JP2008276673A - Noncontact ic card holder - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a noncontact IC card holder for enabling a desired noncontact IC card, while one or the plurality of noncontact IC cards are stored, and preventing surely an unintended access such as skimming. <P>SOLUTION: Respective insertion slots for storing one or a plurality of noncontact IC cards 1-3 are formed of yoke-like magnetic substances 21-23 with built-in first coils L11-L13, and are constituted to interpose the respective magnetic substances 21-23 between conductors 31-34. Magnetic substances 24, 25 are disposed outside the outermost conductors 31, 34, and second coils L21-L22 are arranged to be electromagnetically connectable with an external IC reader/writer. Either of the second coil L21 or L22 is connected to any of the first coils L11-L13 corresponding to switch in an ON state, only when any of the first switches SW11-SW13 and any of the second switches SW21-SW22 are turned on. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact IC card holder.

  In recent years, contactless IC cards, such as transportation IC cards, IC driver's licenses, employee ID cards, etc., have rapidly spread, and one person can use multiple contactless IC cards as pass cases, wallets and holders. It has come to possess in a mixed manner.

  However, even if a non-contact IC card is read by a reader while a plurality of non-contact IC cards are mixed and stacked in a pass case or the like, electromagnetic coupling between the plurality of non-contact IC cards is possible. Therefore, the recorded information of the non-contact IC card stored in the position closest to the reader is not necessarily read out, and there is no guarantee that correct information is read out.

  For this reason, in each current service using a non-contact IC card, it is required to hold only one non-contact IC card over a reader, and the number of non-contact IC cards possessed increases. When it comes, the desired non-contact IC card must be taken out from the pass case and used one by one, and the convenience of the non-contact IC card is greatly impaired.

As a method for solving such a problem, for example, a web page “flux series” (URL address “http://fluxed.fromwest24.com/fluxpass.htm”) on the Internet of Non-Patent Document 1 has two sheets. A method of sandwiching a thin “Flux Pass (registered trademark)” having a magnetic material on both sides between non-contact IC cards is introduced.
http://fluxed.fromwest24.com/fluxpass.htm

  However, the double-sided magnetic type “Flux Pass (registered trademark)” shown in Non-Patent Document 1 is sandwiched between two non-contact IC cards, so that the reader side of the two non-contact IC cards is placed. Only the recorded information of the stored non-contact IC card is normally read out, and only two non-contact IC cards are used by using the front side and the back side of "Flux Pass (registered trademark)". It was not possible to use any number of three or more.

  In addition, since it is necessary to determine whether the pass case is on the front side or the back side in consideration of the surface on which the non-contact IC card to be read exists, the use is troublesome. Furthermore, in the case of a non-contact IC card in which information for preventing unauthorized skimming operation is recorded, in the conventional technology, the conductor serving as a magnetic shield and the non-contact IC card holder are stored in close contact with each other. Therefore, when using such a non-contact IC card, the non-contact IC card has to be taken out from the non-contact IC card holder one by one and there is a problem in convenience.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and even when two or more non-contact IC cards are held in combination, not only two but also a non-contact IC card holder It is possible to use the target non-contact IC card in a state where one or a plurality of non-contact IC cards are mixed and stored without taking out the target non-contact IC card from each other, and also unwillingness such as skimming. An object of the present invention is to provide a non-contact IC card holder that can surely prevent a reading operation of a non-contact IC card.

  The present invention comprises the following technical means in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

  A first technical means is a non-contact IC card holder having one or more insertion slots for storing non-contact IC cards, wherein the insertion slots are electromagnetically coupled to the stored non-contact IC cards. The coil is formed of a yoke-like magnetic body with a built-in coil, and a conductor is provided outside the magnetic body.

  According to a second technical means, in the non-contact IC card holder according to the first technical means, the surface side and the rear surface side of the non-contact IC card holder outside the conductor arranged on the outermost side are magnetic. A second coil for electromagnetically coupling with an external IC card reader / writer adjacent to the front surface or the back surface of the non-contact IC card holder with a body interposed therebetween is provided.

  According to a third technical means, in the non-contact IC card holder according to the second technical means, each of the first coils of one or more of the insertion slots includes a first switch, and the non-contact IC card When the user of the holder depresses one of the first switch or the plurality of first switches, the first coil and the second coil corresponding to the depressed first switch are connected. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the contactless IC card holder according to the third technical means, when the plurality of the first switches are provided, the plurality of the first switches are provided in a plurality of the insertion slots. They are arranged in the same order as the arrangement order.

