04B5/72—Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive or capacitive transmission systems specially adapted for specific purposes for local intradevice communication

Definitions

  • the invention relates generally to telecommunications, and more specifically to contactless communications using short-range radio technologies, in particular of the IBC (Intra Body Communication) type. It applies more particularly to terminals equipped with physical and software resources including a microprocessor and a near field communication module (Near Field - NF) receiving an electromagnetic field passing through the body of a user.
  • IBC Intelligent Body Communication
  • NFC Near Field Communication
  • ISO International Standard Organization
  • Communications of this type offer many applications in the fields of payment or transport, for example.
  • the invention improves the state of the art.
  • a near-field communication processing device comprising:
  • At least one near-field communication antenna intended to receive an electromagnetic signal in the near field and comprising at least one end;
  • the device being characterized in that the switching member is capable of disconnecting said end of the antenna when it receives a first switching command, said IBC command, coming from the controller.
  • the device is a near-field circuit of the conventional NFC type, such as those found for example in NFC cards or NFC-compatible mobile telephones on the market, additionally equipped with a switching device to switch the antenna into a state where one of its ends is disconnected.
  • the NFC antenna one end of which is disconnected, behaves like a wire antenna, and no longer like a loop antenna.
  • the study of IBC technology has made it possible to demonstrate that the human body reacts better to the electric component than to the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field carrying the IBC signal.
  • the NFC antennas of mobile terminals are conventionally called “loop” antennas. Such antennas pick up magnetic fields correctly but pick up electric fields less well, unlike a wired antenna.
  • the invention therefore makes it possible very simply to position the NFC circuit in IBC mode by disconnecting one of the ends of the antenna, the circuit thus being transformed into a circuit, or device, IBC.
  • antenna is meant here a conventional NFC antenna, provided for NFC communications. It is made up of a set of turns of a number and arrangement suitable for receiving the electromagnetic wave in the near field.
  • the antenna is also conventionally associated with a controller, or NFC component (CLF for ContactLess Frontend) constituting a near-field communication module like an electromagnetic transponder and comprising software components (firmware, etc.) necessary to the implementation of NFC communications.
  • the antenna transmits the received NF signals to the NFC component.
  • Such an antenna conventionally comprises two terminals, or ends.
  • At least one of its ends is connected to the NFC controller, the other can be connected to the controller or to ground. By disconnecting this end, it is adapted by the device and the method of the invention to receive near-field signals via the human body with better quality, in IBC mode.
  • IBC IBC mode
  • NFC NFC-Fi Protected Access
  • the processing device is characterized in that the switching member is additionally capable of connecting said end of the antenna when it receives a second switching command, called the command NFC.
  • the antenna can be connected or reconnected for standard NFC operation when it receives an NFC command, the antenna again behaving like a loop antenna.
  • the device can be positioned, according to the command received from the controller, either in NFC mode or in IBC mode. This is advantageous if the user wishes to use his terminal in one or the other mode (depending on the capacities of the reader terminals opposite, the type of transaction, the environment, etc.)
  • the first and the second switching command are identical.
  • a single command is used to switch the switching member, which behaves like a switch: if it is in closed mode, it opens on receipt of the command, and vice versa. It is thus very simple to switch the device to an IBC or NFC mode: if it is positioned in NFC, receiving the command switches it to IBC, and vice versa.
  • said end of the antenna is connected to a ground before its disconnection.
  • one end of the NFC antenna is connected to ground, which corresponds to the majority of cases for NFC antennas on the current market, of the loop type.
  • said end of the antenna is connected to the controller before its disconnection.
  • one end of the NFC antenna is connected to an input of the controller, which corresponds to certain CLF/antenna assemblies on the current market.
  • said switching device is a transistor-based electronic switching system.
  • a very simple switching system can be used. It is indeed well known to those skilled in the art of electronic components that one or more transistors, for example of the MOS type, can be simply arranged and controlled to serve as a switch, or switching device, capable of switching on reception. of a switch command.
  • the antenna comprises:
  • the NFC antenna is best adapted to receive IBC signals.
  • the controller is suitable for controlling the connected position or the disconnected position as a function of at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic field received by the antenna.
  • the ratio between the electric component and the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field received can be analyzed by the controller, which deduces therefrom an NFC operating mode (if the magnetic component is the majority in the received signal) or a mode of IBC operation (if the electrical component is predominant in the received signal).
  • NFC operating mode if the magnetic component is the majority in the received signal
  • IBC operation if the electrical component is predominant in the received signal.
  • controller is adapted to control the connected position or the disconnected position, according to information received in the electromagnetic signal.
  • the electromagnetic signal typically a field of a message received via this signal, which makes it possible to tilt the antenna.
  • a field includes an IBC message indication
  • the disconnected position will be controlled by the controller.
  • the message received in the signal is a standard NFC message
  • the connected position will be controlled by the controller.
  • the invention also relates to a mobile terminal comprising such a near-field communication processing device.
  • a mobile terminal equipped with a standard NFC module, modified into an IBC module according to the invention, by adding the switching circuit, can use the IBC mode effectively, and according to certain embodiments, can switch from IBC mode to NFC mode and vice versa, depending on the use the user wishes to make of his mobile.
  • the invention also relates, according to one embodiment, to such a terminal further comprising a man-machine interface to allow a user to enter an NFC or IBC switching command in order to transmit it to the processing device.
  • a user can choose, at the level of the man-machine interface of his terminal, for example via his touch screen (checkbox, menu, etc.), to position himself in one or other mode.
  • This high-level command is transmitted to the processing device, the controller of which can relay the switching order to the switching device.
  • the invention also relates to a method for processing near-field communication on a terminal comprising a device for processing near-field communication comprising:
  • At least one near-field communication antenna intended to receive an electromagnetic signal in the near field and comprising at least one end;
  • a controller capable of receiving the antenna signals and controlling the switching device, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step of sending a first switching command, called IBC command, to command at 1' switching member to disconnect said end of the antenna.
  • IBC command a first switching command
  • such a method is characterized in that it further comprises a step of sending a second switching command, called NFC command, to command the switching member to connect said end of the 'antenna.
  • NFC command a second switching command
  • such a method is characterized in that the first and the second command are identical.
  • such a method is characterized in that it further comprises:
  • such a method is characterized in that it further comprises:
  • the invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method above according to one of the particular embodiments described, when said program is executed by a processor of the controller.
  • the invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the above method according to one of the particular embodiments described, when said program is executed by a processor of a mobile terminal comprising the device treatment.
  • the methods can be implemented in various ways, in particular in hard-wired form or in software form. These programs may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.
  • the invention also relates to a recording medium or information medium readable by a computer, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.
  • the recording media mentioned above can be any entity or device capable of storing the program.
  • the medium may comprise a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or even a magnetic recording medium, for example a hard disk.
  • the recording media may correspond to a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means.
  • the programs according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.
  • the recording media may correspond to an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the general context of an IBC communication according to the state of the art
  • Figure 2 illustrates a mobile terminal comprising a processing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3 illustrates an electronic switching system for the processing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a switched antenna electronic system for the processing device according to another particular embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates steps of a method using one embodiment of the invention.
  • the general principle of the invention consists in adapting, at the level of a terminal, the antenna associated with the NFC controller in order to transform the assembly into an IBC reception circuit (or device), in order to initiate a wireless communication. using the human body as a channel. In IBC mode, the quality of the received signal is better than if the antenna was not adapted.
  • the general idea of the invention is therefore to modify the NFC component of the mobile so that it is positioned in IBC mode by adapting the antenna associated with the component to favor the electric field at the expense of the magnetic field. To do this, simply open the antenna circuit, in particular but not exclusively by disconnecting one of its ends, connected for example to ground or to the controller. The operation remains reversible to ensure compatibility with NFC mode if the user wishes to leave IBC mode to return to NFC mode: all you have to do is close the antenna circuit.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the general context of an IBC communication according to the state of the art.
  • the NFC circuit not having been adapted according to the invention, an IBC transaction is possible, but the reception being of poor quality, it is more difficult to set up.
  • the user (2) carrying the terminal TM equipped with an NFC module approaches until almost touching the reader terminal TP to implement a service, for example a monetary transaction.
  • the user (2), or carrier is for example a human being but could alternatively take the form of another living being able to perform a voluntary gesture towards the reader and to transmit radio carrier waves.
  • the TP and TM terminals are able to communicate directly in the near field (NFC mode) or via an electromagnetic field (NF) using the user's body (IBC mode).
  • the reader TP can be for example a TPE (for Electronic Payment Terminal), or even a mobile terminal having an NFC module positioned in reader mode, a connected object (in English, IOT), a personal computer, etc. It is capable of transmitting radio signals of the NFC type (3) via an NFC antenna (not shown).
  • the reader (TP) comprises a surface constituted by the possibly protected antenna and adapted to react when the user touches it or comes into proximity with it, for example by approaching the hand.
  • the term "surface” is in no way limiting and given for illustrative purposes, the antenna being the only means essential to the operation of the device.
  • the terminal TM comprises a conventional NFC component (CLF associated with an antenna). It is for example a mobile phone, or smartphone, or a connected object.
  • CLF NFC component
  • NFC communications can cover two types of applications linked to two different operating modes on an NFC terminal: the first mode, called emulation mode, implements emulation of a near-field communication module to secure electronic transactions between an application stored on the terminal and an external reading terminal; in the context illustrated here, the terminal is in this mode; the second mode, called reader mode, relates to the reading of data on devices of the transponder type, or NFC cards; this is the reader mode (in English, tag reading) as defined by the NFC Forum (industry association responsible for promoting the implementation and standardization of NFC technology).
  • emulation mode implements emulation of a near-field communication module to secure electronic transactions between an application stored on the terminal and an external reading terminal
  • the terminal in this mode
  • the second mode called reader mode
  • reader mode relates to the reading of data on devices of the transponder type, or NFC cards; this is the reader mode (in English, tag reading) as defined by the NFC Forum (industry association responsible for promoting the implementation and standardization of
  • the NFC module of the terminal behaves like a device naturally capable of receiving radio carrier waves, via an antenna, through the body of the user (2).
