JP2009169933A - Automatic antenna designing apparatus, automatic designing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic antenna designing apparatus for easily designing a tag antenna without requiring special knowledge and experience, and to provide an automatic designing method and program. <P>SOLUTION: A design model of a tag antenna of an IC tag is read out from a model storage unit on the basis of a designer's instruction. A design input unit 12 displays the read out template model so as to be changeable by a designer designating length. When the designer uses the design input unit 12 to change the length that regulates a shape, the shape of the model is changed on the basis of the changed length. A consistency calculating unit 13 and a communication distance characteristic calculating unit 14 calculate and display a communication distance and consistency for a generated model. An antenna optimum value calculating unit 15 optimizes an antenna, and also calculates a plurality of lengths regulating the shape of the antenna by optimization processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic antenna design apparatus, an automatic design method, and a program that can easily design an efficient tag antenna.

Currently, the use of IC tags using wireless communication such as RFID tags and non-contact type IC cards has become active. Various proposals have also been made for the design of the tag antenna.
In Patent Document 1, as a method for designing a tag antenna that can stably obtain power and secure a sufficient communication distance, it resonates with a radio wave transmitted from a reader / writer (RW) that reads and writes to an IC tag. In addition, it is disclosed that the antenna is designed so that impedance matching can be achieved with the input portion of the tag LSI to which the tag antenna is connected.

Patent Document 2 discloses a design method for shortening the tag antenna design time by calculating the electrical characteristics of the tag antenna after determining the frequency.
Further, Patent Document 3 discloses the shape of an IC tag antenna that improves omnidirectional omnidirectional characteristics and facilitates impedance matching.

Patent Document 4 discloses a method for facilitating antenna design by dividing an antenna analysis region into fine elements, defining variables for each element, and performing optimization by changing the variables. Has been.
JP-A-2005-45339 JP 2005-33500 A JP-A-2005-244283 JP 2003-332814 A

  The use of an electromagnetic field simulator is effective for designing a tag antenna for an IC tag. However, since a general-purpose electromagnetic field simulator is highly functional, the operation method is complicated and takes time to learn.

  Moreover, the impedance of the tag LSI of the IC tag is generally several tens of Ω-j several hundreds Ω (j is an imaginary unit), and it is necessary to design a tag antenna that matches such impedance.

However, general-purpose electromagnetic field simulators often do not have a function for evaluating the consistency with a complex-type reference impedance.
When modeling a tag antenna, the designer inputs the dimensions of the antenna on the modeling screen, but the task is to move the dots that determine the shape of the tag antenna on the screen. The more complicated the shape is, the more complicated the input work takes.

  Furthermore, the important performance in IC tag design is the communication distance, band and radiation pattern, but a general-purpose electromagnetic field simulator cannot calculate the communication distance and display it. Therefore, the designer needs to calculate the communication distance separately based on the gain and impedance calculated values obtained by the general-purpose electromagnetic field simulator.

  In order to design an IC tag that can obtain optimum performance, it is necessary to search for a case where an optimum value can be obtained while changing a parameter that affects the performance of the IC tag. For this purpose, it is necessary to repeat the processes such as model creation, matching, and communication distance evaluation described above many times, and there is a problem that much time and labor are required.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic antenna design apparatus, an automatic design method, and a program that can easily design an efficient tag antenna without having special knowledge and experience. .

  An antenna automatic design apparatus according to the present invention is an antenna automatic design apparatus for designing a tag antenna of an IC tag. In order to solve the above problems, an antenna automatic design apparatus according to the present invention includes a model storage unit and a design input unit. Is provided.

The model storage unit stores a model serving as a model of the tag antenna to be designed.
The design input unit reads a model from the model storage unit based on an instruction from the designer, displays the read model on the screen, and displays an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of the model with length information. To do.

  The antenna automatic design method according to the present invention is an antenna automatic design method for designing a tag antenna of an IC tag, displays the shape of the tag antenna to be designed on the screen, and changes the shape of the tag antenna to be designed. An input screen for inputting length information is displayed on the screen.