  According to a fifth technical means, in the non-contact IC card holder according to the fourth technical means, the plurality of first switches serve as the non-contact IC card insertion slot into the insertion slot. It is arrange | positioned at the side part on the opposite side to an IC card holder side part.

  A sixth technical means is the non-contact IC card holder according to any one of the second to fifth technical means, wherein the two first arranged on the front surface side and the back surface side of the non-contact IC card holder. Each of the two coils has a normally open contact type second switch, and the user of the non-contact IC card holder presses down one of the two second switches, or an external IC. By performing an operation of touching the card reader / writer, the second coil corresponding to the second switch pressed down or the second switch touched to the IC card reader / writer is the first coil. It is connected with.

  Seventh technical means is the non-contact IC card holder according to any one of the second to fifth technical means, wherein the two first arranged on the front surface side and the back surface side of the non-contact IC card holder. Each of the two coils is provided with a normally closed contact type second switch, and the user of the non-contact IC card holder is pressed by pressing one of the two second switches. The second coil corresponding to the second switch is disconnected from the first coil.

  According to an eighth technical means, in the non-contact IC card holder according to any one of the third to seventh technical means, an amplifier that performs power amplification between the second coil and the first coil. A battery for connecting and supplying power to the amplifier is provided.

  According to a ninth technical means, in the contactless IC card holder according to the eighth technical means, the amplifier amplifies an output signal from the second coil and an output from the first coil It has both the amplification part which amplifies a signal, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  A tenth technical means is the non-contact IC card holder according to the eighth or ninth technical means, wherein an operation of the first switch or the second switch is applied to a power supply line from the battery to the amplifier. An interlocking switch that operates in conjunction with is inserted.

  According to the non-contact IC card holder of the present invention, when one or more non-contact IC cards are stored in the insertion slot, each non-contact IC card is electrically coupled to the non-contact IC card. Are placed between the outer surface (front surface, back surface) of the non-contact IC card holder and the external IC card reader. The second coil and each first coil that can be electromagnetically coupled to the writer adopt a configuration in which the first coil provided in each first coil is not connected unless the user depresses the first switch. Therefore, the following effects can be achieved.

  Even if a plurality (two or more) of non-contact IC cards are stored in the non-contact IC card holder, the first switch for selecting the non-contact IC card is pressed to operate the non-contact IC card holder. Since it can be used as it is without removing the desired non-contact IC card to be used from the contact IC card holder, the convenience in the case of having a plurality of non-contact IC cards is greatly improved. be able to.

  Further, even when the target non-contact IC card is used, the target non-contact IC card is not subject to interference from other non-contact IC cards stored in the non-contact IC card holder. The recorded information on the IC card can be read accurately.

  Further, unless the first switch is pressed, an electromagnetic coupling state with the outside is not formed, so that an unintentional non-contact IC card reading operation due to skimming or the like can be avoided.

  Furthermore, the non-contact IC card holder functions as a non-contact IC card booster by providing the non-contact IC card holder with an amplifier that amplifies a signal from an external IC card reader / writer and / or a signal from the non-contact IC card. Even if the output magnetic field from the IC card reader / writer is small or the read signal level from the non-contact IC card is low, normal data exchange is possible. It becomes.

  Hereinafter, an example of the best embodiment of the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Features of the present invention)
Prior to the description of the embodiment of the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention, the main features of the present invention will be described first. The present invention provides a first coil (internal coil) that electromagnetically couples each non-contact IC card to the non-contact IC card when one or more non-contact IC cards are stored in the non-contact IC card holder. ) In a state where the magnetic material that converges the magnetic flux and the conductor that performs magnetic shielding are sandwiched in layers, the electromagnetic interference operation between each non-contact IC card is prevented and the external electromagnetic The first feature is that a structure that forms a simple shield state is employed.

  Further, in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface (front surface, back surface) of the non-contact IC card holder, a second state for forming an electromagnetic coupling state with the external device when the IC card reader / writer is brought close to the external device. The coil (external coil) is disposed in an electromagnetically insulated form by interposing layers of a magnetic body, a conductor, and a magnetic body with the first coil (internal coil). There is a second feature.

