JP2009060561A - Radio communication equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide radio communication equipment capable of automatically performing radio communication, with optimal communication characteristics, without requiring any particular operation. <P>SOLUTION: The radio communication equipment includes a first or second antenna 111, 112 and a high frequency circuit 131 for performing radio communication with a communication target and has a portable use mode for use without fixing the equipment at a fixing point and a fixed use mode for use while fixing the equipment at the fixing point. The radio communication equipment further includes a connector 141 for detecting whether the equipment is under portable use or fixed use, and a control circuit 133 which switches to the portable use mode when portable use is detected by the connector 141, or switches to the fixed use mode when fixed use is detected by the connector 141. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a wireless communication apparatus that performs wireless communication with a communication target.

  2. Description of the Related Art Recently, as one of wireless communication systems that perform wireless communication with a communication target, a wireless tag including an IC circuit unit that stores predetermined wireless tag information and a tag-side antenna that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits / receives information An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system that reads and writes information in a non-contact manner between a small wireless tag having a circuit element and a reader (reading device) / writer (writing device) has been proposed. It is being put into practical use in the field.

  As a prior art of the RFID system, for example, there is one described in Patent Document 1. In this prior art system, a short-distance mode that responds only to the radio tag circuit element (IC tag) when the intensity of the radio wave exceeds a specified value by a control signal from the radio communication device (reader / writer) or this restriction. Switch to the long distance mode that does not. This makes it possible to prevent reading of RFID tag information from the outside of the vehicle for illegal purposes, for example, by setting the short-distance mode when an article to which the RFID circuit element is attached is transported by a truck or the like. .

JP 2006-268359 A

  Along with the practical application of RFID systems in various fields in recent years, the usage forms of wireless communication devices that read and write information to and from RFID tag circuit elements have also diversified. For example, the wireless communication device may be used while being fixed at a fixed position, or may be used while being carried around by an operator. At this time, when the wireless communication device is used in a stationary manner, the wireless tag circuit element is generally brought close to the wireless communication device to read information and the like, so that the necessary communication distance is relatively short. On the other hand, in the case of carrying with the user, the operator generally reads information with a wireless communication apparatus from a position somewhat away from the RFID circuit element, so that the communication distance needs to be relatively long. As described above, in order to perform optimal communication between the wireless communication device and the wireless tag circuit element, it is necessary to switch the communication characteristics on the wireless communication device side depending on the usage mode. No consideration was given to the switching of communication characteristics on the side.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication apparatus that can automatically perform wireless communication with optimal communication characteristics without requiring a special operation.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention has a wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with a communication object, and is used in a portable use mode in which the wireless communication means is used without being installed at a stationary location and at the stationary location. A wireless communication device having a fixed use mode, wherein a use detection means for detecting whether the portable use is being used or a fixed use is made; and when the portable use is detected by the use detection means, The mode switching means switches to the portable use mode and switches to the fixed use mode when the use detection means detects the fixed use.

  The first invention of the present application is configured so that the operator can carry it and use it even if it is installed at a stationary location. In addition, a portable use mode corresponding to a case where the mobile phone is used without being placed at a stationary location and a fixed use mode corresponding to a case where the mobile phone is used while being stationary are prepared in advance. And when an operator carries and uses this, this is detected by the use detection means, and thereby the mode switching means switches the mode to the portable use mode. Similarly, when the operator uses the device at a stationary location, this is detected by the usage detection unit, and the mode switching unit switches the mode to the fixed usage mode.

  As described above, it is configured to be usable regardless of whether it is carried or stationary, and it is automatically switched to a corresponding mode by detecting which usage is used. As a result, the operator can automatically perform wireless communication with optimum communication characteristics without requiring any special operation, regardless of the usage, thereby improving convenience. Can do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the use detecting means is an attachment / detachment detection means for detecting an attachment / detachment state to the attachment / detachment table as the stationary place, and the mode switching means is the attachment / detachment detection means. When the attachment to the attachment / detachment table is detected, the mode is switched to the fixed use mode, and when the attachment / detachment detection means does not detect the attachment to the attachment / detachment table, the mode is switched to the portable use mode.

  When the operator attaches the wireless communication device to the detachable base, this is detected by the detachment detecting means, and the mode switching means switches the mode to the fixed use mode. When the operator removes it from the attachment / detachment base for carrying and using, the attachment / detachment detection means does not detect the attachment, and the mode switching means switches the mode to the portable use mode. In this way, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimum one according to the attachment / detachment state to the attachment / detachment table.

  According to a third invention, in the first invention, the use detecting means is a connection detecting means for detecting an attachment / detachment state of a connection cable to another electronic device, and the mode switching means is the connection detecting means. When the attachment of the connection cable is detected, the mode is switched to the fixed use mode, and when the connection detection unit does not detect the attachment of the connection cable, the mode is switched to the portable use mode.

  When the operator connects the wireless communication apparatus and another electronic device with a connection cable, the attachment of the connection cable is detected by the connection detection means, whereby the mode switching means switches the mode to the fixed use mode. When the operator removes the connection cable for carrying and using, the connection detection unit does not detect the wearing, and the mode switching unit switches the mode to the portable use mode. In this way, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimum one according to the connection / disconnection state of the connection cable.

  In a fourth aspect based on the first aspect, the use detecting means is sensor means for detecting acceleration or speed applied to the apparatus, and the mode switching means has predetermined acceleration or speed detected by the sensor means. When it is less than the threshold value, the mode is switched to the fixed use mode, and when the acceleration or speed detected by the sensor means is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the mode is switched to the portable use mode. To do.

  When an operator carries and uses the wireless communication device with his / her hand, he / she moves by himself / herself, and the relatively large acceleration (= threshold value or more) generated at this time is detected by the sensor means. The switching means switches the mode to the portable use mode. When the operator stops using the mobile phone and uses it stationary, the acceleration or speed detected by the sensor means by the stationary becomes less than the threshold value, so that the mode switching means switches the mode to the fixed use mode. In this way, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimum one according to the detection result of the sensor means.

  According to a fifth invention, in any one of the second to fourth inventions, the wireless communication means includes at least antenna means including a first antenna corresponding to the portable use mode, and a high frequency connected to the antenna means. The mode switching means connects the high-frequency circuit to the first antenna in the portable use mode, and places the high-frequency circuit on the second antenna side corresponding to the fixed use mode in the fixed use mode. It is characterized by comprising connection switching means for switching connection so as to connect.