  The program according to the present invention is a program executed by the information processing apparatus, displays the shape of the tag antenna of the IC tag to be designed on the screen, changes the shape of the tag antenna to be designed, The information processing apparatus is caused to display an input screen to be input on the screen.

According to the disclosed system, a model of a tag antenna design model is prepared, and a designer can create a model only by inputting information on the length of a portion to be changed. Therefore, compared to the conventional case where a model is created while inputting coordinates on the input screen, the efficiency of model creation can be greatly improved.

In addition, since the function of calculating the matching between the tag antenna and the tag LSI by designating the tag LSI conditions, the matching state can be quantitatively evaluated.
Furthermore, since it has a function to calculate the communication distance by specifying the characteristics of the tag LSI and reader / writer (RW), the communication distance can be set using a separate spreadsheet software based on the analysis result of the electromagnetic field simulator as before. Compared to the case of calculation, the design efficiency can be greatly improved.

It is also possible to design a tag antenna optimized under given conditions and display the result.
Furthermore, a plurality of lengths that define the shape of the antenna can be obtained by an optimization process.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the following description, the case of designing a tag antenna for an RFID tag in the UHF band and 2.45 GHz band by the antenna automatic design apparatus of this embodiment is taken as an example, but the design is performed by the antenna automatic design apparatus of this embodiment. The tag antenna that can be used is not limited to the above, and tag antennas of RFID tags other than RFID such as RFID tags of other frequency bands and non-contact type IC cards can also be designed. .

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an antenna automatic design apparatus according to the present embodiment.
In the figure, the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 includes a model storage unit 11, a design input unit 12, a matching state calculation unit 13, a communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14, and an antenna optimization calculation unit 15.

  The model storage unit 11 stores a model serving as a model for designing a tag antenna by the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 and a model for which design has been completed. This model information includes dot coordinate information that defines the shape of the tag antenna and electrical characteristics of the tag antenna. Since the model information stored in the model storage unit 11 is basically the same as the tag antenna data designed by the conventional design device, the design data by other design devices is copied to the model storage unit 11. Thus, it can be used as a template for designing a tag antenna by the automatic antenna design apparatus 11 of the present embodiment.

  The design input unit 12 displays the model read from the model storage unit 11 on the display unit at the time of designing the tag antenna, and allows the designer to input and change information on the length of the part that defines the shape. The designer designates and inputs the length of the portion to be changed from the shape of the tag antenna displayed by the design input unit 12. Based on this input length, the design input unit 12 changes the coordinates of the dots that define the shape of the tag antenna to generate a new shape model. Also, the designed tag antenna is analyzed to determine the tag antenna impedance (admittance), gain, and the like.

  In this way, by allowing the designer to input the change in the shape of the tag antenna as length information, the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can easily change the shape of the tag antenna for designing.

The matching state calculation unit 13 calculates the impedance of the tag LSI and the matching state of the tag antenna designed by the design input unit 12 and displays it on the screen.
The communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 calculates and displays the frequency characteristic and directivity distribution of the communication distance of the tag antenna designed by the design input unit 12.

The antenna optimization calculation unit 15 calculates and displays an optimization value of the length of a specific part when designing the tag antenna by the design input unit 12.
FIG. 2 is an example of a display screen when the design input unit 12 reads a model from the model storage unit 11 and displays it on the screen.

This figure shows an example in which a model for designing a tag antenna in which a parallel inductance pattern is added to a folded dipole antenna is read out.
As shown in FIG. 2, the shape of the displayed tag antenna is defined by information of eight lengths L1, s1 to s3, and w1 to w4. And if a designer inputs desired length from the input box 21 of each length, the shape of the tag antenna currently displayed on the display screen 20 will change in connection with it.

  In the conventional tag antenna design, the shape is designed by changing the three-dimensional coordinates of a plurality of dots defining the shape on the electromagnetic field simulator screen. For this reason, even a skilled person took several minutes to several tens of minutes to change the size of a specific portion. On the other hand, in the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the shape of the tag antenna can be changed in an instant just by inputting the length to be changed from the input box 21.