  • the terminal TM is located in the immediate vicinity of the user (2), without necessarily being in direct contact with the latter.
  • the terminal is placed inside a pocket or a bag carried against the user, or around his neck. In these configurations, it is estimated that the terminal is not more than a few centimeters away from the body of the user (2). The distance is for example less than 5 cm.
  • the dialogue is initiated between the reader and the terminal on the IBC channel, when the mobile terminal TM receives the carrier wave of the initialization message transmitted by the reader TP and relayed by the body of the user. It is followed by the establishment of a two-way communication using a radio link, for example Bluetooth (4), as described in the document WO2017/093639, included here by reference. Indeed, it is not possible to retransmit a complex message to the reader via the user's body, for reasons of throughput and power. Indeed, the terminal operates in load modulation, that is to say by induction. The 14443 standard indicates that, in such a situation, the mobile terminal in emulation and the reader terminal can no longer communicate if they are separated by more than approximately 10 cm.
  • the use of a conventional NFC component makes it possible to receive the IBC signals on the terminal TM.
  • they are not of good quality except to greatly increase the current induced by higher signal strength, which is unnecessary, expensive, and could prove dangerous to the body carrying the signal.
  • the electromagnetic wave, NFC or IBC has two main vector components, magnetic and electric. It is on the basis of these two components that the electromagnetic wave moves.
  • the experience acquired on IBC technology has shown that the human body reacts better to the electric field than to the magnetic field. Specifically, the human body transmits electrical signals with better efficiency if they are emitted with an electrical antenna. This phenomenon is attributed to the fact that the human body is mainly made up of water and as such is closer to electric antennas. Thus an electric field is better transmitted by the individual.
  • the NFC antennas of existing mobile terminals are conventionally called “loop” antennas, effective when good directivity is desired.
  • Such magnetic antennas can pick up electric fields, but the quality of received signals is poor.
  • the invention therefore proposes modifying this antenna to make it more efficient in the 1BC mode.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of a mobile terminal comprising a processing device (DIBC) according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • DIBC processing device
  • the terminal TM has the classic architecture of a mobile telephone, of the smartphone type, and notably comprises a memory MEM, a processing unit UT, equipped for example with a processor PROC M, and controlled by the computer program PGM_M stored in memory MEM.
  • the code instructions of the computer program PGM M are for example loaded into a memory before being executed by the processor PROC M.
  • the processor PROC M of the processing unit UT notably implements the steps of the method for processing an IBC near-field communication, according to certain particular embodiments, according to the instructions of the computer program PGM_M.
  • the PGM_M program can relay a choice by the user, made at the terminal's human-machine interface, to switch between an IBC mode and an NFC mode.
  • the terminal also includes a DIBC module for initializing IBC communications.
  • This module conventionally comprises a contactless communication integrated circuit, or CLF (for Contactless Front-End) and an ANT antenna initially provided to receive NFC signals and adapted according to the invention to receive IBC signals via the human body.
  • CLF component itself comprises a PROC C processor capable of implementing a low-level program (for example, in assembler) to drive the CLF and the modules connected to it, in particular, according to one embodiment, a switch INT connected to it.
  • the principle of this control is to adapt the NFC magnetic antenna of the mobile so that it is able to receive the electrical component with better efficiency.
  • Such antennas are so-called “loop” antennas, as explained above, whose two ends are connected to the CLF.
  • the two terminals are connected to the CLF.
  • the end of the NFC antenna is disconnected, to leave it “in the air” thanks to the switch, or switch INT.
  • this takes the form of a software command sent by the PGM_C program of the CLF to the switch INT which may for example be an electronic circuit based on (C)MOS transistors, able to open to disconnect the end of the antenna.
  • the terminal also comprises a communication module distinct from the NFC module, for example Bluetooth (or Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, etc.) denoted BT in the figure, to ensure the return channel, and therefore the bidirectionality of the communication.
  • a communication module distinct from the NFC module, for example Bluetooth (or Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, etc.) denoted BT in the figure, to ensure the return channel, and therefore the bidirectionality of the communication.
  • the terminal also comprises a man-machine interface, or IHM, which can enable it in particular to accept input from the user, and to translate it, via the PGM_M program of the terminal, into instructions for the PGM C program of the CLF: command to switch to IBC mode, or to return to NFC mode.
  • IHM man-machine interface
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic switching system for the processing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the switch, or switch INT shown in Figure 3 comprises a programmable switching component, according to this example an analog switch denominated "TLC4066" from the company Texas Instrument®, based on a quadruple CMOS with silicon gate, and designed to manage both analog and digital signals.
  • a voltage command (eg, a positive voltage equaling the binary value 1) applied to a section of the switch turns on the associated switch.
  • applying a voltage command to input 13 (VC) closes the switch, while the opposite command opens it.
  • Connections CLF_A2 and CLF_A1 correspond respectively to two inputs of the CLF controller.
  • CLF A1 is connected to one terminal of the ANT antenna
  • the switch is open, CLF_A2 is no longer connected to the ANT antenna, the antenna terminal is therefore disconnected, we also say "in the air”.
  • the voltage command applied to the input denoted CLF PO makes it possible, by opening the switch, to disconnect the CFL A2 input from the component, and therefore the corresponding terminal of the antenna, thus positioning it, as explained above, in mode of IBC reception.
  • the antenna When the switch is closed, the antenna again behaves like a loop antenna capable of receiving NFC signals.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a switched antenna electronic system for the processing device according to another particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the antenna represented is a conventional antenna of the NFC type, intended to be connected to a CLF, well known to those skilled in the art.
  • CLF Compact RF field-effect transistor
  • TRF7960, TRF7961 Multiple-Standard Fully Integrated 13.56-MHz RFID Analog Front End and Data-Framing Reader from the aforementioned company Texas Instrument, which describes and schematizes CLFs associated with an NFC antenna.
  • the antenna diagram in figure 4 is extracted from this document, section 7.1.
  • the CLF A1 connection of the controller is connected to a terminal of the antenna.
  • the other terminal of the antenna is connected via the switch to a mass, to respect the antenna diagram.
  • opening the switch disconnects the antenna terminal CLF_A2 from ground GR, and connects it to ground when the switch is closed.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates steps of the method for processing a near-field communication according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the user can use his terminal in IBC mode or in NFC mode.
  • a test is therefore carried out to find out whether the terminal must be positioned in NFC or in IBC.
  • This test can be carried out by an application of the mobile terminal, in connection with the PGM_M program, for example an applet proposing to the user, via the man-machine interface, to choose his type of transaction, or any other program capable of making a decision on the transaction or the set of transactions to be carried out in the near field, of the NFC or IBC type.
  • step E0 is followed by a step E10 to position the antenna in NFC mode, i.e. close the loop antenna by reconnecting one of its ends if necessary by sending an NFC switch command.
  • this command is necessary to reposition the terminal in NFC mode, it is transmitted for example from the PGM_M program to the PGM_C program of the CLF, which commands the INT switch to open, as explained above in support of figures 3 and 4.
  • step E10 is followed by step El i to perform the NFC transaction, which will not be described further because it is quite conventional.
  • step E0 is followed by a step El to position the antenna in IBC mode, i.e. say open the loop antenna by disconnecting one of its ends by sending an IBC switching command.
  • this command is necessary to reposition the terminal in IBC mode, it is transmitted for example from the PGM_M program to the PGM C program of the CLF, which commands the INT switch to open, as explained above in l support of Figures 3 and 4.
  • step El can, according to an example, comprise the following sub-steps:
  • step El is followed by step E2 to initiate the IBC transaction.
  • the dialogue is initiated between the reader and the terminal.
  • a dialogue followed by the establishment of a two-way communication using a return channel, for example a Bluetooth link, is described in the document WO2017/093639 mentioned previously.
  • NF near field
  • the reader can accept Bluetooth communication with the terminal, the establishment of a two-way Bluetooth channel and the communication on this channel during steps E4 and E24, for the reception/transmission of messages relating to the IBC transaction on the Bluetooth channel (to validate a payment, a ticket balance, or exchange any other message required for communication, etc.)
  • Step E25/E5 corresponds to the end of the transaction (for example, validation of the monetary transaction, opening of the gate, etc.)
  • the Bluetooth channel can be closed and the process on the mobile can return to step E0, waiting for a positioning instruction in IBC or NFC for another transaction, or transaction group.
  • the IBC mode can be set by default on the terminal. Indeed, a user who has the IBC no longer needs the NFC mode, because it is more practical to leave the terminal in his pocket than to hold it in his hand. It is only if the user wishes to carry out an NFC transaction that he will have to reposition his terminal in this mode. Thus the most practical mode is offered by default without losing compatibility with NFC mode.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
  • Transceivers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for processing a near-field communication (DIBC). The device comprises: - at least one near-field communication antenna (ANT) intended to receive a near-field electromagnetic signal and comprising at least one end (CLF_A2) ; - a switching member (INT) connected to said end of the antenna; - a controller (CLF) able to receive the antenna signals and control the switching member. The device is characterized in that the switching member is able to disconnect said end of the antenna when it receives a first switching command, called the IBC command.

Description

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
Dispositif et procédé de traitement d’une communication en champ procheDevice and method for processing near-field communication
Domaine de l'invention Field of the invention
L'invention se rapporte de manière générale aux télécommunications, et plus précisément aux communications sans contact utilisant des technologies radio à courte distance, notamment de type IBC (d’après l’anglais Intra Body Communication). Elle s’applique plus particulièrement à des terminaux équipés de ressources physiques et logicielles incluant un microprocesseur et un module de communication en champ proche (Near Field - NF) recevant un champ électromagnétique transitant par le corps d’un utilisateur. The invention relates generally to telecommunications, and more specifically to contactless communications using short-range radio technologies, in particular of the IBC (Intra Body Communication) type. It applies more particularly to terminals equipped with physical and software resources including a microprocessor and a near field communication module (Near Field - NF) receiving an electromagnetic field passing through the body of a user.