  In the fifth invention of the present application, a first antenna corresponding to the case where the operator carries and uses and a second antenna corresponding to the case where the operator uses the terminal are prepared in advance (the second antenna is a wireless communication device). It may be provided on the side or on the stationary location side). In the portable use mode, the high frequency circuit is connected to the first antenna, and wireless communication is performed with the communication target via the first antenna. In the fixed use mode, the high frequency circuit is connected to the second antenna side and the second antenna is connected. The wireless communication is performed with the communication target via. As a result, wireless communication can be automatically performed with optimum communication characteristics regardless of the usage method.

  In a sixth aspect based on any one of the second to fifth aspects, the mode switching means includes parameter switching means for switching communication parameters used in the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode. It is characterized by providing.

  In the sixth invention of the present application, communication parameter setting corresponding to the case where the operator carries and using the communication parameter setting and communication parameter setting corresponding to the case where the operator uses the terminal are prepared in advance. Then, depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode, the parameter switching means switches the parameter setting, and wireless communication is performed with the communication target. As a result, wireless communication can be automatically performed with optimum communication characteristics regardless of the usage method.

  In a seventh aspect based on the fifth or sixth aspect, the antenna means includes the second antenna, and the connection switching means connects the high-frequency circuit to the second antenna in the fixed use mode. It is characterized by that.

  In the fixed use mode, the high-frequency circuit is connected to the second antenna, wireless communication is performed with the communication target via the second antenna, and optimal communication characteristics can be obtained.

  An eighth invention according to the fifth or sixth invention, further comprising an antenna connection means connected to the second antenna provided at the stationary location during the fixed use, wherein the connection switching means In the fixed use mode, the high-frequency circuit is connected to the antenna connection means.

  In the fixed use mode, the high-frequency circuit is connected to the second antenna via the antenna connecting means, so that wireless communication is performed with the communication target via the second antenna, and optimal communication characteristics can be obtained.

  In a ninth aspect based on the sixth aspect, the parameter switching means switches the transmission output of the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode as the communication parameter.

  Depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode, the parameter switching means can increase or decrease the transmission output of the wireless communication means, so that optimum communication characteristics can be obtained. For example, when used for an article search in a warehouse, a target article can be searched with high accuracy by reducing the transmission output in the portable use mode and swinging or moving the apparatus as appropriate. When placed in a warehouse entrance or the like and used in the fixed use mode, it is better to increase the transmission output because there is a distance to the article. On the other hand, when used for article searches in the office, the wireless communication device is arranged so that the communication range can be covered on the desk, so that the transmission output is reduced in the fixed use mode and away from the desk in the portable use mode. It is better to increase the transmission output because there is a possibility of performing an article search.

  In a tenth aspect based on the sixth aspect, the parameter switching means switches the communication speed of the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode as the communication parameter.

  Depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode, the parameter switching means can increase or decrease the communication speed of the wireless communication means, so that optimum communication characteristics can be obtained. For example, in the fixed use mode, communication between a plurality of wireless communication devices can be performed by reducing the communication speed from the wireless communication device to the wireless tag circuit element to be different from the communication speed from the wireless tag circuit device to the wireless communication device. The occurrence of interference can be reduced.

  In an eleventh aspect based on the sixth aspect, the parameter switching means switches the transfer method used by the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode as the communication parameter.

  Depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode, the parameter switching means changes the transfer method of the wireless communication means, so that optimum communication characteristics can be obtained. For example, in the fixed use mode, since it is connected to another external electronic device such as a personal computer, the acquired information may be output to the external electronic device without being stored in a memory or the like in the wireless communication device. On the other hand, in the portable use mode, the acquired information may be stored once in a memory or the like in the wireless communication device.

  In a twelfth aspect according to any one of the fifth to eleventh aspects, the wireless communication unit includes a wireless communication circuit including an IC circuit unit that stores information and a tag-side antenna that transmits and receives information as the communication target. Wireless communication is performed with respect to the tag circuit element.

  As a result, the tag reader that communicates with the RFID circuit element can be configured to be usable regardless of whether it is carried or not installed. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically switch to a mode corresponding to the usage method and automatically acquire information from the RFID circuit element with optimum communication characteristics.

  In a thirteenth aspect based on the twelfth aspect, the wireless communication means wirelessly communicates with the wireless tag circuit element using a UHF band frequency.

  Thus, a tag reader that communicates with the RFID circuit element using a frequency in the UHF band over a relatively long communication distance can be configured to be usable regardless of whether the tag reader is carried or not installed. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically switch to a mode corresponding to the usage method and automatically acquire information from the RFID circuit element with optimum communication characteristics.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to automatically perform wireless communication with optimum communication characteristics without requiring a special operation.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the entire structure of a reader / writer 100 that is a wireless communication apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a portable use state, and FIG. 1B shows a fixed use state. In the present embodiment, a state in which the reader / writer 100 is not attached to the cradle 200 in this way is a portable use state in which the reader / writer 100 is attached to the cradle 200, and a state in which the reader / writer 100 is attached to the cradle 200. Suppose that it is in a fixed use state where it is used in a deferred location.

  The reader / writer 100 includes an RFID circuit element To (see FIG. 5 described later) including an IC circuit unit 150 that stores predetermined RFID tag information and a tag-side antenna 151 that is connected to the IC circuit unit and transmits / receives information. ) Is a portable (so-called handy type) wireless communication device that writes or reads information via wireless communication. As shown in FIG. 1A, the reader / writer 100 can be carried by an operator without being placed at a stationary position (hereinafter referred to as “portable use” as appropriate), or as shown in FIG. 1B. It is possible to use it by deferring it at a deferred place (hereinafter described as “fixed use” as appropriate). In the case where the reader / writer 100 is used in a stationary state, the reader / writer 100 is used while being mounted on a cradle 200 (detachable table) that can be charged.

  The reader / writer 100 includes an antenna unit 110 (antenna means) including a first antenna 111 corresponding to the portable use and a second antenna 112 (see FIG. 2) corresponding to the fixed use, and a lower portion of the antenna unit 110. The main body 120 is provided. The main body 120 is arranged on the upper side of the main body 120 in the drawing and displays various information, and is arranged on the lower side of the display 121 in the drawing and performs various operation inputs. Part 122.