  From the design screen of FIG. 2, the setting can be changed by inputting the electric characteristics of the tag antenna from the input box 22. The size, electrical characteristics, and target frequency of the substance (dielectric) to which the tag antenna is attached can be set by inputting from the input boxes 23 and 24.

  The tag antenna is always pasted and used for some management target. Since the antenna characteristics change by pasting, it is necessary to model even the pasting target. Therefore, when evaluating the characteristics of the tag antenna alone before pasting, it is not necessary to model the pasting dielectric.

  The designer inputs necessary dimensions and material characteristics into the input boxes 21, 22, 23, 24, operates the pointing device, and presses the model creation button 25 at the lower right of the screen on the screen, thereby A model that can be analyzed by the simulator is created. After all the inputs are completed and the design is completed, the designer presses a save button (not shown), and the designed tag antenna data is stored in the model storage unit 11. Needless to say, the stored model may be used as a template in another design.

A model example of the tag antenna created by the above-described processing is shown in FIG.
If this is to be modeled from 0 with a conventional general-purpose electromagnetic field simulator, it is necessary to input all three-dimensional coordinates of each dot defining the shape, and even an expert needs about 10 minutes. However, if the image recording apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is used, a model as shown in FIG. 3 can be created in a few seconds to a few tens of seconds even for a non-expert, so that significant efficiency can be achieved.

  As for the general operation principle of the tag antenna in which a parallel inductance pattern is added to the folded dipole antenna of FIG. 3, the details of the operation of the tag antenna similar to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2006-295879 are shown.

  In FIG. 1, a tag antenna with a parallel inductance pattern added to a folded dipole antenna is used as a model. However, the model storage unit 11 has other configurations, for example, a type in which a parallel inductance pattern is added to a dipole whose overall length is less than half wavelength. Needless to say, other types of tag antenna models such as the patch antenna type are prepared, and the tag antenna model design may be performed using them.

  Further, an “analysis” button may be provided on the screen of FIG. 1 and the characteristics of the model created may be simulated by pressing this button on the screen. Furthermore, a “result display” button may be provided to display the analysis result. These buttons may be combined into a “model creation / analysis” button.

The analysis method is not particularly limited as long as it is a conventionally used electromagnetic field analysis method. For example, the moment method, the FDTD method, the finite element method, etc. can be considered.
Next, processing by the matching state calculation unit 13 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a display input screen by the matching state calculation unit 13.
In the display input screen of the figure, there is an input box 31 for inputting the impedance and measurement frequency of the tag LSI on the left side. When the designer inputs the input impedance of the tag LSI for calculating the consistency from this input box, the design input The consistency with the tag antenna designed by the unit 11 is calculated, and the calculation result is displayed on the display portion 32 as a rectangular graph. In the figure, the S parameter S11 (input reflection coefficient) is represented as a rectangular graph with the vertical axis representing the frequency and the horizontal axis representing the frequency, and S11 is minimized around the measurement frequency of 953 MHz. I understand that.

Here, the conditions under which the tag LSI and the tag antenna can be matched will be described.
The impedance Z _{c of the} tag LSI is expressed as Z _c = R _c + jX _c (1)
And The subscript c in the formula (1) is an acronym for chip. J represents an imaginary unit.

Wherein the impedance of a typical tag LSI Rc is R _c = number 10Ω in (1), X _c = - Number 100Ω ··· (2)
It becomes.

Ordinary antennas are often designed to match 50Ω, 75Ω or 300Ω. However, in the case of a tag LSI, not only the real component does not correspond to any of the above, but also the imaginary component X _c is not zero.

Further, the impedance Z _{a of the} tag antenna is set to Z _a = R _a + jX _a (3)
It is defined as The subscript a in Equation (3) is the initial letter of the antenna.

In order for the impedance of the tag antenna to match the impedance of the tag LSI, the following relationship needs to be established.
Z _c = Z _a ^* (4)
In the formula (4), Z _a ^* means a complex conjugate of Z _a .