  Furthermore, a second coil (external coil) disposed in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface of the non-contact IC card holder, and each first coil (internal coil) that forms an electromagnetic coupling state with each non-contact IC card, Only when the owner (user) of the non-contact IC card holder presses down, the first switch to be set in the connection state is set as a non-contact IC card selection switch for each first coil. There is a third feature in that it is provided.

  Further, each of the second coils arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface of the non-contact IC card holder is used as a communication surface discrimination switch for discriminating a surface (or a surface to be touched) over an external IC card reader / writer. In addition, a second switch is additionally provided, and any one of the second coils having the second switch turned on is connected to any one of the first coils having the first switch turned on. There is a fourth feature in the configuration.

  Furthermore, an amplifier and a battery that amplifies the power of the output signal from the second coil and the output signal from the first coil and a battery are additionally provided in the non-contact IC card holder to provide a non-contact IC card booster function The fifth feature is that it is possible.

  By providing the above various features, the target non-contact IC card to be used is selected from one or more non-contact IC cards stored in the non-contact IC card holder, and the target non-contact IC card is selected. Only when the user performs a pressing operation on the first switch connected to the first coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the contact IC card, the first electromagnetically coupled to the target non-contact IC card. One coil is connected via a first switch to a second coil arranged on the outer surface.

  After that, by holding (or touching) the non-contact IC card holder over the IC card reader / writer, the second coil closest to the outer surface (front surface, back surface) of the non-contact IC card holder approaches the IC card reader / writer. Thus, both are electromagnetically coupled to each other, and the target non-contact IC card can communicate with the IC card reader / writer via the corresponding first coil, first switch, and second coil. Thus, the recorded contents of the target non-contact IC card can be read / written by the IC card reader / writer.

  In other words, in the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention, each first coil is located close to the outer surface of the non-contact IC card holder unless the first switch provided in each first coil is pressed. The non-contact IC card is not in communication with the IC card reader / writer and the external antenna.

  In addition, since there is an electrical conductor between each non-contact IC card to prevent interference, electromagnetic coupling between each non-contact IC card does not occur. The non-contact IC card to be transmitted / receives data to / from the IC card reader / writer normally without being interfered with other non-contact IC cards stored in the non-contact IC card holder.

  Further, each non-contact IC card stored in the non-contact IC card holder is surrounded by the conductor as described above, and is arranged in the vicinity of the outer surface unless the first switch is pressed. Since it is not connected to the second coil, it is possible to reliably prevent an operation such as skimming in which a third party illegally accesses the recorded contents of the non-contact IC card.

  Furthermore, the surface (or the surface to be touched) held over the IC card reader / writer is communicated with the IC card reader / writer on each of the second coils arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface (front surface, back surface) of the non-contact IC card holder. By additionally providing the second switch for determining the communication surface to be performed, it is possible to set the communication state with the IC card reader / writer to a better state, and not only the first switch but also the first switch. Unless the switch 2 is turned ON, even if an external reader is located near the non-contact IC card holder, the recorded information of the non-contact IC card cannot be accessed from the outside. Intentional access can be prevented more reliably.

  Furthermore, by additionally providing the non-contact IC card holder with an amplifier that amplifies the signal from the second coil or the signal from the first coil and a battery that supplies power for the amplifier, Even when the output magnetic field from the IC card reader / writer is small or the reading level from the non-contact IC card is low, normal data can be exchanged by the booster function.

(First embodiment)
(Configuration example of non-contact IC card holder)
Next, a first embodiment relating to the configuration of the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the internal configuration of the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention. Each non-contact IC card is stored as an example in the case of storing three non-contact IC cards. An example of an electromagnetic coupling state of the IC card and each component and an electrical connection state of each component is shown. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the image of the non-contact IC card holder shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2A shows an example of an image of the appearance of the non-contact IC card holder shown in FIG. 2B shows a cross section viewed from the NN plane in the external view of FIG. 2A, and shows an example of an image of the internal structure of the non-contact IC card holder shown in FIG. Yes.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case where the number of non-contact IC cards stored in the non-contact IC card holder 10 is three will be described. However, the present invention is limited to such a case. Rather, it can be applied in the same way regardless of the number of sheets of two or more. In some cases, only one sheet may be used.

  The non-contact IC card holder 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes three insertion slots 11, 12, and 13 for storing three non-contact IC cards 1, 2, and 3, respectively. 11, 12 and 13 are first coils (internal coils) L11, L12, which are in close contact with the built-in coils L1, L2 and L3 of the three non-contact IC cards 1, 2 and 3 and are electromagnetically coupled. L13 is built in and is surrounded by yoke-shaped magnetic bodies 21, 22, and 23.