  2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the reader / writer 100 and the cradle 200. FIG. 2 (a) shows a portable use state, and FIG. 2 (b) shows a fixed use state. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  The reader / writer 100 includes the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 112 that transmit and receive signals by wireless communication between the display unit 121 and the operation unit 122 and the RFID circuit element To that is a communication target. The IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To is accessed via the first or second antenna 111, 112 by wireless communication using a UHF band frequency, and a signal read from the RFID circuit element To is received. A high-frequency circuit 131 (wireless communication means) to be processed, an antenna switch circuit 132 (connection switching means) for switching the connection between the high-frequency circuit 131 and the first and second antennas 111 and 112, and the high-frequency circuit 131 and the antenna switch A control circuit 133 for controlling the entire reader / writer 100 including the circuit 132; And a control circuit 133 and the battery 134 supplies power to the display unit 121 or the like, and a connector 141 which the cradle 200 is connected to a connector 201 having at fixed use.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the reader / writer 100 is mounted on the cradle 200 during fixed use and the connector 141 of the reader / writer 100 and the connector 201 of the cradle 200 are connected, the power of the external power source 300 is connected to the connector 201. , 141 to the reader / writer 100. As a result, power from the external power supply 300 is supplied to the rechargeable battery 134 and charged, and power is also supplied to the control circuit 133, the display unit 121, and the like. On the other hand, when the reader / writer 100 is detached from the cradle 200 during portable use, power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 134 to the control circuit 133, the display unit 121, and the like as shown in FIG.

  The connector 141 has a function as an attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the reader / writer 100 with respect to the cradle 200. When the reader / writer 100 is attached to the cradle 200 during fixed use, the attachment state is changed. It detects and outputs a corresponding detection signal to the control circuit 133. On the other hand, when the reader / writer 100 is detached from the cradle 200 during portable use, the removal state is detected and a corresponding detection signal is output to the control circuit 133 (in other words, the attachment state is detected when the reader / writer 100 is detached). The output of the signal corresponding to the wearing state is stopped). With the functions as described above, it can be said that the connector 141 is a use detecting unit that detects whether the reader / writer 100 is portable or fixedly used. In the present specification, the removal of the reader / writer 100 from the cradle 200 will be referred to as detachment, and the removed state will be described as the detachment state.

  When the signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state is input from the connector 141, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode and outputs a control signal to the antenna switch circuit 132, as shown in FIG. Thus, the antenna switch circuit 132 is switched so that the high-frequency circuit 131 and the first antenna 111 are connected. On the other hand, when a signal corresponding to the mounting state is input from the connector 141, the mode shifts to the fixed use mode, and a control signal is output to the antenna switch circuit 132, as shown in FIG. The antenna switch circuit 132 is switched so that 131 and the second antenna 112 are connected.

  FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the high-frequency circuit 131. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In FIG. 3, a high-frequency circuit 131 accesses information in the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the first or second antenna 111 or 112, and the control circuit 133 of the reader / writer 100. Is for processing the signal read from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To to read information and generating various commands for accessing the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To.

  The high-frequency circuit 131 includes a transmitter 142 that transmits a signal to the RFID circuit element To through the first or second antennas 111 and 112, and the RFID circuit element that is received by the first or second antennas 111 and 112. The receiving unit 143 inputs a response wave from To and a transmission / reception separator 144.

  The transmission unit 142 is a block that generates a query wave for accessing the RFID tag information of the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To, and is controlled by the crystal oscillator 145A that generates a carrier wave of the query wave and the control circuit 133. A PLL (Phase Locked Loop) 145B and a VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator) 145C that generate a signal of a predetermined frequency, and the generated carrier wave are modulated based on a signal supplied from the control circuit 133 (in this example, A transmission multiplication circuit 146 (amplitude modulation based on the “TX_ASK” signal from the control circuit 133) (in the case of amplitude modulation, an amplification factor variable amplifier or the like may be used), and a modulated wave modulated by the transmission multiplication circuit 146 Variable (amplification whose amplification factor is determined by the “TX_PWR” signal from the control circuit 133 in this example) And a signal amplifier 147. The generated carrier wave uses, for example, a frequency in the UHF band (or may be a microwave band or a short wave band), and the output of the variable transmission amplifier 147 passes through the first antenna 111 via the transmission / reception separator 144. Alternatively, the signal is transmitted to the second antenna 112 and supplied to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To. The interrogation wave is not limited to the signal (modulation wave) modulated as described above, and may be only a carrier wave.

  The receiving unit 143 multiplies the response wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the first or second antenna 111, 112 and the generated carrier wave and demodulates the received first multiplication circuit 148; A first bandpass filter 149 for extracting only a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception first multiplication circuit 148, a reception first amplifier 162 for amplifying the output of the first bandpass filter 149, and the reception first The first limiter 163 that further amplifies the output of the amplifier 162 and converts it into a digital signal, the response wave from the RFID circuit element To received by the first or second antenna 111, 112, and the generated wave after the generation. A reception second multiplication circuit 172 that multiplies the carrier wave whose phase is delayed by 90 ° by the phase shifter 167, and a signal of a necessary band from the output of the reception second multiplication circuit 172. A second band-pass filter 173 for extracting the signal, a reception second amplifier 175 that amplifies the output of the second band-pass filter 173, and an output of the reception second amplifier 175 is further amplified and converted into a digital signal. A second limiter 176. The signal “RXS-I” output from the first limiter 163 and the signal “RXS-Q” output from the second limiter 176 are input to the control circuit 133 and processed.

  The outputs of the reception first amplifier 162 and the reception second amplifier 175 are also input to an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) circuit 178 as intensity detection means, and a signal “RSSI” indicating the intensity of these signals is a control circuit. 133 is input. In this way, the reader 1 demodulates the response wave from the RFID circuit element To by IQ orthogonal demodulation.