Therefore, the matching condition between the tag antenna and the tag LSI is expressed as follows.
R _c = R _a , X _c = −X _a (5)
Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the equivalent circuit of the tag LSI is a capacitor (Ccp) connected in parallel to the resistor (Rcp) and the resistor (Rcp), and the tag antenna is parallel to the resistor (Rap) and the resistor (Rap). It can be thought of as an inductor (Lap) connected to. In FIG. 5, the subscript p represents a parallel circuit.

  In order to represent the parallel circuit as shown in FIG. 5, the notation by admittance is easier to understand than the notation by impedance, and therefore equations (1) and (3) are converted into admittance. First, the admittance of a tag LSI is as follows.

In this equation (6), G _cp represents the parallel conductance of the tag LSI, and B _cp represents the parallel susceptance of the tag LSI.

Since the admittance of the tag capacitance component C is represented by j · C (· represents the angular frequency), Rcp and Ccp are as follows from the equation (5) and FIG.

Next, let us consider tag antenna admittance.
Since the admittance of the inductance component L is represented by 1 / (j · L), Rap and Lap are represented as follows in the same manner as in the case of the tag LSI.

Here, Gap represents the parallel conductance of the tag antenna, and Bap represents the parallel susceptance of the tag antenna.

When the matching condition of Equation (5) is applied to Equation (7) and Equation (8),
It becomes.
If equation (9) holds here, Bap = −Bcp and Ya = Yc ^* .

  That is, it can be seen that matching can be achieved by making the parallel resistance component Rap of the tag antenna equal to the parallel resistance component Rcp of the tag LSI and simultaneously canceling the parallel capacitance component Ccp of the tag LSI with the parallel inductance component Lap of the tag antenna.

Since the imaginary part of the admittance of the tag LSI is Ccp · ω, it changes with the frequency. That is, the impedance differs for each frequency.
A normal electromagnetic field simulator cannot display the matching state of such a complex reference impedance. The designer can plot the impedance on the Smith chart to know the approximate matching state, but for quantitative evaluation, it is easier to understand by displaying it in a rectangular graph as shown in FIG. 4 than in the Smith chart. .

  In the antenna automatic design apparatus according to this embodiment, the calculation result by the matching state calculation unit 13 may be displayed not only by the graph display as shown in FIG. 4 but also by the Smith chart as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, the calculation results from the frequency 800 MHz to 1200 MHz are shown and displayed on the Smith chart.
Next, processing by the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the frequency characteristics of the communication distance of the designed tag antenna model displayed by the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14.
In FIG. 7, when the designer inputs the frequency range calculated from the input box 41, the electrical characteristics of the tag LSI, the output power and gain of the reader / writer (RW), the communication distance at each frequency of the designed tag antenna is calculated. On the display screen 42, a graph with the vertical axis indicating the expected communication distance and the horizontal axis indicating the frequency is displayed. In the case of FIG. 7, it can be seen that the communication distance is the longest in the vicinity of the frequency of 870 MHz.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the directivity distribution of the communication distance at a specific frequency displayed by the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14.
When the designer specifies the electrical characteristics of the tag LSI and the characteristics of the reader / writer (RW) from the input box 51 on the left side of the screen, a diagram showing the directivity distribution of the model of the tag antenna designed on the display screen 52 is displayed on the screen. The

A conventional general-purpose electromagnetic field simulator does not have a function like the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14, so the designer uses the calculation result obtained by the electromagnetic field main simulator to separately process the communication distance using a spreadsheet tool or the like. It was necessary to calculate. On the other hand, the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can directly calculate the communication distance and the directivity with respect to the tag antenna designed by the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 and is required for the communication distance evaluation. Time can be greatly reduced.
The communication distance is calculated based on the following formula (10).

In equation (10),
λ: wavelength, Pt, Gt: output power of reader / writer (RW), antenna gain, q: matching coefficient, Pth: minimum operating power of tag LSI, Ga: gain of tag antenna

  In the equation (10), the matching coefficient q between the tag LSI and the tag antenna is represented by the following equation (11).