  Further, when the non-contact IC card holder 10 is brought close to an external IC card reader / writer, a second coil (external coil) L21 for electromagnetically coupling and communicating with the IC card reader / writer, L22 is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface (front surface, back surface).

  Further, there is a magnetic flux between the insertion slots 11, 12, and 13 and between the outermost insertion slots 11 and 13 and the second coils L21 and L22 arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface. Are inserted in a form in which not only a magnetic body that converges but also a conductor that performs magnetic shielding is interposed, outputs from each of the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3 and the first coils L11, L12, L13, The outputs from the second coils L21 and L22 are prevented from interfering with each other. That is, between the insertion slots 11, 12, 13 of the non-contact IC card holder 10 and between the insertion slots 11, 13 and the outer surface, a coil (first coil or second coil), magnetic material, conductive As a structure having a layered partition of a body and a magnetic body, the magnetic flux is converged inside each, and at the same time, the outside is electromagnetically insulated from the outside.

  More specifically, the internal structure of the non-contact IC card holder 10 has a structure as illustrated in FIG. The insertion slots 11, 12, 13 for storing the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3 have the same structure, and the first coils L 11, L 12 are in close contact with the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3. , L13 and a structure surrounded by layers of yoke-shaped magnetic bodies 21, 22, 23 and conductors 31, 32, 33, 34. Further, between the second coils L21 and L22 arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outer surface of the housing 20 and the outermost insertion slots 11 and 13, the magnetic bodies 24 and 25, the conductors 31 and 34, and the magnetic body 21 are provided. , 23 intervene.

  Here, as the magnetic bodies 21 to 25, for example, a material having a high magnetic permeability such as Busterade (registered trademark) is used, and the conductors 31 to 34 have high conductivity such as an aluminum foil. A metal material is used.

  In addition, as shown in the external view of FIG. 2A, the non-contact IC card holder 10 is configured by using a plastic casing 20, and each of the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, and 3 is inserted. The non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3 are provided on the side surface (the left side surface in FIG. 2) opposite to the side surface of the housing 20 in which the insertion slots 11, 12, 13 are provided. 3, a first switch (non-contact IC card selection switch) SW11, SW12, SW13 for selecting which non-contact IC card is used is provided. , Back surface: on the upper surface and lower surface in FIG. 2, a second switch (communication surface discrimination) is used to discriminate the surface touching the external IC card reader / writer as the communication surface communicating with the IC card reader / writer. Switch) SW2 , It is provided with a SW22.

  That is, the second switches (communication surface determination switches) SW21 and SW22 are respectively disposed on the outer surface (front surface and back surface) of the non-contact IC card holder 10 that the user touches the IC card reader / writer. On the other hand, the first switch (non-contact IC card selection switch) SW11, SW12, SW13 is used when the user touches the non-contact IC card holder 10 with the IC card reader / writer. It is arranged in the same order in association with the order of the insertion slots 11, 12, and 13 on the one side surface to be held, so that the user can easily perform a pressing operation within the same surface of the non-contact IC card holder 10. They are arranged in order.

  As a result, any one of the first switches (non-contact IC card selection switches) SW11, SW12, SW13 is shown in FIG. 2B by the user with only one hand holding the non-contact IC card holder 10. In addition, it can be switched to the ON state by performing a pressing operation through a hole formed in the surface of the housing 20. In addition, the user touches any of the second switches (communication surface determination switches) SW21 and SW22 only by lightly touching any surface of the non-contact IC card with the IC card reader / writer. The second switch arranged on the surface is pressed, and can be switched to the ON state.

  That is, the first switches (non-contact IC card selection switches) SW11, SW12, and SW13 are in an ON state while the user performs a pressing operation, and are normally open contact type that is in an OFF state when the user does not perform the pressing operation. On the other hand, the second switches (communication surface determination switches) SW21 and SW22 are in an ON state while the user is touching the IC card reader / writer, and are in an OFF state when not touching. This is an open contact type switch.

  Here, the second switches SW21 and SW22 are constituted by mechanical switches such as micro switches, for example. When the mechanical switches are lightly touched to the IC card reader / writer, the switches are closed and turned on, and the touch is performed. If not, it is turned off.