  The antenna switch circuit 132 is a switch circuit using a well-known high-frequency FET or diode, and connects one of the first and second antennas 111 and 112 to the transmission / reception separator 144 by a control signal from the control circuit 133. It is.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic structure of the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 112.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the first antenna 111 (wireless communication means) is a patch antenna which is a field emission antenna suitable for transmitting and receiving information to and from a communication object mainly in the middle to long distance. The first antenna 111 includes a dielectric 111A and an antenna element 111B, and feed for causing the first antenna 111 to have a polarization plane corresponding to communication with the RFID circuit element To on the antenna element 111B. Point P is provided. In this embodiment, for example, when an article search is performed in an office, there is a possibility that an article search away from a desk may be performed in portable use, and therefore a patch antenna having a relatively large communication distance is employed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4B, the second antenna 112 (wireless communication means) is a minute loop antenna that is a magnetic field radiation antenna suitable mainly for transmitting / receiving information to / from a short-distance communication target. The second antenna 112 is configured such that the circumference of the loop of the antenna element 112A is very short with respect to the wavelength. In the present embodiment, for example, when performing an article search in an office, it is sufficient that the communication range can be covered on the desk for fixed use. Therefore, a minute loop antenna having a relatively small communication distance is employed.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the RFID circuit element To. In addition, the arrow shown in a figure shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In FIG. 5, the RFID circuit element To includes the tag-side antenna 151 that transmits and receives signals without contact with the first or second antenna 111, 112 of the reader / writer 100 as described above, and the tag-side antenna 151. And the IC circuit portion 150 connected to the terminal.

  The IC circuit unit 150 includes a rectification unit 152 that rectifies the interrogation wave received by the tag-side antenna 151, a power supply unit 153 that accumulates the energy of the interrogation wave rectified by the rectification unit 152, and serves as a drive power source. A clock extraction unit 154 that extracts a clock signal from the interrogation wave received by the tag side antenna 151 and supplies the clock signal to the control unit 157, a memory unit 155 that can store a predetermined information signal, and a connection to the tag side antenna 151 The modulation / demodulation unit 156, and the control unit 157 for controlling the operation of the RFID circuit element To through the memory unit 155, the clock extraction unit 154, the modulation / demodulation unit 156, and the like.

  The modulation / demodulation unit 156 demodulates the communication signal received from the tag-side antenna 151 from the first or second antenna 111 or 112 of the reader / writer 100, and modulates the return signal from the control unit 157, It transmits as a response wave (signal containing tag ID) from the tag side antenna 151.

  The clock extraction unit 154 extracts a clock component from the received signal and extracts a clock to the control unit 157, and supplies a clock corresponding to the frequency of the clock component of the received signal to the control unit 157.

  The control unit 157 interprets the received signal demodulated by the modulation / demodulation unit 156, generates a return signal based on the information signal stored in the memory unit 155, and sends the return signal to the tag side by the modulation / demodulation unit 156. Basic control such as control returned from the antenna 151 is executed.

  As described above, the feature of the present embodiment is that when the reader / writer 100 writes or reads the RFID tag information to or from the RFID circuit element To, the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is portable use or fixed use. Accordingly, the antenna used for communication is controlled to be switched to the first antenna 111 or the second antenna 112. The details of the control will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 133 of the reader / writer 100. Here, a case where information is read from the RFID circuit element To by the reader / writer 100 will be described.

  First, in step S10, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not an operation input has been made by the operator via the operation unit 122 so as to start reading tag information with respect to the RFID circuit element To. This step is repeated until there is an operation input. If an input is made, the process proceeds to the next step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed usage based on the detection signal input from the connector 141. When a signal corresponding to the mounting state is input from the connector 141, it is regarded as fixed use, and the control circuit 133 shifts to the fixed use mode in the next step S20. Thereafter, in step S25, a control signal is output to the antenna switch circuit 132, and the antenna switch circuit 132 is switched so that the high frequency circuit 131 and the second antenna 112 corresponding to the fixed use mode are connected. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S40.

  On the other hand, if a signal corresponding to the detachable state is input from the connector 141 in step S15, it is regarded as portable use, and the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode in the next step S30. Thereafter, in step S35, a control signal is output to the antenna switch circuit 132, and the antenna switch circuit 132 is switched so that the high frequency circuit 131 and the first antenna 111 are connected. Then, the process proceeds to next Step S40.

  In step S40, a control signal is transmitted to the transmission unit 142 of the high-frequency circuit 131, a UHF band (eg, 915 MHz) carrier wave is generated from the crystal resonators 145A, PLL145B, and VCO 145C, and the generated carrier wave is generated based on the control signal. Modulation / amplification is performed, and a read signal is transmitted to the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To via the transmission / reception separator 144 and the first or second antenna 111 or 112.

  In the next step S45, it is determined whether or not a response signal corresponding to the read signal has been received from the IC circuit unit 150 of the RFID circuit element To that has transmitted the read signal. When the response signal is received and the reading of the tag information is completed, the determination is satisfied and this flow ends. On the other hand, if the response signal has not been received, the determination is not satisfied and the routine goes to Step S50.

  In step S50, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the reading signal is first transmitted to the RFID circuit element To in step S40. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination is not satisfied and the routine returns to step S40. On the other hand, if the predetermined time has passed without receiving the response signal, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to the next Step S55.

  In step S55, a control signal is output to the display unit 121 to display on the display unit 121 that the tag information has not been read successfully. Then, this flow ends.

  Although not particularly shown in the flowchart, even when information is written to the RFID circuit element To, similarly to the above, switching to the first antenna 111 in the portable use mode and switching to the second antenna 112 in the fixed use mode are performed. To control.

  The step S15, step S20, step S25, step S30, and step S35 executed by the control circuit 133 and the antenna switch circuit 132 are detected by the use detection means described in the claims. The mode switching unit is configured to switch to the portable use mode when the use is detected, and to switch to the fixed use mode when the fixed detection is detected by the use detection unit.

  Further, the flowchart is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  In the embodiment described above, the reader / writer 100 is configured so that it can be used by being carried by an operator, and can be used even when installed at a stationary location. In addition, a portable use mode corresponding to a case where the mobile phone is used without being placed at a stationary location and a fixed use mode corresponding to a case where the mobile phone is used while being stationary are prepared in advance. When the operator carries and uses this, this is detected by the connector 141, and the control circuit 133 thereby switches the mode of the reader / writer 100 to the portable use mode. Similarly, when the operator uses the device at a stationary position, this is detected by the connector 141, and thereby the control circuit 133 switches the mode to the fixed use mode.