In equation (11),
Rc, Xc: Tag LSI resistance, reactance Zc = Rc + jXc
Ra, Xa: Tag antenna resistance, reactance Za = Ra + jXa

  Note that the communication distance obtained by the equations (10) and (11) is when the polarization characteristic of the antenna of the reader / writer (RW) is linearly polarized. When the antenna of the reader / writer (RW) radiates circularly polarized waves, the communication distance can be obtained by dividing the calculation result obtained by Equation (1) by √2.

Next, the operation process of the antenna optimization unit 15 will be described.
FIG. 9 shows an example of an antenna for which optimization design is performed by the antenna optimization unit 15.
The antenna shown in the figure is obtained by adding an inductance pattern in parallel to a dipole antenna having a length of half a wavelength or less. The tag antenna that can be optimized by the antenna optimizing unit 15 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 8 as long as a parallel inductance pattern is added to a dipole having a total length of half a wavelength or less. A detailed operation principle of the tag antenna of FIG. 9 is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-295879.

  In general, the antenna performance (communication distance) is determined by the occupied volume of the antenna, but usually the dimensions of the tag antenna (L1 and L2 in FIG. 9) are often determined by the size of the object to be attached. In many cases, the designer cannot decide freely. Further, since the communication distance of the tag antenna is determined by the matching state with the tag LSI, if the impedance of the tag antenna is changed by changing the length S2 in FIG. 9, the communication distance also changes.

FIG. 10 shows a simulation result in a case where the length L1 is fixed and S2 is changed.
(A) L1 is 73 mm, Yc is 1-j4 mS, (b) L1 is 73 mm, Yc is 2-j4 mS, (c) L1 is 150 mm, Yc is 1-j4 mS, (D) is a value obtained by taking the value of S2 on the horizontal axis when L1 is 150 mm and Yc is 2-j4 mS, and multiplying the matching coefficient by the tag antenna gain on the vertical axis (q × Ga: proportional to communication distance), matching This represents three variables: coefficient (q) and the difference between the susceptance of the tag antenna and the susceptance of the tag LSI (| Bc + Ba |).
Note that the fixed parameter values in FIG. 10 are L2 = 7 mm, W1 = 2 mm, W2 = 1 mm, S3 = 5 mm, and S4 = 5 mm.

  In the case of L1 = 73 mm shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the value of S2 at which q and q × Ga are maximum and the value of S2 at which | Bc + Ba | are minimum are the same as 25 mm. Therefore, in these cases, the value of S2 may be obtained when Bc + Ba is minimum, that is, Bc = −Ba.

  On the other hand, when L = 150 mm shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the value of S2 at which q and q × Ga are maximized is equal, but the value of S2 at which q is maximized as shown in FIG. 10C. It can be seen that the value of S2 that minimizes and | Bc + Ba | may not be the same.

From the above, it can be seen that if the outer dimension of the tag is determined, the communication distance of the tag antenna can be optimized by changing only the value of S2.
In order to obtain the optimum value of S2, if the length of the tag antenna is shorter than the wavelength of the received radio wave, an algorithm for obtaining S2 in which the sum of the susceptance of the tag antenna and the susceptance of the tag LSI becomes 0 can be used. . On the other hand, when the length of the antenna is close to the half wavelength of the received radio wave (in this case, approximately 15.7 cm), an algorithm for obtaining the value of S2 that maximizes the matching coefficient q (S11 is minimized) can be used.

  Note that an algorithm that minimizes q may be used when the total length is close to half a wavelength or when it is sufficiently short compared to a half wavelength, but in general, the latter is more suitable for the minimum value search algorithm and nonlinear linear equation solving algorithm. The solution can be reached in a short time. Therefore, when the length of the tag antenna is shorter than the wavelength of the received radio wave, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 uses an algorithm for obtaining S2 in which the sum of the susceptance of the tag antenna and the susceptance of the tag LSI becomes 0, or More efficient by using different algorithms according to the total length of the antenna so that the algorithm for obtaining the value of S2 that minimizes the matching coefficient is used when the antenna length is close to the half wavelength of the received radio wave. Optimization design becomes possible.