Art Antérieur Prior art
Les communications en champ proche, usuellement appelées NFC (d’après l’anglais Near Field Communication), fondées principalement sur la norme ISO (International Standard Organisation) 14443, utilisent des technologies sans-fil pour permettre un échange d'informations entre deux périphériques éloignés d’une courte distance, typiquement inférieure à dix centimètres. Les communications de ce type offrent de nombreuses applications dans les domaines du paiement ou du transport, par exemple. Near field communications, usually called NFC (Near Field Communication), based mainly on the ISO (International Standard Organization) 14443 standard, use wireless technologies to allow an exchange of information between two peripherals. separated by a short distance, typically less than ten centimeters. Communications of this type offer many applications in the fields of payment or transport, for example.
Récemment dans ce domaine sont apparues de nouvelles techniques de communication sans-fil utilisant pour canal le corps humain. Dans ces technologies que l’on regroupe sous le terme générique d’IBC (pour Intra-Body Communication) ou encore BCC (pour Body Channel Communication), le corps humain agit de surcroît comme un conducteur pour transmettre des informations d’un point à un autre. Il n’est donc plus nécessaire d’approcher le terminal IBC de son homologue pour établir une communication : il peut être conservé dans la poche, dans un sac, etc. du porteur. En approchant la main d’un lecteur NFC, l’individu porteur du terminal IBC établit une communication sécurisée entre le lecteur et le terminal. Recently in this field, new wireless communication techniques have appeared using the human body as a channel. In these technologies, which are grouped under the generic term of IBC (for Intra-Body Communication) or BCC (for Body Channel Communication), the human body also acts as a conductor to transmit information from point to point. another. It is therefore no longer necessary to approach the IBC terminal to its counterpart to establish communication: it can be kept in the pocket, in a bag, etc. of the wearer. By approaching the hand of an NFC reader, the individual carrying the IBC terminal establishes a secure communication between the reader and the terminal.
Il est possible de recevoir un tel signal électromagnétique sur un composant NFC classique, associé à une antenne NFC classique. La demande de brevet internationale publiée sous le numéro WO2012/131224 décrit un terminal comportant un tel composant NFC dont l’antenne permet la réception des signaux IBC. Cependant, le signal reçu par le terminal dans le mode IBC est de moins bonne qualité que celui qui serait reçu en mode NFC classique, pour lequel les composants du circuit NFC ont été optimisés. It is possible to receive such an electromagnetic signal on a conventional NFC component, associated with a conventional NFC antenna. The international patent application published under the number WO2012/131224 describes a terminal comprising such an NFC component whose antenna allows reception of IBC signals. However, the signal received by the terminal in IBC mode is of lower quality than that which would be received in conventional NFC mode, for which the components of the NFC circuit have been optimized.
Il existe donc un besoin pour un terminal de réception efficace en mode IBC. There is therefore a need for an efficient reception terminal in IBC mode.
Exposé de l'invention Disclosure of Invention
L'invention vient améliorer l'état de la technique. The invention improves the state of the art.
Elle propose à cet effet un dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche comportant : To this end, it proposes a near-field communication processing device comprising:
- au moins une antenne de communication en champ proche destinée à recevoir un signal électromagnétique en champ proche et comportant au moins une extrémité ; - at least one near-field communication antenna intended to receive an electromagnetic signal in the near field and comprising at least one end;
- un organe de commutation relié à ladite extrémité de l’antenne, - a switching device connected to said end of the antenna,
- un contrôleur apte à recevoir les signaux d’antenne et commander l’organe de commutation, le dispositif étant caractérisé ce que 1‘organe de commutation est apte à déconnecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne lorsqu’il reçoit une première commande de commutation, dite commande IBC, en provenance du contrôleur. - a controller capable of receiving the antenna signals and controlling the switching member, the device being characterized in that the switching member is capable of disconnecting said end of the antenna when it receives a first switching command, said IBC command, coming from the controller.
Avantageusement selon l’invention, le dispositif est un circuit en champ proche de type NFC classique, comme ceux que l’on trouve par exemple dans les cartes NFC ou les téléphones mobiles compatibles NFC du marché, équipé de surcroît d’un organe de commutation pour commuter l’antenne dans un état où l’une de ses extrémités est déconnectée. Or, l’antenne NFC dont une extrémité est déconnectée se comporte comme une antenne fïlaire, et non plus comme une antenne boucle. En effet, l’étude de la technologie IBC a permis de mettre en évidence que le corps humain réagit mieux à la composante électrique qu’à la composante magnétique du champ électromagnétique porteur du signal IBC. Or les antennes NFC des terminaux mobiles sont classiquement des antennes dites « boucle » loop antenna en anglais). De telles antennes captent correctement les champs magnétiques mais captent moins bien les champs électriques, au contraire d’une antenne fïlaire. Avantageusement, l’invention permet donc très simplement de positionner le circuit NFC en mode IBC en déconnectant l’une des extrémités de l’antenne, le circuit se transformant ainsi en circuit, ou dispositif, IBC. Par « antenne » on entend ici une antenne NFC classique, prévue pour les communications NFC. Elle est constituée d’un ensemble de spires en nombre et disposition adéquats pour recevoir l’onde électromagnétique en champ proche. L’antenne est classiquement associée de surcroît à un contrôleur, ou composant NFC (CLF pour ContactLess Frontend) constituant un module de communication en champ proche à la manière d'un transpondeur électromagnétique et comprenant des composantes logicielles (firmware, etc.) nécessaires à la mise en œuvre des communications NFC. L’antenne transmet les signaux NF reçus au composant NFC. Une telle antenne comporte classiquement deux bornes, ou extrémités. Au moins l’une de ses extrémités est connectée au contrôleur NFC, l’autre peut être connectée au contrôleur ou à la masse. Par la déconnexion de cette extrémité, elle est adaptée par le dispositif et le procédé de l’invention pour recevoir des signaux en champ proche via le corps humain avec une meilleure qualité, en mode IBC. Advantageously according to the invention, the device is a near-field circuit of the conventional NFC type, such as those found for example in NFC cards or NFC-compatible mobile telephones on the market, additionally equipped with a switching device to switch the antenna into a state where one of its ends is disconnected. However, the NFC antenna, one end of which is disconnected, behaves like a wire antenna, and no longer like a loop antenna. Indeed, the study of IBC technology has made it possible to demonstrate that the human body reacts better to the electric component than to the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field carrying the IBC signal. However, the NFC antennas of mobile terminals are conventionally called “loop” antennas. Such antennas pick up magnetic fields correctly but pick up electric fields less well, unlike a wired antenna. Advantageously, the invention therefore makes it possible very simply to position the NFC circuit in IBC mode by disconnecting one of the ends of the antenna, the circuit thus being transformed into a circuit, or device, IBC. By “antenna” is meant here a conventional NFC antenna, provided for NFC communications. It is made up of a set of turns of a number and arrangement suitable for receiving the electromagnetic wave in the near field. The antenna is also conventionally associated with a controller, or NFC component (CLF for ContactLess Frontend) constituting a near-field communication module like an electromagnetic transponder and comprising software components (firmware, etc.) necessary to the implementation of NFC communications. The antenna transmits the received NF signals to the NFC component. Such an antenna conventionally comprises two terminals, or ends. At least one of its ends is connected to the NFC controller, the other can be connected to the controller or to ground. By disconnecting this end, it is adapted by the device and the method of the invention to receive near-field signals via the human body with better quality, in IBC mode.
Par « IBC » ou mode IBC, on entend une communication en champ proche transitant par le corps de l’utilisateur. Le terme est utilisé par opposition au mode « NFC » qui correspond au mode standard d’une communication NFC, dans laquelle le terminal qui comporte le dispositif NFC (classiquement, un terminal mobile, ou smartphone) est à proximité physique du lecteur NFC (par exemple, un terminal de paiement). By "IBC" or IBC mode, we mean near-field communication passing through the body of the user. The term is used as opposed to the "NFC" mode which corresponds to the standard mode of an NFC communication, in which the terminal which includes the NFC device (classically, a mobile terminal, or smartphone) is in physical proximity to the NFC reader (for example, a payment terminal).
Selon un mode de mise en œuvre particulier de l'invention, le dispositif de traitement est caractérisé ce que 1‘organe de commutation est de surcroît apte à connecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne lorsqu’il reçoit une seconde commande de commutation, dite commande NFC. According to a particular mode of implementation of the invention, the processing device is characterized in that the switching member is additionally capable of connecting said end of the antenna when it receives a second switching command, called the command NFC.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, l’antenne peut être connectée ou reconnectée pour un fonctionnement NFC standard lorsqu’elle reçoit une commande NFC, l’antenne se comportant de nouveau comme une antenne boucle. Ainsi le dispositif peut être positionné, selon la commande reçue du contrôleur, soit en mode NFC soit en mode IBC. Ceci est avantageux si l’utilisateur souhaite utiliser son terminal dans l’un ou l’autre mode (en fonction des capacités des terminaux lecteurs en vis-à-vis, du type de transaction, d’environnement, etc.) Advantageously in this mode, the antenna can be connected or reconnected for standard NFC operation when it receives an NFC command, the antenna again behaving like a loop antenna. Thus the device can be positioned, according to the command received from the controller, either in NFC mode or in IBC mode. This is advantageous if the user wishes to use his terminal in one or the other mode (depending on the capacities of the reader terminals opposite, the type of transaction, the environment, etc.)
Selon une variante, la première et la seconde commande de commutation sont identiques. Avantageusement selon ce mode, une seule commande est utilisée pour faire commuter l’organe de commutation, qui se comporte comme un interrupteur : s’il est en mode fermé, il s’ouvre sur la réception de la commande, et vice versa. Il est ainsi très simple de faire basculer le dispositif dans un mode IBC ou NFC : s’il est positionné en NFC, la réception de la commande le fait basculer en IBC, et vice-versa. According to a variant, the first and the second switching command are identical. Advantageously according to this mode, a single command is used to switch the switching member, which behaves like a switch: if it is in closed mode, it opens on receipt of the command, and vice versa. It is thus very simple to switch the device to an IBC or NFC mode: if it is positioned in NFC, receiving the command switches it to IBC, and vice versa.