  The user depresses the first switch corresponding to the non-contact IC card to be used, for example, the first switch SW11 among the first switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and the second switches SW21, SW22. The non-contact IC card holder 10 is operated so that the second switch SW21 facing the IC card reader / writer side of the non-contact IC card holder 10, for example, the second switch SW21 is touched to the IC card reader / writer.

  As a result, the second switch facing the IC card reader / writer side of the non-contact IC card holder 10, for example, the second switch SW21 is turned on, and the second coil L21 corresponding to the second switch SW21 is The first coil L11 corresponding to the first switch, for example, the first switch SW11, which is electrically activated and turned on, is connected to the IC card reader / writer.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 1, each of the second switches SW <b> 21 and SW <b> 22 for determining the surface to be touched by the IC card reader / writer is a second coil disposed in the vicinity of the outer surface of the non-contact IC card holder 10. (External coils) L21 and L22 are connected to each other, one ends (terminal 1) of the second switches SW21 and SW22 are connected to each other, and the other ends (terminal 2) of the second switches SW21 and SW22 are respectively connected to each other. The second coils (external coils) L21 and L22 are respectively connected to one end, and the other ends of the second coils (external coils) L21 and L22 are connected to each other.

  Here, as shown in the internal structure of FIG. 2B, the second coils (external coils) L21 and L22 are arranged between the casing 20 and the magnetic bodies 24 and 25, respectively. When the body 20 is brought close to a position close to the external IC card reader / writer, the body 20 is electromagnetically coupled to the external IC card reader / writer.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, one end (terminal 1) of each of the first switches SW11, SW12, SW13 is connected to one end (terminal 1) of the second switches SW21 and SW22, and the first switch SW11, The other end (terminal 2) of each of SW12 and SW13 is connected to one end of each of the first coils (internal coils) L11, L12, and L13, and each of the first coils (internal coils) L11, L12, and L13. The other end is connected to a connection point between the other ends of the second coils L21 and L22.

  Here, as shown in the internal structure of FIG. 2B, between the second coil (external coil) L21 and the first coil (internal coil) L11, the first coils (internal coils) L11, L12. , L13, and between the first coil (internal coil) L13 and the second coil (external coil) L22, as described above, the magnetic material, the conductor, and the layered partition of the magnetic material And are electromagnetically insulated from each other.

(Operation example of non-contact IC card holder)
Next, an embodiment relating to the operation of the non-contact IC card holder 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the non-contact IC card holder 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is stored in the middle of the three non-contact IC cards 1, 2, and 3. The operation when using the contactless IC card 2 is illustrated.

  The user who has the non-contact IC card holder 10 takes out the non-contact IC card holder 10 and uses the first switch corresponding to the non-contact IC card (the non-contact IC card 2 in the example of FIG. 3) to be used. While pressing the first switch (first switch SW12 in FIG. 3) connected to the first coil that is electromagnetically coupled to the built-in coil of the non-contact IC card that is desired to the IC card reader / writer The second switch (second switch SW21 in the example of FIG. 3) arranged on the surface side facing is lightly touched with the IC card reader / writer to switch the second switch to the ON state.

  As a result, the second coil (in the example of FIG. 3, the second coil L21 is arranged on the surface side of the non-contact IC card holder 10 where the magnetic field from the RW antenna 40 of the IC card reader / writer touches the IC card reader / writer. ) And the induced current flows through the second coil L21, so that the target non-contact IC card 2 passes through the second switch SW21 and the first switch SW12 which are in the ON state. The target non-contact IC card 2 is activated via the first coil L12 arranged in close contact.

  Here, when a current flows through the second coil L21 and the first coil L12, a magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field received from the IC card reader / writer is generated as a demagnetizing field, and the RW antenna of the IC card reader / writer is generated. 40 induces a reverse induced current. As a result, the IC card reader / writer and the target non-contact IC card 2 are brought into a communication state via the second coil L21, the first coil L12, the second switch SW21, and the first switch SW12. Thus, data is exchanged.

  As described above, the non-contact IC card to be used from the plurality of non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3 stored in the non-contact IC card holder 10 (in the example of FIG. 3, the non-contact IC card). The second switch (example in FIG. 3) disposed on the surface that touches the IC card reader / writer while pressing down the first switch corresponding to 2) (first switch SW12 in the example in FIG. 3). Then, by performing an operation of touching the second switch SW21) to the IC card reader / writer and turning on each switch, the position of the contactless IC card to be used in the contactless IC card holder 10 is determined. Even if it is stored in the memory card, it is possible to correctly read and write the recorded contents of the non-contact IC card to be used by the IC card reader / writer.