  As described above, it is configured to be usable regardless of whether it is carried or stationary, and it is automatically switched to a corresponding mode by detecting which usage is used. As a result, the operator can automatically perform wireless communication with optimum communication characteristics without requiring any special operation, regardless of the usage, thereby improving convenience. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when the operator attaches the reader / writer 100 to the cradle 200, this is detected by the connector 141, whereby the control circuit 133 switches the mode of the reader / writer 100 to the fixed use mode. When the reader / writer 100 is removed from the cradle 200 for use by the operator, the connector 141 does not detect the attachment, and the control circuit 133 switches the mode to the portable use mode. In this way, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimal one depending on the state of attachment / detachment to / from the cradle 200.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a first antenna 111 corresponding to a case where the operator carries and uses and a second antenna 112 corresponding to a case where the operator uses the device are prepared in advance. In the portable use mode, the high frequency circuit 131 is connected to the first antenna 111 to perform wireless communication with the communication target via the first antenna 111. In the fixed use mode, the high frequency circuit 131 is connected to the second antenna 112 side. Thus, wireless communication with the communication target is performed via the second antenna 112. As a result, wireless communication can be automatically performed with optimum communication characteristics regardless of the usage method.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the high-frequency circuit 131 and the first or second antenna 111, 112 perform wireless communication with the RFID circuit element To using a frequency in the UHF band. As a result, the reader / writer 100 that communicates with the RFID circuit element To at a relatively long communication distance by using the frequency of the UHF band can be configured to be usable regardless of whether it is carried or not installed. Furthermore, it is possible to automatically switch to the corresponding mode depending on which usage is used, and to automatically acquire information from the RFID circuit element To with optimum communication characteristics.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) When the second antenna is provided in the cradle In the above embodiment, the reader / writer 100 includes the first antenna 111 and the second antenna 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the reader / writer 100 may have only the first antenna 111 corresponding to the portable use mode, and the second antenna 112 corresponding to the fixed use mode may be provided in the cradle 200.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fixed use state of the reader / writer in the present modification, and corresponds to FIG. 1B described above. Portions similar to those in FIG. 1B are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the cradle 200 </ b> A (detachable base) has a substantially flat second antenna 202 on its installation surface (not shown). Similar to the second antenna 112 in the above-described embodiment, the second antenna 202 is a minute loop antenna that is a magnetic field radiation antenna suitable mainly for transmitting / receiving information to / from a short-distance communication target. They are connected (see FIG. 8B described later).

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the reader / writer 100 and the cradle 200A in this modified example. FIG. 8A shows a portable use state and FIG. 8B shows a fixed use state. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part similar to above-mentioned FIG. 2 (a) and FIG.2 (b), and description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the arrows shown in the figure show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  In this modified example, when a signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state is input from the connector 141, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode and outputs a control signal to the antenna switch circuit 132 as in the above embodiment. Then, the antenna switch circuit 132 is switched so that the high-frequency circuit 131 and the first antenna 111 are connected as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when a signal corresponding to the mounting state is input from the connector 141, the mode shifts to the fixed use mode, and a control signal is output to the antenna switch circuit 132, so that the high frequency circuit as shown in FIG. The antenna switch circuit 132 is switched so that 131 and the connector 141 are connected. Accordingly, the high frequency circuit 131 is connected to the second antenna 202 on the cradle 200A side via the connectors 141 and 201.

  In the present modification, the connector 141 constitutes an antenna connection means that is connected to the second antenna provided at the stationary place during the fixed use described in the claims.

  In the present modification described above, since the high-frequency circuit 131 is connected to the second antenna 202 via the connector 141 in the fixed use mode, wireless communication with the communication target is performed via the second antenna 202. Optimal communication characteristics can be obtained. Further, by providing the second antenna 202 in the fixed use mode in the cradle 200 </ b> A instead of the reader / writer 100, the reader / writer 100 only needs to have the first antenna 111 in the portable use mode. That is, it is possible to optimize the communication characteristics while realizing simplification and downsizing of the processing circuit in the reader / writer 100.

(2) Variations of the first antenna and the second antenna In the above embodiment, the electric field radiation type patch antenna is used as the first antenna 111 and the magnetic field radiation type minute loop antenna is used as the second antenna 112. However, other antennas may be used.

  For example, a linearly polarized antenna may be used as the first antenna, and a circularly polarized antenna may be used as the second antenna. The linearly polarized antenna has a characteristic that a communication distance is large because radio waves are transmitted from the antenna to the RFID circuit element To so that the electric field direction is a straight line. On the other hand, the circularly polarized antenna has a characteristic that the radio wave is transmitted from the antenna to the RFID circuit element To while rotating in the direction of the electric field. Therefore, in this modification, a linearly polarized antenna is used as the first antenna 211 corresponding to the portable usage mode, and a circularly polarized antenna is used as the second antenna 212 corresponding to the fixed usage mode.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the second antenna 212 (wireless communication means). Note that the first antenna 211 (wireless communication means) of this modification has the same structure as the first antenna 111 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the second antenna 212 includes a dielectric 212A and an antenna element 212B, and feed points P1 and P2 are provided on the antenna element 212B. In this antenna, a circularly polarized radio wave is generated by feeding a feed point P1 that is vertically polarized and a feed point P2 that is horizontally polarized with a phase shift of 90 degrees.

  For example, an antenna having a high gain may be used as the first antenna corresponding to the portable use mode, and an antenna having a low gain may be used as the second antenna corresponding to the fixed use mode. This is because the high gain antenna has a characteristic that the communication distance is large and the low gain antenna has a characteristic that the communication distance is small. Furthermore, an antenna having no directivity may be used as the first antenna corresponding to the portable use mode, and an antenna having directivity (such as an array antenna) may be used as the second antenna corresponding to the fixed use mode. For example, considering the case where an article search is performed in an office as described above, it is considered that information reading from the RFID circuit element To is performed in a fixed direction in a fixed use mode in which the product is fixed on a desk. It is.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a field emission type patch antenna is used as the first antenna 111, and a magnetic field emission type micro loop antenna is used as the second antenna 112. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A magnetic field emission type micro loop antenna may be used as the second antenna 112, and a field emission type patch antenna may be used as the second antenna 112.

  In other words, considering the case where an article search is performed in the office as described above, for example, an article search far away from the desk may be performed for portable use, and the communication distance needs to be large. However, when the reader / writer 100 is used for article search in a warehouse, for example, in the portable use mode, the target is set by swinging or moving the device as appropriate. It is conceivable that the search is performed in the vicinity of the article (that is, the communication distance may be short), and the communication distance is large because there is a distance to the article when it is used in the fixed use mode by being placed at the warehouse entrance or the like. It is necessary.