Selon un autre mode de mise en œuvre particulier de l'invention, ladite extrémité de l’antenne est connectée à une masse avant sa déconnexion. According to another particular mode of implementation of the invention, said end of the antenna is connected to a ground before its disconnection.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, une extrémité de l’antenne NFC est connectée à la masse, ce qui correspond à la majorité des cas pour les antennes NFC du marché actuel, de type boucle. Advantageously in this mode, one end of the NFC antenna is connected to ground, which corresponds to the majority of cases for NFC antennas on the current market, of the loop type.
Selon un autre mode de mise en œuvre particulier de l'invention, ladite extrémité de l’antenne est connectée au contrôleur avant sa déconnexion. According to another particular mode of implementation of the invention, said end of the antenna is connected to the controller before its disconnection.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, une extrémité de l’antenne NFC est connectée à une entrée du contrôleur, ce qui correspond à certains ensembles CLF/antenne du marché actuel. Advantageously in this mode, one end of the NFC antenna is connected to an input of the controller, which corresponds to certain CLF/antenna assemblies on the current market.
Selon un autre mode de mise en œuvre particulier de l'invention, ledit organe de commutation est un système électronique de commutation à base de transistor. According to another particular embodiment of the invention, said switching device is a transistor-based electronic switching system.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, un système très simple de commutation peut être utilisé. Il est bien connu en effet de l’homme du métier des composants électroniques qu’un ou plusieurs transistors, par exemple de type MOS, peuvent être simplement agencés et pilotés pour servir d’interrupteur, ou organe de commutation, aptes à commuter sur réception d’une commande de commutation. Advantageously, according to this mode, a very simple switching system can be used. It is indeed well known to those skilled in the art of electronic components that one or more transistors, for example of the MOS type, can be simply arranged and controlled to serve as a switch, or switching device, capable of switching on reception. of a switch command.
Selon un exemple l’antenne comporte : According to an example, the antenna comprises:
- trois spires (SI, S2, S3) - three turns (SI, S2, S3)
- une largeur de spires de 0.5 mm - a width of turns of 0.5 mm
- une largeur interspires de 0.5 mm - an interturn width of 0.5 mm
Avantageusement selon ce mode, l’antenne NFC est adaptée au mieux pour recevoir des signaux IBC. Selon un autre mode de mise en œuvre particulier de l'invention, le contrôleur est adapté à commander la position connectée ou la position déconnectée en fonction d’une caractéristique au moins du champ électromagnétique reçu par l’antenne. Advantageously according to this mode, the NFC antenna is best adapted to receive IBC signals. According to another particular mode of implementation of the invention, the controller is suitable for controlling the connected position or the disconnected position as a function of at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic field received by the antenna.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, le ratio entre la composante électrique et la composante magnétique du champ électromagnétique reçu peut être analysé par le contrôleur, qui en déduit un mode de fonctionnement NFC (si la composante magnétique est majoritaire dans le signal reçu) ou un mode de fonctionnement IBC (si la composante électrique est majoritaire dans le signal reçu). Ainsi la commande de commutation peut- être émise automatiquement par le contrôleur vers le circuit de commutation, sans que l’utilisateur en soit conscient. Advantageously according to this mode, the ratio between the electric component and the magnetic component of the electromagnetic field received can be analyzed by the controller, which deduces therefrom an NFC operating mode (if the magnetic component is the majority in the received signal) or a mode of IBC operation (if the electrical component is predominant in the received signal). Thus the switching command can be issued automatically by the controller to the switching circuit, without the user being aware of it.
Selon un autre mode de mise en œuvre particulier de l'invention, caractérisé en ce que le contrôleur est adapté à commander la position connectée ou la position déconnectée, en fonction d’une information reçue dans le signal électromagnétique. According to another particular mode of implementation of the invention, characterized in that the controller is adapted to control the connected position or the disconnected position, according to information received in the electromagnetic signal.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, c’est une information portée dans le signal électromagnétique, typiquement un champ d’un message reçu via ce signal, qui permet de faire basculer l’antenne. Notamment si un tel champ comporte une indication de message IBC, la position déconnectée sera commandée par le contrôleur. Si en revanche le message reçu dans le signal est un message NFC standard, la position connectée sera commandée par le contrôleur. Advantageously according to this mode, it is information carried in the electromagnetic signal, typically a field of a message received via this signal, which makes it possible to tilt the antenna. In particular if such a field includes an IBC message indication, the disconnected position will be controlled by the controller. If, on the other hand, the message received in the signal is a standard NFC message, the connected position will be controlled by the controller.
L'invention concerne également un terminal mobile comprenant un tel dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche. The invention also relates to a mobile terminal comprising such a near-field communication processing device.
Avantageusement selon ce mode, un terminal mobile équipé d’un module NFC standard, modifié en module IBC selon l’invention, par l’ajout du circuit de commutation, peut utiliser le mode IBC de manière efficace, et selon certains modes de réalisation, peut basculer d’un mode IBC en mode NFC et vice-versa, selon l’utilisation que l’utilisateur souhaite faire de son mobile. Advantageously according to this mode, a mobile terminal equipped with a standard NFC module, modified into an IBC module according to the invention, by adding the switching circuit, can use the IBC mode effectively, and according to certain embodiments, can switch from IBC mode to NFC mode and vice versa, depending on the use the user wishes to make of his mobile.
L'invention concerne également, selon un mode de réalisation, un tel terminal comportant en outre une interface homme -machine pour permettre à un utilisateur de rentrer une commande de commutation NFC ou IBC afin de la transmettre au dispositif de traitement. Avantageusement selon ce mode, l’utilisateur peut choisir, au niveau de l’interface homme -machine de son terminal, par exemple via son écran tactile (case à cocher, menu, etc.), de se positionner dans l’un ou l’autre mode. Cette commande de haut niveau est transmise au dispositif de traitement dont le contrôleur peut relayer l’ordre de commutation vers l’organe de commutation. The invention also relates, according to one embodiment, to such a terminal further comprising a man-machine interface to allow a user to enter an NFC or IBC switching command in order to transmit it to the processing device. Advantageously according to this mode, the user can choose, at the level of the man-machine interface of his terminal, for example via his touch screen (checkbox, menu, etc.), to position himself in one or other mode. This high-level command is transmitted to the processing device, the controller of which can relay the switching order to the switching device.
Selon un autre aspect, l'invention concerne également un procédé de traitement d’une communication en champ proche sur un terminal comportant un dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche comportant : According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for processing near-field communication on a terminal comprising a device for processing near-field communication comprising:
- au moins une antenne de communication en champ proche destinée à recevoir un signal électromagnétique en champ proche et comportant au moins une extrémité ; - at least one near-field communication antenna intended to receive an electromagnetic signal in the near field and comprising at least one end;
- un organe de commutation relié à ladite extrémité de l’antenne, - a switching device connected to said end of the antenna,
- un contrôleur apte à recevoir les signaux d’antenne et commander l’organe de commutation, le procédé étant caractérisé ce qu’il comporte une étape d’émission d’une première commande de commutation, dite commande IBC, pour commander à 1‘organe de commutation de déconnecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne. - a controller capable of receiving the antenna signals and controlling the switching device, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step of sending a first switching command, called IBC command, to command at 1' switching member to disconnect said end of the antenna.
Selon un mode de réalisation, un tel procédé est caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte en outre une étape d’émission d’une seconde commande de commutation, dite commande NFC, pour commander à 1‘ organe de commutation de connecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne. According to one embodiment, such a method is characterized in that it further comprises a step of sending a second switching command, called NFC command, to command the switching member to connect said end of the 'antenna.
Selon un mode de réalisation, un tel procédé est caractérisé en ce en ce que la première et la seconde commande sont identiques. According to one embodiment, such a method is characterized in that the first and the second command are identical.
Selon un mode de réalisation, un tel procédé est caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte en outre : According to one embodiment, such a method is characterized in that it further comprises:
- une étape de commande de la position connectée ou de la position déconnectée, en fonction d’une information reçue dans le signal électromagnétique. - a step of controlling the connected position or the disconnected position, according to information received in the electromagnetic signal.
Selon un mode de réalisation, un tel procédé est caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte en outre : According to one embodiment, such a method is characterized in that it further comprises:
- une étape pour obtenir le mode dans lequel le composant IBC doit être positionné ; - A step to obtain the mode in which the IBC component must be positioned;
- une étape pour obtenir le mode courant dans lequel le dispositif de traitement est positionné ; - a step to obtain the current mode in which the processing device is positioned;
- si le mode obtenu est IBC, et le mode courant est NFC, l’émission d’une commande IBC de commutation ; - if the mode obtained is IBC, and the current mode is NFC, the emission of an IBC command of commutation ;
- si le mode obtenu est NFC, et le mode courant est IBC, l’émission d’une commande NFC de commutation. - if the mode obtained is NFC, and the current mode is IBC, sending an NFC switching command.
L'invention concerne également un programme d'ordinateur comportant des instructions pour la mise en œuvre du procédé ci-dessus selon l'un des modes particuliers de réalisation décrits, lorsque ledit programme est exécuté par un processeur du contrôleur. The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method above according to one of the particular embodiments described, when said program is executed by a processor of the controller.
L'invention concerne également un programme d'ordinateur comportant des instructions pour la mise en œuvre du procédé ci-dessus selon l'un des modes particuliers de réalisation décrits, lorsque ledit programme est exécuté par un processeur d’un terminal mobile comprenant le dispositif de traitement. The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the above method according to one of the particular embodiments described, when said program is executed by a processor of a mobile terminal comprising the device treatment.
Les procédés peuvent être mis en œuvre de diverses manières, notamment sous forme câblée ou sous forme logicielle. Ces programmes peuvent utiliser n'importe quel langage de programmation, et être sous la forme de code source, code objet, ou de code intermédiaire entre code source et code objet, tel que dans une forme partiellement compilée, ou dans n'importe quelle autre forme souhaitable. The methods can be implemented in various ways, in particular in hard-wired form or in software form. These programs may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.