  Here, between each of the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3 and between each of the first coils L11, L12, L13 to which the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, 3 are electromagnetically coupled, and As described above, the first coil L11, L13 and the second coil L21, L22 are partitioned by the magnetic material, the conductor, and the layer structure of the magnetic material. In addition to supporting the electromotive operation of the built-in coil of the non-contact IC card to be used, the electromagnetic field interference function by the conductor can avoid the interference of the electromagnetic field from other than the non-contact IC card to be used.

  Note that the number of non-contact IC cards is not limited to three as described above, and is divided by the number of non-contact IC cards desired to be used by the magnetic material, the conductor, and the magnetic layer structure. By providing the insertion slot and the first switch for selection, a non-contact IC card holder capable of storing an arbitrary number of non-contact IC cards can be formed. It is possible to properly use the desired non-contact IC card properly from the inside. That is, an external IC card reader / writer can be used without removing each non-contact IC card to be used from any number of non-contact IC cards stored in the non-contact IC card holder 10. Therefore, the convenience when having a plurality of non-contact IC cards can be greatly improved.

  On the other hand, the other non-contact IC cards (in FIG. 3, the non-contact IC card 1 and the non-contact IC card 3) that are not to be used in the non-contact IC card holder 10 are the corresponding first switches (in FIG. 3, Since the first switch SW1 and the first switch SW3) are not pressed down, they remain magnetically shielded by the conductor and cannot communicate with an external reader. Therefore, it does not interfere with the read / write operation of the non-contact IC card being used, and it is possible to protect against unauthorized access such as skimming.

  Further, by providing the second switches SW21 and SW22 using mechanical switches such as microswitches, for example, the user can not only bring the non-contact IC card holder 10 close to the IC card reader / writer but also perform an operation to touch. As a result, not only the pressing operation of the first switch but also the operation of touching the second switch to the external reader is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unauthorized access operations such as skimming and to secure the security of the non-contact IC card.

  In the above description, the second switches SW21 and SW22 for discriminating the surface to be touched with the external IC card reader / writer (that is, the communication surface to communicate with the IC card reader / writer) are used for the non-contact IC card. Although an example provided for improving security has been described, in some cases, the second switch SW21, SW22 may not be provided, and only the first switch SW11, SW12, SW13 may be configured. Furthermore, when the number of inserted non-contact IC cards is two or less, the first switches SW11, SW12, SW13 for selecting the non-contact IC card may be deleted.

  Further, as described above, as the second switches (communication surface discrimination switches) SW21 and SW22 for discriminating the surface to be touched with the IC card reader / writer of the non-contact IC card holder 10, as described above, a normally open contact type comprising a micro switch or the like. Although an example using a switch (that is, a switch that is set to an ON state only while being touched and pressed) has been described, the present invention is not limited to such a case, but instead of touching an IC card reader / writer. In addition, it may be configured as a switch for the user to perform a pressing operation.

  For example, the second switches SW21 and SW22 may be configured as normally closed contact type switches that are in an OFF state while the user is pressing and are in an ON state when the user is not pressing.

  When such a normally closed contact type switch is applied, instead of requiring the user to perform a pressing operation, it is not always necessary to perform an operation of touching the IC card reader / writer with the non-contact IC card. Reading and writing of a non-contact IC card becomes possible only by carrying out the operation.

  That is, the user can use one of the first switches SW11, SW12, and SW13 that are electromagnetically coupled to the stored non-contact IC cards 1, 2, and 3 with only one hand holding the non-contact IC card holder 10, respectively. While pressing the first switch corresponding to the contactless IC card to be tried, for example, the first switch SW11 with the thumb, the second switch SW21, SW22 of the contactless IC card holder 10 on the IC card reader / writer side The non-contact IC card holder 10 is used as an IC card reader / writer in a state where the second switch, for example, the second switch SW22 on the surface opposite to the surface to be held over (or the surface to be touched) is pressed with the index finger or the middle finger. The non-contact IC card holder 10 is operated so as to hold (or touch).