  It should be noted that the correspondence relationship between the first antenna and the second antenna may be reversed in the above-described modified examples of vertical polarization and circular polarization, high / low gain, and directivity.

(3) Variation of use detection means In the above embodiment, the connector 141 detects the attachment / detachment state of the reader / writer 100 with respect to the cradle 200, and detects whether the reader / writer 100 is used for portable use or fixed use. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 may be detected by other means.

  For example, when the reader / writer 100 is connected to an external electronic device such as a PC terminal during fixed use, the connection state is detected. If the reader / writer 100 is not connected to the external electronic device, the reader / writer 100 is used for portable use or external electronic When connected to a device, it may be considered that a fixed use is made.

  10A and 10B are diagrams showing how the reader / writer 100 according to the present modification is used. FIG. 10A shows a portable use and FIG. 10B shows a fixed use. As shown in FIG. 10B, the reader / writer 100 is connected to the PC terminal 400 by a connection cable 9 (for example, a USB cable) during fixed use. In this modification, the state in which the reader / writer 100 is not connected to the PC terminal 400 by the connection cable 9 (for example, a USB cable) as described above is used in a portable state where the reader / writer 100 is not installed at a deferred location. A state in which the PC terminal 400 is connected to the connection cable 9 is a fixed use state in which the PC terminal 400 is used at a stationary location.

  The reader / writer 100 has a cable connector 161 into which the connection cable 9 is inserted. This cable connector 161 has a function as connection detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the connection cable 9 to / from the PC terminal 400, similarly to the connector 141 in the above-described embodiment. When attached to the cable connector 161 of the reader / writer 100, the attached state is detected and a corresponding detection signal is output to the control circuit 133. The connection state may be detected whenever the connection cable 9 is attached to the cable connector 161, or the PC terminal 400 may be connected to the connection cable 9 even if the connection cable 9 (one end thereof) is attached to the cable connector 161. The attachment state may not be detected until it is connected to (the other end of).

  On the other hand, when the connection cable 9 is detached and attached during portable use, the attachment / detachment state is detected and a corresponding detection signal is output to the control circuit 133 (in other words, the attachment state is not detected in the case of attachment / detachment, Stop outputting the signal corresponding to the condition). Even when the connection cable 9 (one end thereof) is not detached from the cable connector 161, the attachment / detachment state may be detected when the connection cable 9 (the other end) is detached from the PC terminal 400. .

  When the signal corresponding to the attachment / detachment state is input from the cable connector 161, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode and switches to the first antenna 111. On the other hand, when a signal corresponding to the mounting state is input from the cable connector 161, the mode shifts to the fixed use mode and switches to the second antenna 112.

  In the modification described above, when the operator connects the reader / writer 100 and the PC terminal 400 with the connection cable 9, the connection of the connection cable 9 is detected by the cable connector 161, and the control circuit 133 thereby fixes the mode. Switch to use mode. When the connection cable 9 is removed for the operator to carry and use, the cable connector 161 does not detect attachment, and the control circuit 133 switches the mode to the portable use mode. In this way, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimum one depending on the connection / disconnection state of the connection cable 9.

  In addition, for example, when the reader / writer 100 is a foldable type like a mobile phone, the folded state is detected, and if the reader / writer 100 is not folded, it is assumed that the portable device is used, and if the reader / writer 100 is folded, the reader / writer 100 is assumed to be fixed. You may do it.

  11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating the entire structure of the reader / writer 100A according to the present modification. FIG. 11A shows a portable use and FIG. 11B shows a fixed use. In this modification, the state in which the reader / writer 100A is opened as described above is used in a portable state where the reader / writer 100A is not installed at the stationary location, and the state in which the reader / writer 100A is folded is fixed at the stationary location. Let it be in use.

  In FIG. 11, a reader / writer 100A (wireless communication apparatus) rotatably connects the antenna unit 110, a main body unit 120 provided at a lower portion of the antenna unit 110, and the antenna unit 110 and the main body unit 120. The antenna unit 110 and the main body unit 120 can be folded by being relatively rotated around the connection unit 115. In addition, an angle sensor (not shown) that detects a relative angle between the antenna unit 110 and the main body unit 120 is provided inside the coupling unit 115.

  In addition, when the relative angle between the antenna unit 110 and the main body unit 120 is equal to or less than a predetermined angle during fixed use, the angle sensor considers that the reader / writer 100A is folded and outputs a corresponding detection signal to the control circuit 133. On the other hand, when the relative angle between the antenna unit 110 and the main body unit 120 exceeds a predetermined angle during portable use, the reader / writer 100 </ b> A is considered to be opened, and a corresponding detection signal is output to the control circuit 133. When a signal corresponding to the opened state is input from the angle sensor, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode and switches to the first antenna 111. On the other hand, when a signal corresponding to the folded state is input from the angle sensor, the mode shifts to the fixed use mode and switches to the second antenna 112.

  Also according to the modification described above, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimum one depending on the folded state of the reader / writer 100.

  In the above, the folded state of the reader / writer 100 is detected by the angle sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other detection means such as a contact sensor or an optical sensor may be used.

  Further, for example, the carrying state of the reader / writer 100 may be detected by speed, acceleration, vibration, or the like, and may be regarded as being portable when it is carried, or fixed when it is not carried. .

  In this modification, although not shown in particular, sensor means for detecting the speed, acceleration, or vibration applied to the apparatus by the reader / writer 100 is incorporated, and the control circuit 133 detects the speed and acceleration detected by the sensor means. If the vibration is less than a predetermined threshold value, the mode is changed to the fixed use mode and switched to the second antenna 112, and the speed, acceleration, or vibration detected by the sensor means is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value. In some cases, the mode is switched to the portable use mode and switched to the first antenna 111.

  According to this modification, when the operator carries and uses the reader / writer 100 and swings or moves himself / herself, the relatively large speed (= threshold value or more), acceleration, and vibration generated at this time are generated. This is detected by the sensor means, whereby the control circuit 133 switches the mode to the portable use mode. When the operator stops using the mobile phone and uses it in a stationary state, the speed, acceleration, and vibration detected by the sensor means by the stationary state become less than the threshold value, and the control circuit 133 switches the mode to the fixed use mode. In this way, the communication characteristics can be automatically switched to the optimum one according to the detection result of the sensor means.