L'invention vise aussi un support d'enregistrement ou support d'informations lisible par un ordinateur, et comportant des instructions d'un programme d'ordinateur tel que mentionné ci-dessus. Les supports d'enregistrement mentionnés ci-devant peuvent être n'importe quel entité ou dispositif capable de stocker le programme. Par exemple, le support peut comporter un moyen de stockage, tel qu’une ROM, par exemple un CD-ROM ou une ROM de circuit microélectronique, ou encore un moyen d'enregistrement magnétique, par exemple un disque dur. D'autre part, les supports d'enregistrement peuvent correspondre à un support transmissible tel qu'un signal électrique ou optique, qui peut être acheminé via un câble électrique ou optique, par radio ou par d'autres moyens. Les programmes selon l'invention peuvent être en particulier téléchargés sur un réseau de type Internet. The invention also relates to a recording medium or information medium readable by a computer, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above. The recording media mentioned above can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage medium, such as a ROM, for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or even a magnetic recording medium, for example a hard disk. On the other hand, the recording media may correspond to a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The programs according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.
Alternativement, les supports d'enregistrement peuvent correspondre à un circuit intégré dans lequel le programme est incorporé, le circuit étant adapté pour exécuter ou pour être utilisé dans l’exécution du procédé en question. Alternatively, the recording media may correspond to an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.
Ce procédé et ces programmes d'ordinateur présentent des caractéristiques et avantages analogues à ceux décrits précédemment en relation avec le dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche. Liste des figures This method and these computer programs have similar characteristics and advantages to those previously described in relation to the near-field communication processing device. List of Figures
D’autres caractéristiques et avantages de l’invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante de modes de réalisation particuliers, donnés à titre de simples exemples illustratifs et non limitatifs, et des dessins annexés, parmi lesquels : Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of simple illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings, among which:
[Fig. 1] La figure 1 illustre le contexte général d’une communication IBC selon l’état de l’art ; [Fig. 1] Figure 1 illustrates the general context of an IBC communication according to the state of the art;
[Fig. 2] La figure 2 illustre un terminal mobile comprenant un dispositif de traitement selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l’invention ; [Fig. 2] Figure 2 illustrates a mobile terminal comprising a processing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
[Fig. 3] La figure 3 illustre un système électronique de commutation pour le dispositif de traitement selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l’invention ; [Fig. 3] Figure 3 illustrates an electronic switching system for the processing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
[Fig. 4] La figure 4 illustre un système électronique d’antenne commutée pour le dispositif de traitement selon un autre mode particulier de réalisation de l’invention ; [Fig. 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a switched antenna electronic system for the processing device according to another particular embodiment of the invention;
[Fig. 5] La figure 5 illustre des étapes d’un procédé utilisant un mode de réalisation de l’invention. [Fig. 5] Figure 5 illustrates steps of a method using one embodiment of the invention.
Description d'un mode de réalisation de l'invention Description of an embodiment of the invention
Principe général de l'invention General principle of the invention
Le principe général de l’invention consiste à adapter, au niveau d’un terminal, l’antenne associée au contrôleur NFC afin de transformer l’ensemble en circuit (ou dispositif) de réception IBC, afin d’initier une communication sans-fil en utilisant pour canal le corps humain. En mode IBC, la qualité du signal reçu est meilleure que si l’antenne n’était pas adaptée. The general principle of the invention consists in adapting, at the level of a terminal, the antenna associated with the NFC controller in order to transform the assembly into an IBC reception circuit (or device), in order to initiate a wireless communication. using the human body as a channel. In IBC mode, the quality of the received signal is better than if the antenna was not adapted.
L’idée générale de l’invention est donc de modifier le composant NFC du mobile pour qu’il se positionne en mode IBC par une adaptation de l’antenne associée au composant pour privilégier le champ électrique aux dépens du champ magnétique. Pour cela, il suffit d’ouvrir le circuit d’antenne, notamment mais non exclusivement en déconnectant l’une de ses extrémités, reliée par exemple à la masse ou au contrôleur. L’opération reste réversible pour assurer la compatibilité avec le mode NFC si l’utilisateur souhaitait quitter le mode IBC pour revenir en mode NFC : il suffit pour cela de refermer le circuit d’antenne. The general idea of the invention is therefore to modify the NFC component of the mobile so that it is positioned in IBC mode by adapting the antenna associated with the component to favor the electric field at the expense of the magnetic field. To do this, simply open the antenna circuit, in particular but not exclusively by disconnecting one of its ends, connected for example to ground or to the controller. The operation remains reversible to ensure compatibility with NFC mode if the user wishes to leave IBC mode to return to NFC mode: all you have to do is close the antenna circuit.
Modes particuliers de réalisation de l'invention. La figure 1 illustre le contexte général d’une communication IBC selon l’état de l’art. Dans ce contexte, le circuit NFC n’ayant pas été adapté selon l’invention, une transaction IBC est possible, mais la réception étant de mauvaise qualité, elle est plus difficile à mettre en place. Particular embodiments of the invention. Figure 1 illustrates the general context of an IBC communication according to the state of the art. In this context, the NFC circuit not having been adapted according to the invention, an IBC transaction is possible, but the reception being of poor quality, it is more difficult to set up.
Dans cet exemple, l’utilisateur (2) porteur du terminal TM équipé d’un module NFC s’approche jusqu’à toucher quasiment le terminal lecteur TP pour mettre en œuvre un service, par exemple une transaction monétaire. L’utilisateur (2), ou porteur, est par exemple un être humain mais pourrait alternativement prendre la forme d’un autre être vivant apte à effectuer un geste volontaire vers le lecteur et à transmettre des ondes porteuses radio. Les terminaux TP et TM sont aptes à communiquer directement en champ proche (mode NFC) ou via un champ électromagnétique (NF) utilisant le corps de l’utilisateur (mode IBC). In this example, the user (2) carrying the terminal TM equipped with an NFC module approaches until almost touching the reader terminal TP to implement a service, for example a monetary transaction. The user (2), or carrier, is for example a human being but could alternatively take the form of another living being able to perform a voluntary gesture towards the reader and to transmit radio carrier waves. The TP and TM terminals are able to communicate directly in the near field (NFC mode) or via an electromagnetic field (NF) using the user's body (IBC mode).
Le lecteur TP peut être par exemple un TPE (pour Terminal Electronique de Paiement), ou encore un terminal mobile possédant un module NFC positionné en mode lecteur, un objet connecté (en anglais, IOT), un ordinateur personnel, etc. Il est apte à émettre des signaux radioélectriques de type NFC (3) via une antenne NFC (non représentée). Dans cet exemple, le lecteur (TP) comprend une surface constituée par l’antenne éventuellement protégée et adaptée pour réagir lorsque l’utilisateur l’effleure ou entre en proximité avec elle, par exemple en approchant la main. Le terme « surface » n’est nullement limitatif et donné à titre illustratif, l’antenne étant le seul moyen indispensable au fonctionnement du dispositif. The reader TP can be for example a TPE (for Electronic Payment Terminal), or even a mobile terminal having an NFC module positioned in reader mode, a connected object (in English, IOT), a personal computer, etc. It is capable of transmitting radio signals of the NFC type (3) via an NFC antenna (not shown). In this example, the reader (TP) comprises a surface constituted by the possibly protected antenna and adapted to react when the user touches it or comes into proximity with it, for example by approaching the hand. The term "surface" is in no way limiting and given for illustrative purposes, the antenna being the only means essential to the operation of the device.
Le terminal TM comporte un composant NFC classique (CLF associé à une antenne). Il s’agit par exemple d’un téléphone mobile, ou smartphone, ou encore d’un objet connecté. The terminal TM comprises a conventional NFC component (CLF associated with an antenna). It is for example a mobile phone, or smartphone, or a connected object.
Dans un mode NFC « classique », le porteur effectue ses transactions en approchant physiquement le terminal du lecteur. On rappelle que les communications NFC peuvent couvrir deux types d’applications liées à deux modes de fonctionnement différents sur un terminal NFC : le premier mode, dit mode émulation, met en œuvre une émulation d'un module de communication en champ proche pour sécuriser des transactions électroniques entre une application stockée sur le terminal et une borne externe de lecture ; dans le contexte illustré ici, le terminal se trouve dans ce mode ; le second mode, dit mode lecteur, se rapporte à la lecture de données sur des dispositifs de type transpondeurs, ou cartes NFC ; il s’agit du mode lecteur (en anglais, tag reading) tel que défini par le Forum NFC (association industrielle chargée de promouvoir la mise en œuvre et la normalisation de la technologie NFC). Dans un mode IBC, le module NFC du terminal, positionné en mode émulation, se comporte comme un dispositif naturellement apte à recevoir des ondes porteuses radio, via une antenne, à travers le corps de l’utilisateur (2). À cette fin, le terminal TM est situé à proximité immédiate de l’utilisateur (2), sans nécessairement être en contact direct avec celui-ci. Par exemple, le terminal est placé à l’intérieur d’une poche ou d’un sac porté contre l’utilisateur, ou autour de son cou. Dans ces configurations, on estime que le terminal n’est pas éloigné de plus de quelques centimètres du corps de l’utilisateur (2). La distance est par exemple inférieure à 5 cm. Le dialogue s’initie entre le lecteur et le terminal sur le canal IBC, lorsque le terminal mobile TM reçoit l’onde porteuse du message d’initialisation émis par le lecteur TP et relayé par le corps de l’utilisateur. Il est suivi de l’établissement d’une communication bidirectionnelle en utilisant un lien radio, par exemple Bluetooth (4), comme décrit dans le document WO2017/093639, inclus ici par référence. En effet, il n’est pas possible de retransmettre un message complexe vers le lecteur via le corps de l’utilisateur, pour des raisons de débit et de puissance. En effet, le terminal fonctionne en modulation de charge, c’est-à-dire par induction. La norme 14443 indique que, dans une telle situation, le terminal mobile en émulation et le terminal lecteur ne peuvent plus communiquer s’ils sont éloignés de plus 10 cm environ. In a “classic” NFC mode, the wearer performs his transactions by physically approaching the reader's terminal. It is recalled that NFC communications can cover two types of applications linked to two different operating modes on an NFC terminal: the first mode, called emulation mode, implements emulation of a near-field communication module to secure electronic transactions between an application stored on the terminal and an external reading terminal; in the context illustrated here, the terminal is in this mode; the second mode, called reader mode, relates to the reading of data on devices of the transponder type, or NFC cards; this is the reader mode (in English, tag reading) as defined by the NFC Forum (industry association responsible for promoting the implementation and standardization of NFC technology). In an IBC mode, the NFC module of the terminal, positioned in emulation mode, behaves like a device naturally capable of receiving radio carrier waves, via an antenna, through the body of the user (2). To this end, the terminal TM is located in the immediate vicinity of the user (2), without necessarily being in direct contact with the latter. For example, the terminal is placed inside a pocket or a bag carried against the user, or around his neck. In these configurations, it is estimated that the terminal is not more than a few centimeters away from the body of the user (2). The distance is for example less than 5 cm. The dialogue is initiated between the reader and the terminal on the IBC channel, when the mobile terminal TM receives the carrier wave of the initialization message transmitted by the reader TP and relayed by the body of the user. It is followed by the establishment of a two-way communication using a radio link, for example Bluetooth (4), as described in the document WO2017/093639, included here by reference. Indeed, it is not possible to retransmit a complex message to the reader via the user's body, for reasons of throughput and power. Indeed, the terminal operates in load modulation, that is to say by induction. The 14443 standard indicates that, in such a situation, the mobile terminal in emulation and the reader terminal can no longer communicate if they are separated by more than approximately 10 cm.