  As a result, the second switch, for example, the second switch SW22 on the surface opposite to the IC card reader / writer side of the non-contact IC card holder 10 is turned off, and the second switch corresponding to the second switch SW22 is turned off. The coil L22 is electrically inoperative and disconnected from the IC card reader / writer.

  On the other hand, the second switch on the same surface as the IC card reader / writer side of the non-contact IC card holder 10, for example, the second switch SW21 is turned on, and the second coil corresponding to the second switch SW21. L21 is electrically operated and connected to the first switch L11 corresponding to the first switch turned on, for example, the first switch SW11, so that it can communicate with the IC card reader / writer. The read / write operation of the non-contact IC card can be performed in a state in which the communication performance with the IC card reader / writer is ensured.

  Alternatively, as described above, as a different example when the second switches SW21 and SW22 are configured as switches for the user to perform the pressing operation, the switch is ON while the user is pressing the button instead of the normally closed contact type switch. It is configured as a normally open contact type switch that is in an OFF state when it is not pressed down, and the connection state between the second switches SW21 and SW22 and the second coils L21 and L22 is crossed, The second switch SW21 disposed on the front surface of the housing 20 and the second coil L22 closest to the rear surface side are connected, and the second switch SW22 disposed on the rear surface of the housing 20 and the second coil closest to the front surface side are connected. You may comprise so that L21 may be connected.

  When such a normally open contact type switch is applied, as in the case of a switch configuration that touches the IC card reader / writer, the non-stored state is stored unless the second switch is pressed simultaneously with the first switch. It is possible to set a state in which reading and writing of the contact IC card cannot be performed from the outside, and it is possible to prevent an unauthorized access operation such as skimming.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an embodiment different from FIG. 1 relating to the configuration of the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the internal configuration of the non-contact IC card holder according to the present invention, which is different from that shown in FIG. 1. The non-contact IC card holder 10 illustrated in FIG. In addition, a configuration example in which an amplifier 50, a battery E, and an interlock switch SW20 are additionally provided is illustrated.

  In the non-contact IC card holder 10A shown in FIG. 4, the portion indicated by reference numeral 10 has the same configuration as the non-contact IC card holder 10 in FIG. 1, and stores three non-contact IC cards. However, the present embodiment is not limited to three, and an arbitrary number of non-contact IC cards may be stored. In some cases, such as when the power consumption of the amplifier 50 does not become a problem, only the amplifier 50 and the battery E may be added and the interlock switch 20 may not be provided.

  In the non-contact IC card holder 10A shown in FIG. 4, the amplifier 50 is configured to reduce analog signals in an RFID frequency band such as a dozen MHz band (for example, 13.56 MHz) and a UHF band from a few hundred MHz band to a 2 GHz band. It is composed of operational amplifiers that can amplify with noise. The amplifier 50 shown in FIG. 4 includes an amplification unit that amplifies the signal output from the IC card reader / writer via the second coils L21 and L22, and the first coils L11, L12, A bidirectional amplifier having both amplification functions of an amplification unit that amplifies the signal read out via L13 is illustrated, but in some cases, only one of the amplification units may be used. Absent.

  The battery E is a battery for supplying power for operating the amplifier 50, and is configured to supply power to the amplifier 50 through the interlock switch SW20 inserted in the power supply line. Here, the battery E may be not only a primary battery but also a secondary battery in some cases.

  The interlock switch SW20 is an operation of the second switches (communication surface determination switches) SW21 and SW22 that determine a surface (or a surface to be touched) held over an external IC card reader / writer as a communication surface, or may be used depending on circumstances. This is a switch that operates in conjunction with the operation of the first switch (non-contact IC card selection switch) SW11, SW12, SW13 for selecting the non-contact IC card 1, 2, 3 to be performed (in FIG. An example of interlocking with the operation of the second switches SW21 and SW22 is shown).

  That is, the user presses down one of the second switches SW21 and SW22 (or touches the IC card reader / writer when the switch is configured to determine the communication surface by touching the IC card reader / writer). Alternatively, when any one of the first switches SW11, SW12, and SW13 is pressed, the interlock switch SW20 is interlocked and switched to the ON state, and power is supplied from the battery E to the amplifier 50. When the pressed state of the second switch SW21, SW22 or the first switch SW11, SW12, SW13 is released, the interlock switch SW20 is simultaneously switched to the OFF state.