(4) When switching communication parameters In the above embodiment, the antenna used for wireless communication is switched according to the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 (attached / detached state with respect to the cradle 200). The communication parameters may be switched.

  For example, the transmission output may be switched as a communication parameter. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 133 of the reader / writer 100 in this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. The same steps as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, steps different from those of FIG. 6 described above are step S25A and step S35A. That is, in step S15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed use. If it is fixed use, the control circuit 133 shifts to the fixed use mode in the next step S20. Thereafter, in step S25A, the control circuit 133 outputs a control signal (“TX_PWR” signal) to the variable transmission amplifier 147 of the transmission unit 142 of the high-frequency circuit 131 so that the transmission output becomes small. Thereby, the amplification factor of the modulated wave in the variable transmission amplifier 147 decreases, and the transmission output from the reader / writer 100 to the RFID circuit element To decreases.

  On the other hand, in step S15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed use. If the reader / writer 100 is portable use, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode in the next step S30. Thereafter, in step S35A, the control circuit 133 outputs a control signal (“TX_PWR” signal) to the variable transmission amplifier 147 of the transmission unit 142 of the high-frequency circuit 131 so that the transmission output is increased. As a result, the amplification factor of the modulated wave in the variable transmission amplifier 147 increases, and the transmission output from the reader / writer 100 to the RFID circuit element To increases.

  Other procedures are the same as those in FIG.

  Note that step S25A and step S35A constitute parameter switching means for switching communication parameters used in the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode described in the claims.

  In this modification, the control circuit 133 can increase or decrease the transmission output of the reader / writer 100 depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode, so that optimum communication characteristics can be obtained. For example, when the reader / writer 100 is used for an article search in an office, the wireless communication device is arranged so that the communication range can be covered on the desk, thereby reducing the transmission output in the fixed use mode and the portable use mode. Then, since there is a possibility of searching for articles away from the desk, it is better to increase the transmission output. Therefore, optimal communication characteristics can be obtained by performing the above control.

  Note that the above flowchart does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above flow, and procedures may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. For example, contrary to the above, the transmission output may be increased in step S25A and the transmission output may be decreased in step S35A. As a result, for example, when the reader / writer 100 is used for article search in a warehouse, in the portable use mode, the target output is searched with high precision by swinging or moving the device as appropriate by reducing the transmission output. Can do. In addition, when placed in a warehouse entrance or the like and used in the fixed use mode, there is a distance to the article, so it is better to increase the transmission output as described above.

  Further, for example, the communication speed may be switched as a communication parameter. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 133 of the reader / writer 100 in the present modification, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. The same steps as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, steps different from those in FIG. 6 are steps S25B and S35B. That is, in step S15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed use. If it is fixed use, the control circuit 133 shifts to the fixed use mode in the next step S20. Thereafter, in step S25B, the control circuit 133 outputs a control signal (“TX_ASK” signal) to the transmission multiplication circuit 146 of the transmission unit 142 of the high-frequency circuit 131 so as to reduce the communication speed.

  On the other hand, in step S15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed use. If the reader / writer 100 is portable use, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode in the next step S30. Thereafter, in step S35B, the control circuit 133 outputs a control signal (“TX_ASK” signal) to the transmission multiplication circuit 146 of the transmission unit 142 of the high-frequency circuit 131 so that the communication speed is increased.

  Other procedures are the same as those in FIG.

  In addition, the said step S25B and step S35B comprise the parameter switching means which switches the communication parameter used with a radio | wireless communication means by the portable use mode and fixed use mode as described in each claim. Further, the flowchart is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention.

  In the modified example described above, optimal communication characteristics can be obtained by the control circuit 133 increasing or decreasing the communication speed of the reader / writer 100 depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode. In particular, in the fixed use mode, the communication speed from the reader / writer 100 to the RFID circuit element To is slowed to be different from the communication speed from the RFID circuit element To to the reader / writer 100, whereby communication between a plurality of reader / writers is performed. The occurrence of interference can be reduced.

  Further, for example, the transfer method of RFID tag information acquired from the RFID circuit element To as a communication parameter may be switched. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 133 of the reader / writer 100 in this modification, and corresponds to FIG. 6 described above. The same steps as those in FIG. In the present modification, similarly to FIG. 10 described above, the reader / writer 100 is used by being connected to the PC terminal 400 (or other external electronic device) when used in a fixed manner, and connected to the PC terminal 400 when used portable. Shall be used after being released.

  14 is different from FIG. 6 described above in that steps S25C and S35C and steps S60 to S70 are added. That is, in step S15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed use. If it is fixed use, the control circuit 133 shifts to the fixed use mode in the next step S20. Thereafter, in step S25C, the control circuit 133 sets FLAG indicating the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 to 0 indicating that the reader / writer 100 is used.

  On the other hand, in step S15, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed use. If the reader / writer 100 is portable use, the control circuit 133 shifts to the portable use mode in the next step S30. Thereafter, in step S35C, the control circuit 133 sets FLAG representing the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 to 1 representing portable use.

  Thereafter, when the control circuit 133 transmits a read signal to the RFID circuit element To in step S40 and receives a response signal corresponding to the read signal, the determination in step S45 is satisfied and the process proceeds to the next step S60. .

  In step S60, the control circuit 133 determines whether or not FLAG is zero. If FLAG is 0, the process proceeds to the next step S65, and the reader / writer 100 is fixedly used (that is, connected to the PC terminal 400), so that the control circuit 133 reads from the RFID circuit element To. The wireless tag information acquired in this way is transmitted to the PC terminal 400 without being stored in the apparatus. Then, this flow ends.

  On the other hand, if FLAG is 1 in step S60, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S70, and the reader / writer 100 is used for portable use (that is, not connected to the PC terminal 400). 133 stores the RFID tag information read and acquired from the RFID circuit element To in an appropriate storage means (such as a memory, not shown) in the apparatus. Then, this flow ends.

  In addition, the said step S65 and step S70 comprise the parameter switching means which switches the communication parameter used with a radio | wireless communication means by the portable use mode and fixed use mode as described in each claim.