L’utilisation d’un composant NFC classique permet de recevoir sur le terminal TM les signaux IBC. Cependant, ils ne sont pas de bonne qualité, sauf à augmenter considérablement le courant induit par une puissance plus élevée du signal, ce qui est inutile, coûteux, et pourrait s’avérer dangereux pour le corps qui transporte le signal. En effet, l’onde électromagnétique, NFC ou IBC, comporte deux composantes vectorielles principales, magnétique et électrique. C’est sur la base de ces deux composantes que l’onde électromagnétique se déplace. L’expérience acquise sur la technologie IBC a permis de mettre en évidence que le corps humain réagit mieux au champ électrique qu’au champ magnétique. Plus précisément, le corps humain transmet les signaux électriques avec un meilleur rendement s’ils sont émis avec une antenne électrique. On attribue ce phénomène au fait que le corps humain est principalement constitué d’eau et qu’à ce titre il est plus proche des antennes électriques. Ainsi un champ électrique est mieux transmis par l’individu. Or les antennes NFC des terminaux mobiles existants sont classiquement des antennes dites « boucle » (loop antenna en anglais), efficaces quand on souhaite une bonne directivité. De telles antennes magnétiques peuvent capter les champs électriques, mais la qualité des signaux reçus est médiocre. L’invention propose donc de modifier cette antenne pour la rendre plus efficace dans le mode 1BC. The use of a conventional NFC component makes it possible to receive the IBC signals on the terminal TM. However, they are not of good quality except to greatly increase the current induced by higher signal strength, which is unnecessary, expensive, and could prove dangerous to the body carrying the signal. Indeed, the electromagnetic wave, NFC or IBC, has two main vector components, magnetic and electric. It is on the basis of these two components that the electromagnetic wave moves. The experience acquired on IBC technology has shown that the human body reacts better to the electric field than to the magnetic field. Specifically, the human body transmits electrical signals with better efficiency if they are emitted with an electrical antenna. This phenomenon is attributed to the fact that the human body is mainly made up of water and as such is closer to electric antennas. Thus an electric field is better transmitted by the individual. However, the NFC antennas of existing mobile terminals are conventionally called “loop” antennas, effective when good directivity is desired. Such magnetic antennas can pick up electric fields, but the quality of received signals is poor. The invention therefore proposes modifying this antenna to make it more efficient in the 1BC mode.
La figure 2 illustre une architecture d’un terminal mobile comprenant un dispositif de traitement (DIBC) selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention. Figure 2 illustrates an architecture of a mobile terminal comprising a processing device (DIBC) according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
Le terminal TM possède l'architecture classique d'un téléphone mobile, de type smartphone, et comprend notamment une mémoire MEM, une unité de traitement UT, équipée par exemple d'un processeur PROC M, et pilotée par le programme d'ordinateur PGM_M stocké en mémoire MEM. A l'initialisation, les instructions de code du programme d'ordinateur PGM M sont par exemple chargées dans une mémoire avant d'être exécutées par le processeur PROC M. Le processeur PROC M de l'unité de traitement UT met notamment en œuvre les étapes du procédé de traitement d’une communication en champ proche IBC, selon certains des modes particuliers de réalisation, selon les instructions du programme d'ordinateur PGM_M. En particulier, le programme PGM_M peut relayer un choix de l’utilisateur, effectué au niveau de l’interface homme-machine du terminal, pour basculer entre un mode IBC et un mode NFC. The terminal TM has the classic architecture of a mobile telephone, of the smartphone type, and notably comprises a memory MEM, a processing unit UT, equipped for example with a processor PROC M, and controlled by the computer program PGM_M stored in memory MEM. On initialization, the code instructions of the computer program PGM M are for example loaded into a memory before being executed by the processor PROC M. The processor PROC M of the processing unit UT notably implements the steps of the method for processing an IBC near-field communication, according to certain particular embodiments, according to the instructions of the computer program PGM_M. In particular, the PGM_M program can relay a choice by the user, made at the terminal's human-machine interface, to switch between an IBC mode and an NFC mode.
Le terminal comporte aussi un module DIBC pour l’initialisation des communications IBC. Ce module comprend classiquement un circuit intégré de communication sans contact, ou CLF (pour Contactless Front-End) et une antenne ANT prévue initialement pour recevoir des signaux NFC et adaptée selon l’invention pour recevoir les signaux IBC via le corps humain. Le composant CLF comprend lui-même un processeur PROC C apte à mettre en œuvre un programme de bas niveau (par exemple, en assembleur) pour piloter le CLF et les modules qui lui sont connectés, notamment, selon un mode de réalisation, un commutateur INT qui lui est relié. Le principe de ce pilotage est d’adapter l’antenne magnétique NFC du mobile pour qu’elle soit apte à recevoir la composante électrique avec un meilleur rendement. De telles antennes sont des antennes dites « boucle », comme expliqué préalablement, dont les deux extrémités sont reliées au CLF. L’une d’elles est reliée généralement à la masse et l’autre à la sortie du module d’émission. Selon d’autres implémentations, les deux bornes sont reliées au CLF. Pour réaliser l’adaptation IBC, l’extrémité de l’antenne NFC est déconnectée, pour la laisser « en l’air » grâce à l’interrupteur, ou commutateur INT. D’un point de vue pratique, cela se concrétise par une commande logicielle émise par le programme PGM_C du CLF vers le commutateur INT qui peut être par exemple un circuit électronique à base de transistors (C)MOS, apte à s’ouvrir pour déconnecter l’extrémité de l’antenne. Quand cette extrémité n’est pas connectée (par exemple à la masse) elle devient une antenne fîlaire optimisée pour les communications IBC, à l’inverse si elle est connectée (par exemple à la masse) elle redevient une antenne boucle optimisée pour les communications NFC. The terminal also includes a DIBC module for initializing IBC communications. This module conventionally comprises a contactless communication integrated circuit, or CLF (for Contactless Front-End) and an ANT antenna initially provided to receive NFC signals and adapted according to the invention to receive IBC signals via the human body. The CLF component itself comprises a PROC C processor capable of implementing a low-level program (for example, in assembler) to drive the CLF and the modules connected to it, in particular, according to one embodiment, a switch INT connected to it. The principle of this control is to adapt the NFC magnetic antenna of the mobile so that it is able to receive the electrical component with better efficiency. Such antennas are so-called “loop” antennas, as explained above, whose two ends are connected to the CLF. One of them is generally connected to ground and the other to the output of the transmission module. According to other implementations, the two terminals are connected to the CLF. To carry out the IBC adaptation, the end of the NFC antenna is disconnected, to leave it “in the air” thanks to the switch, or switch INT. From a practical point of view, this takes the form of a software command sent by the PGM_C program of the CLF to the switch INT which may for example be an electronic circuit based on (C)MOS transistors, able to open to disconnect the end of the antenna. When this end is not connected (for example to ground) it becomes a wire antenna optimized for IBC communications, conversely if it is connected (for example to ground) it becomes a loop antenna again optimized for communications NFC.
Le terminal comporte aussi un module de communication distinct du module NFC, par exemple Bluetooth (ou Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, etc.) noté BT sur la figure, pour assurer le canal de retour, et donc la bidirectionnalité de la communication. The terminal also comprises a communication module distinct from the NFC module, for example Bluetooth (or Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, etc.) denoted BT in the figure, to ensure the return channel, and therefore the bidirectionality of the communication.
Optionnellement, le terminal comporte aussi une interface homme-machine, ou IHM, qui peut lui permettre notamment d’accepter une entrée de l’utilisateur, et de la traduire, via le programme PGM_M du terminal, en instructions pour le programme PGM C du CLF : commande de basculement en mode IBC, ou de retour au mode NFC. Optionally, the terminal also comprises a man-machine interface, or IHM, which can enable it in particular to accept input from the user, and to translate it, via the PGM_M program of the terminal, into instructions for the PGM C program of the CLF: command to switch to IBC mode, or to return to NFC mode.
La figure 3 illustre un système électronique de commutation pour le dispositif de traitement selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l’invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an electronic switching system for the processing device according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
Le commutateur, ou interrupteur INT représenté sur la Figure 3 comporte un composant de commutation programmable, selon cet exemple un commutateur analogique de dénomination « TLC4066 » de la société Texas Instrument®, basé sur un quadruple CMOS à grille de silicium, et conçu pour gérer à la fois les signaux analogiques et numériques. Une commande en tension (par exemple une tension positive équivalant à la valeur binaire 1) appliquée à une section du commutateur allume l'interrupteur associé. Sur l’exemple représenté en figure 3, l’application d’une commande en tension sur l’entrée 13 (VC) permet de fermer le commutateur, alors que la commande contraire l’ouvre. The switch, or switch INT shown in Figure 3 comprises a programmable switching component, according to this example an analog switch denominated "TLC4066" from the company Texas Instrument®, based on a quadruple CMOS with silicon gate, and designed to manage both analog and digital signals. A voltage command (eg, a positive voltage equaling the binary value 1) applied to a section of the switch turns on the associated switch. In the example shown in Figure 3, applying a voltage command to input 13 (VC) closes the switch, while the opposite command opens it.