  As a result, the amplifier 50 operates only while using the non-contact IC cards 1, 2, and 3, and amplifies signals from the second coils L21 and L22 on the IC card reader / writer side by an appropriate amplification amount. Output to the first coil L11, L12, L13 on the non-contact IC card side, and amplifies the signal from the first coil L11, L12, L13 by an appropriate amplification amount to 2 to the coils L21 and L22.

  As described above, the non-contact IC card holder 10A illustrated in FIG. 4 can function as a “non-contact IC card booster” having a power amplification function by incorporating the battery E and the amplifier 50. . Therefore, by storing the non-contact IC card in the non-contact IC card holder 10A having a booster function as shown in FIG. 4, for example, the output level of the RW antenna 40 of the IC card reader / writer is low and the output magnetic field is small. Even if the distance from the IC card reader / writer is slightly less than 10 mm, for example, and the electromagnetic coupling state with the IC card reader / writer is slightly weak, or Even if the electromagnetic coupling state with the non-contact IC card 1, 2 or 3 is slightly weak, the power can be amplified as a booster to normally communicate between the IC card reader / writer and the non-contact IC card. It becomes possible.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating an example of the internal structure of the non-contact IC card holder which concerns on this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the image of the non-contact IC card holder shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of the non-contact IC card holder shown in FIG. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the example different from FIG. 1 of the internal structure of the non-contact IC card holder which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 ... Non-contact IC card, 10, 10A ... Non-contact IC card holder, 11, 12, 13 ... Insert slot, 20 ... Housing, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 ... Magnetic body, 31, 32, 33, 34 ... conductor, 40 ... RW antenna, 50 ... amplifier, E ... battery, L1, L2, L3 ... built-in coil, L11, L12, L13 ... first coil (internal coil), L21, L22 ... Second coil (external coil), SW11, SW12, SW13... First switch (non-contact IC card selection switch), SW20... Interlocking switch, SW21, SW22.

Claims (10)

  A non-contact IC card holder having one or more insertion slots for storing non-contact IC cards, wherein the insertion slot incorporates a first coil for electromagnetically coupling to the stored non-contact IC card A non-contact IC card holder, which is made of a magnetic material and has a conductor on the outside of the magnetic material.   2. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 1, wherein a magnetic substance is interposed between the front surface side and the back surface side of the non-contact IC card holder outside the outermost conductor, and the non-contact IC card holder is disposed. A non-contact IC card holder comprising a second coil for electromagnetically coupling with an external IC card reader / writer adjacent to the front or back surface of the card holder.   3. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 2, wherein a first switch is provided in each of the first coils of one or more of the insertion slots, and a user of the non-contact IC card holder has one to a plurality of the first of the first coils. A non-contact IC card characterized in that the first coil and the second coil corresponding to the pressed first switch are connected by pressing one of the switches. holder.   4. The contactless IC card holder according to claim 3, wherein when the plurality of first switches are provided, the plurality of first switches are arranged in the same order as the arrangement order of the plurality of insertion slots. A non-contact IC card holder.   5. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of first switches are opposite to the side surface of the non-contact IC card holder serving as an insertion port of the non-contact IC card into the insertion slot. A non-contact IC card holder, wherein the non-contact IC card holder is disposed in a portion.   6. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 2, wherein a normal open contact type second is provided on each of the two second coils disposed on the front side and the back side of the non-contact IC card holder. When the user of the non-contact IC card holder performs an operation of pressing one of the two second switches or touching an external IC card reader / writer. The second coil corresponding to the pressed second switch or the second switch touching the IC card reader / writer is connected to the first coil. IC card holder.   6. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 2, wherein a normal close contact type second is provided on each of the two second coils disposed on the front side and the back side of the non-contact IC card holder. The second switch corresponding to the second switch that has been pressed down when the user of the non-contact IC card holder presses down one of the two second switches. The non-contact IC card holder, wherein the coil is separated from the first coil.   8. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 3, wherein an amplifier that performs power amplification is connected between the second coil and the first coil, and a power source is connected to the amplifier. A non-contact IC card holder comprising a battery to be supplied.   9. The non-contact IC card holder according to claim 8, wherein the amplifier includes both an amplification unit that amplifies an output signal from the second coil and an amplification unit that amplifies the output signal from the first coil. A non-contact IC card holder, comprising:   The contactless IC card holder according to claim 8 or 9, wherein an interlocking switch that operates in conjunction with the operation of the first switch or the second switch is inserted into a power supply line from the battery to the amplifier. A non-contact IC card holder.

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