  Further, the flowchart is not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. For example, the process may directly proceed to step S40 after step S10, and the determination in step S15 may be performed after reading of the RFID tag information is completed in step S45. In this case, in the case of the fixed use mode, the procedure of step S65 may be performed after step S20, and in the case of the portable use mode, the procedure of step S70 may be performed after step S30. That is, the procedure of step S25C, step S35C, and step S60 becomes unnecessary.

  In the modified example described above, optimal communication characteristics can be obtained by changing the transfer method of the reader / writer 100 by the control circuit 133 depending on whether it is the portable use mode or the fixed use mode. That is, in the fixed use mode, since it is connected to the PC terminal 400, the acquired information may be output to the PC terminal 400 without being stored in the memory or the like in the reader / writer 100. On the other hand, in the portable use mode, the acquired information may be stored once in a memory or the like in the reader / writer 100. In this way, it is possible to speed up information processing in the fixed use mode.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination. For example, when the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is portable use, it is switched to the first antenna 111 and the transmission output is increased, and when the usage mode of the reader / writer 100 is fixed usage, it is switched to the second antenna 112. The communication parameter switching described in the modified example (4) and the antenna switching described in the above embodiment, modified examples (1), (2), etc. are performed in combination so as to reduce the transmission output. It may be.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

It is a figure showing the whole structure in the portable use state and fixed use state of the reader / writer which is a radio | wireless communication apparatus of this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure in the portable use state and fixed use state of a reader / writer and a cradle. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed structure of a high frequency circuit. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of a 1st antenna and a 2nd antenna. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of a wireless tag circuit element. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure which the control circuit of a reader / writer performs. It is the figure which showed the fixed use state of the reader / writer in the modification in which the 2nd antenna was provided in the cradle. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional composition in the portable use state and fixed use state of a reader / writer and a cradle in a modification in which the second antenna is provided in the cradle. It is a figure showing the schematic structure of the 2nd antenna in the modification which uses a linearly polarized antenna as a 1st antenna and a circularly polarized antenna as a 2nd antenna. It is a figure showing at the time of portable use of a reader / writer, and the time of fixed use in the case of using a reader / writer connected to terminals, such as PC, at the time of fixed use. It is a figure showing the whole structure at the time of the portable use of a reader / writer, and the fixed use in case a reader / writer is a folding type like a mobile phone. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure which the control circuit of a reader / writer performs in the modification which switches transmission output as a communication parameter. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure which the control circuit of a reader / writer performs in the modification which switches communication speed as a communication parameter. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by a control circuit of a reader / writer in a modification in which a transfer method is switched as a communication parameter.

Explanation of symbols

9 Connection cable 100 Reader / writer (wireless communication device)
100A reader / writer (wireless communication device)
110 Antenna section (antenna means)
111 First antenna (wireless communication means)
112 Second antenna (wireless communication means)
132 Antenna switch circuit (mode switching means, connection switching means)
131 High-frequency circuit (wireless communication means)
141 connector (use detection means, attachment / detachment detection means, antenna connection means)
150 IC circuit section 151 Tag side antenna 161 Cable connector (connection detection means)
200 Cradle
200A Cradle (detachable stand)
202 Second antenna (wireless communication means)
211 First antenna (wireless communication means)
212 Second antenna (wireless communication means)
To RFID tag circuit element

Claims (13)

A wireless communication device having a wireless communication means for performing wireless communication with a communication target, and having a portable use mode that is used without being placed at a deferred location and a fixed use mode that is used while being deferred at the deferred location,
A usage detection means for detecting whether the mobile phone is being used or fixedly used;
A mode switching unit that switches to the portable use mode when the use detection unit detects the portable use, and switches to the fixed use mode when the use detection unit detects the fixed use; A wireless communication apparatus. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein
The use detecting means includes
An attachment / detachment detection means for detecting an attachment / detachment state to the attachment / detachment table as the stationary part,
The mode switching means is
When the attachment / detachment detecting means detects attachment to the attachment / detachment table, the mode is switched to the fixed use mode, and when the attachment / detachment detection means does not detect attachment to the attachment / detachment table, the portable use mode is switched. A wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein
The use detecting means includes
It is a connection detection means for detecting the attachment / detachment state of the connection cable to other electronic devices,
The mode switching means is
When the connection detection unit detects the attachment of the connection cable, the mode is switched to the fixed use mode, and when the connection detection unit does not detect the connection cable installation, the mode is switched to the portable use mode. Wireless communication device. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein
The use detecting means includes
Sensor means for detecting acceleration or velocity applied to the device;
The mode switching means is
When the acceleration or speed detected by the sensor means is less than a predetermined threshold value, the mode is switched to the fixed use mode, and the acceleration or speed detected by the sensor means is greater than or equal to the threshold value. And switching to the portable use mode. The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The wireless communication means includes
At least antenna means including a first antenna corresponding to the portable use mode, and a high-frequency circuit connected to the antenna means,
The mode switching means is
Connection switching means for switching the connection so that the high-frequency circuit is connected to the first antenna in the portable use mode, and the high-frequency circuit is connected to the second antenna side corresponding to the fixed use mode in the fixed use mode. A wireless communication apparatus comprising: The wireless communication device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The mode switching means is
A wireless communication apparatus comprising: a parameter switching unit that switches communication parameters used by the wireless communication unit between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
The antenna means includes the second antenna,
The connection switching means
In the fixed use mode, the high-frequency circuit is connected to the second antenna. The wireless communication apparatus according to claim 5 or 6,
Having the antenna connection means connected to the second antenna provided at the stationary position during the fixed use;
The connection switching means
In the fixed use mode, the high frequency circuit is connected to the antenna connection means. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein
The parameter switching means includes
A wireless communication apparatus, wherein the transmission output of the wireless communication means is switched between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode as the communication parameter. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein
The parameter switching means includes
A wireless communication apparatus that switches the communication speed of the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode as the communication parameter. The wireless communication device according to claim 6, wherein
The parameter switching means includes
A wireless communication apparatus that switches a transfer method used by the wireless communication means between the portable use mode and the fixed use mode as the communication parameter. The wireless communication apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 11,
The wireless communication means includes
A wireless communication apparatus that performs wireless communication with a wireless tag circuit element including an IC circuit unit that stores information and a tag-side antenna that transmits and receives information as the communication target. The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein
The wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with the RFID circuit element using a UHF band frequency.

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