Les connexions CLF_A2 et CLF_A1 correspondent respectivement à deux entrées du contrôleur CLF. Dans le cadre de ce mode de réalisation de l’invention, CLF A1 est reliée à une borne de l’antenne ANT, et CLF A2 est reliée à l’autre borne de l’antenne ANT lorsque le commutateur est fermé (IN = OUT). Lorsque le commutateur est ouvert, CLF_A2 n’est plus relié à l’antenne ANT, la borne de l’antenne est donc déconnectée, on dit aussi « en l’air ». La commande en tension appliquée sur l’entrée notée CLF PO permet, en ouvrant l’interrupteur, de déconnecter l’entrée CFL A2 du composant, et donc la borne correspondante de l’antenne, la positionnant ainsi, comme expliqué plus haut, en mode de réception IBC. Connections CLF_A2 and CLF_A1 correspond respectively to two inputs of the CLF controller. In the context of this embodiment of the invention, CLF A1 is connected to one terminal of the ANT antenna, and CLF A2 is connected to the other terminal of the ANT antenna when the switch is closed (IN = OUT ). When the switch is open, CLF_A2 is no longer connected to the ANT antenna, the antenna terminal is therefore disconnected, we also say "in the air". The voltage command applied to the input denoted CLF PO makes it possible, by opening the switch, to disconnect the CFL A2 input from the component, and therefore the corresponding terminal of the antenna, thus positioning it, as explained above, in mode of IBC reception.
L’application d’une telle tension est classiquement réalisée au niveau du processeur PROC C du CLF, par une instruction du programme PGM C de type Set portO reg XX = 1 , où : The application of such a voltage is conventionally carried out at the level of the PROC C processor of the CLF, by an instruction of the PGM C program of the Set portO reg XX = 1 type, where:
« PortO » indique le numéro de port “PortO” indicates the port number
« Reg XX » indique la valeur à appliquer au registre du port en question"Reg XX" indicates the value to apply to the registry of the port in question
Lorsque l’interrupteur est fermé, l’antenne se comporte à nouveau comme une antenne boucle apte à recevoir les signaux NFC. When the switch is closed, the antenna again behaves like a loop antenna capable of receiving NFC signals.
La figure 4 illustre un système électronique d’antenne commutée pour le dispositif de traitement selon un autre mode particulier de réalisation de l’invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a switched antenna electronic system for the processing device according to another particular embodiment of the invention.
L’antenne représentée est une antenne classique de type NFC, destinée à être connectée à un CLF, bien connue de l’homme du métier. Par exemple on se reportera à la spécification intitulée « TRF7960, TRF7961 Multiple-Standard Fully Integrated 13.56-MHz RFID Analog Front End and Data-Framing Reader » de la société Texas Instrument précitée, qui décrit et schématise des CLF associés à une antenne NFC. Le schéma d’antenne de la figure 4 est extrait de ce document, section 7.1. The antenna represented is a conventional antenna of the NFC type, intended to be connected to a CLF, well known to those skilled in the art. For example, reference will be made to the specification entitled “TRF7960, TRF7961 Multiple-Standard Fully Integrated 13.56-MHz RFID Analog Front End and Data-Framing Reader” from the aforementioned company Texas Instrument, which describes and schematizes CLFs associated with an NFC antenna. The antenna diagram in figure 4 is extracted from this document, section 7.1.
Selon ce mode de réalisation de l’invention, comme dans l’exemple de la figure 3, la connexion CLF A1 du contrôleur est reliée à une borne de l’antenne. En revanche l’autre borne de l’antenne est reliée via l’interrupteur à une masse, pour respecter le schéma d’antenne. Ainsi, l’ouverture du commutateur déconnecte la borne CLF_A2 de l’antenne de la masse GR, et la relie à la masse lorsque le commutateur est fermé. According to this embodiment of the invention, as in the example of FIG. 3, the CLF A1 connection of the controller is connected to a terminal of the antenna. On the other hand, the other terminal of the antenna is connected via the switch to a mass, to respect the antenna diagram. Thus, opening the switch disconnects the antenna terminal CLF_A2 from ground GR, and connects it to ground when the switch is closed.
La figure 5 illustre des étapes du procédé de traitement d’une communication en champ proche selon un mode de réalisation de l’invention. Dans ce mode de réalisation, on suppose que l’utilisateur peut utiliser son terminal en mode IBC ou en mode NFC. FIG. 5 illustrates steps of the method for processing a near-field communication according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user can use his terminal in IBC mode or in NFC mode.
Lors d’une étape E0, un test est donc effectué pour savoir si le terminal doit être positionné en NFC ou en IBC. Ce test peut être effectué par une application du terminal mobile, en lien avec le programme PGM_M, par exemple une applet proposant à l’utilisateur, via l’interface homme-machine, de choisir son type de transaction, ou tout autre programme apte à prendre une décision sur la transaction ou l’ensemble de transactions à effectuer en champ proche, de type NFC ou IBC. During a step E0, a test is therefore carried out to find out whether the terminal must be positioned in NFC or in IBC. This test can be carried out by an application of the mobile terminal, in connection with the PGM_M program, for example an applet proposing to the user, via the man-machine interface, to choose his type of transaction, or any other program capable of making a decision on the transaction or the set of transactions to be carried out in the near field, of the NFC or IBC type.
Si le test conclut à un mode NFC, l’étape E0 est suivie d’une étape E10 pour positionner l’antenne en mode NFC, c’est à dire refermer l’antenne boucle en reconnectant le cas échéant l’une de ses extrémités par envoi d’une commande de commutation NFC. Naturellement si le dispositif DIBC est déjà en mode NFC, cette reconnexion est inutile. Dans le cas où cette commande serait nécessaire pour repositionner le terminal en mode NFC, elle est transmise par exemple du programme PGM_M vers le programme PGM_C du CLF, qui commande à l’interrupteur INT de s’ouvrir, comme expliqué plus haut à l’appui des figures 3 et 4. If the test concludes in an NFC mode, step E0 is followed by a step E10 to position the antenna in NFC mode, i.e. close the loop antenna by reconnecting one of its ends if necessary by sending an NFC switch command. Naturally if the DIBC device is already in NFC mode, this reconnection is useless. If this command is necessary to reposition the terminal in NFC mode, it is transmitted for example from the PGM_M program to the PGM_C program of the CLF, which commands the INT switch to open, as explained above in support of figures 3 and 4.
Puis l’étape E10 est suivie de l’étape El i pour effectuer la transaction NFC, qui ne sera pas décrite plus avant car tout à fait classique. Then step E10 is followed by step El i to perform the NFC transaction, which will not be described further because it is quite conventional.
Si au contraire le test (ou interrogation de l’utilisateur via l’interface homme- machine) conclut à un mode IBC, l’étape E0 est suivie d’une étape El pour positionner l’antenne en mode IBC, c’est à dire ouvrir l’antenne boucle en déconnectant l’une de ses extrémités par envoi d’une commande de commutation IBC. Naturellement si le dispositif DIBC est déjà en mode IBC, cette déconnexion est inutile, car elle a déjà été effectuée au préalable. Dans le cas où cette commande serait nécessaire pour repositionner le terminal en mode IBC, elle est transmise par exemple du programme PGM_M vers le programme PGM C du CLF, qui commande à l’interrupteur INT de s’ouvrir, comme expliqué plus haut à l’appui des figures 3 et 4. Ainsi l’étape El peut, selon un exemple, comprendre les sous- étapes suivantes : If, on the contrary, the test (or questioning of the user via the man-machine interface) concludes with an IBC mode, step E0 is followed by a step El to position the antenna in IBC mode, i.e. say open the loop antenna by disconnecting one of its ends by sending an IBC switching command. Naturally if the DIBC device is already in IBC mode, this disconnection is useless, because it has already been carried out beforehand. If this command is necessary to reposition the terminal in IBC mode, it is transmitted for example from the PGM_M program to the PGM C program of the CLF, which commands the INT switch to open, as explained above in l support of Figures 3 and 4. Thus step El can, according to an example, comprise the following sub-steps:
Interroger la mémoire du terminal mobile pour savoir dans quel mode est positionné le composant DIBC, ou interroger le CLF pour savoir dans quel mode se trouve l’interrupteur, via par exemple une commande de type get portO regXXQuery the memory of the mobile terminal to find out in which mode the DIBC component is positioned, or query the CLF to find out in which mode the switch is, via for example a command of the type get portO regXX
Si le terminal/ dispositif DIBC est déjà en mode IBC, ne rien faire ; If the DIBC terminal/device is already in IBC mode, do nothing;
Sinon transmettre au CLF une commande pour ouvrir l’interrupteur.Otherwise, send the CLF a command to open the switch.
Puis l’étape El est suivie de l’étape E2 pour initier la transaction IBC. Le dialogue s’initie entre le lecteur et le terminal. Un tel dialogue, suivi de l’établissement d’une communication bidirectionnelle en utilisant un canal de retour, par exemple un lien Bluetooth, est décrit dans le document WO2017/093639 mentionné préalablement. Il inclut notamment, lors d’une étape E22, la diffusion par le lecteur TP d’un message d’invite M en champ proche (NF) comportant éventuellement des paramètres relatifs au service offert (identifiant du service, aléa, qui permettra notamment d’effectuer l’appairage Bluetooth, etc.), la réception de ce message lors d’une étape E2, lorsque l’utilisateur s’approche du lecteur et autorise par-là la transmission de l’onde porteuse du message M à travers son corps, le traitement du message M par le terminal au cours de cette étape E2 (démodulation du signal électrique reçu en un signal numérique, décodage de l’aléa, initialisation de la communication Bluetooth, etc.), l’émission dans une étape E3 du message M’ de réponse sur le canal radio Bluetooth. Puis, si le lecteur peut accepter la communication Bluetooth avec le terminal, l’établissement d’un canal Bluetooth bidirectionnel et la communication sur ce canal lors des étapes E4 et E24, pour la réception/émission de messages relatifs à la transaction IBC sur le canal Bluetooth (pour valider un paiement, un solde de ticket, ou échanger tout autre message requis pour la communication, etc.) Then step El is followed by step E2 to initiate the IBC transaction. The dialogue is initiated between the reader and the terminal. Such a dialogue, followed by the establishment of a two-way communication using a return channel, for example a Bluetooth link, is described in the document WO2017/093639 mentioned previously. It includes in particular, during a step E22, the broadcast by the reader TP of a prompt message M in the near field (NF) possibly comprising parameters relating to the service offered (service identifier, hazard, which will in particular make it possible to carry out Bluetooth pairing, etc.), the reception of this message during a step E2, when the user approaches the reader and thereby authorizes the transmission of the carrier wave of the message M through his body, the processing of the message M by the terminal during this step E2 (demodulation of the electrical signal received into a digital signal, decoding of the hazard, initialization of the Bluetooth communication, etc.), the transmission in a step E3 of the message M' answer on the Bluetooth radio channel. Then, if the reader can accept Bluetooth communication with the terminal, the establishment of a two-way Bluetooth channel and the communication on this channel during steps E4 and E24, for the reception/transmission of messages relating to the IBC transaction on the Bluetooth channel (to validate a payment, a ticket balance, or exchange any other message required for communication, etc.)
L’étape E25/E5 correspond à la fin de la transaction (par exemple, validation de la transaction monétaire, ouverture du portique, etc.) Le canal Bluetooth peut être refermé et le procédé sur le mobile peut revenir à l’étape E0, en attente d’une instruction de positionnement en IBC ou NFC pour une autre transaction, ou groupe de transaction. Step E25/E5 corresponds to the end of the transaction (for example, validation of the monetary transaction, opening of the gate, etc.) The Bluetooth channel can be closed and the process on the mobile can return to step E0, waiting for a positioning instruction in IBC or NFC for another transaction, or transaction group.
Il va de soi que le mode de réalisation qui a été décrit ci-dessus a été donné à titre purement indicatif et nullement limitatif, et que de nombreuses modifications peuvent être facilement apportées par l’homme de l’art sans pour autant sortir du cadre de l’invention. It goes without saying that the embodiment which has been described above has been given purely as an indication and in no way limiting, and that many modifications can be easily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope. of the invention.
Notamment, le mode IBC peut être positionné par défaut sur le terminal. En effet, un utilisateur qui dispose de l’IBC n’a plus besoin du mode NFC, car il est plus pratique de laisser le terminal en poche que de le tenir à la main. C’est seulement si l’utilisateur souhaite effectuer une transaction NFC qu’il devra repositionner son terminal dans ce mode. Ainsi le mode le plus pratique est offert par défaut sans perdre la compatibilité avec le mode NFC. In particular, the IBC mode can be set by default on the terminal. Indeed, a user who has the IBC no longer needs the NFC mode, because it is more practical to leave the terminal in his pocket than to hold it in his hand. It is only if the user wishes to carry out an NFC transaction that he will have to reposition his terminal in this mode. Thus the most practical mode is offered by default without losing compatibility with NFC mode.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS Dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche (DIBC) comportant : CLAIMS Device for processing near-field communication (DIBC) comprising:
- au moins une antenne (ANT) de communication en champ proche destinée à recevoir un signal électromagnétique en champ proche et comportant au moins une extrémité (CLF_A2) ; - at least one near-field communication antenna (ANT) intended to receive an electromagnetic signal in the near field and comprising at least one end (CLF_A2);
- un organe de commutation (INT) relié à ladite extrémité de l’antenne, - a switching device (INT) connected to said end of the antenna,
- un contrôleur (CLF) apte à recevoir les signaux d’antenne et commander l’organe de commutation, le dispositif étant caractérisé ce que l ‘organe de commutation est apte à déconnecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne lorsqu’il reçoit une première commande de commutation, dite commande IBC, en provenance du contrôleur. Dispositif de traitement selon la revendication 1, le dispositif étant caractérisé ce que 1‘organe de commutation (INT) est apte à connecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne (CLF A2) lorsqu’il reçoit une seconde commande de commutation, dite commande NFC. Dispositif de traitement selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la première et la seconde commande de commutation sont identiques. Dispositif de traitement selon l’une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite extrémité de l’antenne (CLF A2) est connectée à une masse (GR) avant sa déconnexion. Dispositif de traitement selon l’une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite extrémité de l’antenne (CLF A2) est connectée au contrôleur (1, IN) avant sa déconnexion Dispositif de traitement selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe de commutation est un système électronique de commutation à base de transistors. Dispositif de traitement selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le contrôleur est adapté à commander la position connectée ou la position déconnectée, en fonction d’une caractéristique au moins du champ électromagnétique reçu par l’antenne. Dispositif de traitement selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le contrôleur est adapté à commander la position connectée ou la position déconnectée, en fonction d’une information reçue dans le signal électromagnétique. Terminal mobile (TM) comprenant un dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche (DIBC) selon Tune des revendications précédentes. Terminal (TM) mobile selon la revendication 9, comportant en outre une interface homme-machine (IHM) pour permettre à un utilisateur de rentrer une commande de commutation NFC ou IBC afin de la transmettre au dispositif de traitement. Procédé de traitement d’une communication en champ proche sur un terminal (TM) comportant un dispositif de traitement d’une communication en champ proche (DIBC) comportant : - a controller (CLF) capable of receiving the antenna signals and controlling the switching member, the device being characterized in that the switching member is capable of disconnecting said end of the antenna when it receives a first command switch, called IBC command, coming from the controller. Processing device according to Claim 1, the device being characterized in that the switching member (INT) is able to connect the said end of the antenna (CLF A2) when it receives a second switching command, called an NFC command. Processing device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first and the second switching command are identical. Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said end of the antenna (CLF A2) is connected to a ground (GR) before its disconnection. Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the said end of the antenna (CLF A2) is connected to the controller (1, IN) before its disconnection Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said switching device is an electronic switching system based on transistors. Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is adapted to control the connected position or the disconnected position, as a function of at least one characteristic of the electromagnetic field received by the antenna. Processing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is suitable for controlling the connected position or the disconnected position, as a function of information received in the electromagnetic signal. Mobile terminal (TM) comprising a device for processing near-field communication (DIBC) according to one of the preceding claims. Mobile terminal (TM) according to claim 9, further comprising a man-machine interface (HMI) to allow a user to enter an NFC or IBC switching command in order to transmit it to the processing device. Method for processing a near-field communication on a terminal (TM) comprising a near-field communication processing device (DIBC) comprising:
- au moins une antenne (ANT) de communication en champ proche destinée à recevoir un signal électromagnétique en champ proche (IBC, NFC) et comportant au moins une extrémité (CLF_A2) ; - at least one near-field communication antenna (ANT) intended to receive a near-field electromagnetic signal (IBC, NFC) and comprising at least one end (CLF_A2);
- un organe de commutation (INT) relié à ladite extrémité de l’antenne, - a switching device (INT) connected to said end of the antenna,
- un contrôleur (CLF) apte à recevoir les signaux d’antenne et commander l’organe de commutation, le procédé étant caractérisé ce qu’il comporte une étape d’émission d’une première commande de commutation, dite commande IBC, pour commander à Forgane de commutation de déconnecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne. Procédé selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte en outre une étape d’émission d’une seconde commande de commutation, dite commande NFC, pour commander à Forgane de commutation de connecter ladite extrémité de l’antenne. Procédé selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que la première et la seconde commandes sont identiques. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte en outre : - a controller (CLF) capable of receiving the antenna signals and controlling the switching device, the method being characterized in that it comprises a step of sending a first switching command, called IBC command, to control the switching device to disconnect said end from the antenna. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a step of sending a second switching command, called NFC command, to command the switching device to connect said end of the antenna. Method according to Claim 12, characterized in that the first and the second commands are identical. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises:
- une étape de commande de la position connectée ou de la position déconnectée, en fonction d’une information reçue dans le signal électromagnétique. Procédé selon l’une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu’il comporte en outre : - a step of controlling the connected position or the disconnected position, according to information received in the electromagnetic signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises:
- une étape pour obtenir le mode dans lequel le composant IBC doit être positionné ; - A step to obtain the mode in which the IBC component must be positioned;
- une étape pour obtenir le mode courant dans lequel le dispositif de traitement est positionné ; 18 - a step to obtain the current mode in which the processing device is positioned; 18
- si le mode obtenu est IBC, et le mode courant est NFC, l’émission d’une commande IBC de commutation ; - if the mode obtained is IBC, and the current mode is NFC, sending an IBC switching command;
- si le mode obtenu est NFC, et le mode courant est IBC, l’émission d’une commande NFC de commutation. 16. Produit programme d'ordinateur (PGM C) comprenant des instructions de code de programme pour la mise en œuvre d’un procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 11 à 15, lorsqu’il est exécuté par un processeur (PROC C) du composant NFC (CLF). - if the mode obtained is NFC, and the current mode is IBC, sending an NFC switching command. 16. Computer program product (PGM C) comprising program code instructions for implementing a method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, when executed by a processor (PROC C) of the NFC component (CLF).
17. Produit programme d’ordinateur (PGM_M) comprenant des instructions de code de programme pour la mise en œuvre d’un procédé selon l’une quelconque des revendications 11 à 15, lorsqu’il est exécuté par un processeur (PROC_M) d’un terminal mobile (TM) comprenant le dispositif de traitement. 17. Computer program product (PGM_M) comprising program code instructions for implementing a method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, when it is executed by a processor (PROC_M) of a mobile terminal (TM) comprising the processing device.
EP21852036.9A 2021-01-26 2021-12-20 Device and method for processing a near-field communication Pending EP4285514A1 (en)

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FR2100706A FR3119283A1 (en) 2021-01-26 2021-01-26 Device and method for processing near-field communication
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