As an algorithm for the one-dimensional minimum value problem, the golden section method, the Brent method, or the like can be considered. In order to further improve the accuracy, the following method using a cubic function can be used.
Step 1
S2 = P1, S2 = P2, S2 = P3, and S2 = P4 are taken with the horizontal axis as S2 and the vertical axis as S11 (true value), and a cubic function passing through these four points is approximated. P1 is the minimum value of S2 that can be set, and P2 is the maximum value. P2 and P3 are represented by the following equations.
P2 = P1 + 1/3 (P4-P1)
P3 = P1 + 2/3 (P4-P1)
FIG. 11 shows an example in which the magnitude of S2 is changed from P1 to P4.
Step 2
A point (minimum point) P5 at which the derivative is 0 is obtained by the cubic function approximated in step 1.
Step 3
P5 is replaced with the point having the largest value of S11 among P1 to P4.
Step 4
With the new pair of P1 to P4 replaced in step 4, the processing in steps 1 to 3 is repeated until convergence. If the minimum point of 3 hours converges to a certain value, that value is taken as the value of S2.

The minimum and maximum values (P1, P4) of S2 are determined from the minimum pattern interval that can be manufactured.
As a linear equation solving algorithm, a well-known Newton method or a bisection method may be used.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an optimization process execution screen by the antenna optimization calculation unit 15.
After designating dimensions other than S2 of the tag antenna model on the model creation screen as shown in FIG. 12A, input the characteristic value of the tag LSI on the screen as shown in FIG. When the button 61 is pressed on the screen, the algorithm shown in FIG. 11 is automatically executed and the optimum value of S2 is calculated.

  In FIG. 12B, the value of S2 converges to 25.2 mm when the above steps 1 to 3 are repeated 10 times, and 25.2 mm is obtained as the value of S2 optimized under the input conditions. ing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 when designing a tag antenna by the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.
When the process is started in the figure, first in step S1, the design input unit 12 causes the designer to select a model from the type of tag antenna to be designed. Then, the design input unit 12 reads the corresponding template from the model storage unit 11, and displays a screen for inputting the shape of the tag antenna as shown in FIG. 9 in step S2. If a tag antenna is designed from scratch without using a template, the model serving as the template is not read out.

  Then, from the screen displayed in step S2 to the designer as step S3, the dimensions (length) that define the shape of the tag antenna to be designed, and the electrical characteristics of the dielectric to which the tag antenna or tag antenna is attached, such as conductivity, etc. To input.

In step S4, the target frequency of the tag antenna to be designed is input from the display screen displayed in step S2.
In step S5, if a new model is generated from the input contents of steps S3 and S4 and stored (step S6, Y), the newly created model is stored in the model storage unit 11 in step S8. If it is not saved, step S8 is skipped.

In step S8, the designer is asked to select whether or not to analyze the tag antenna model created by the above processing.
As a result, if the designer selects to perform analysis and inputs to the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 to notify that (step S8, Y), then in step S9, the content of the analysis is Let the designer choose between analysis of communication distance and analysis of consistency.

  In step S9, if the designer selects the analysis of communication and inputs to the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 to notify that (step S9, communication distance), the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 The characteristic calculation unit 14 is activated, and the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 displays a display screen as shown in FIG. 7 as step S10 and allows the designer to input characteristic information such as the impedance of the tag LSI from the input box 41. In step S11, reader / writer (RW) characteristic information is input.

  In step S12, the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 calculates a communication distance from the characteristics of the tag antenna model and the characteristics of the tag LSI and the reader / writer input in steps S10 and S11. In step S13, the communication distance-frequency characteristic is displayed on the screen. Display above.

  When the communication distance-frequency characteristic is displayed on the screen, the designer selects switching of the display contents and inputs to the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 to notify that (step S14, Y ) In step S15, the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 switches the display content from the communication distance-frequency characteristic as shown in FIG. 7 to the display showing the directivity distribution of the communication distance as shown in FIG. Transfer. If an input notifying that the designer does not switch the display is made to the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 (N in step S14), step S15 is skipped, and the process directly proceeds to step S23.

  If the designer selects the analysis of consistency in step S9 (step S9, consistency), the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 activates the matching state calculation unit 13, and the matching state calculation unit 13 performs step S16. 4 is displayed, and the designer is allowed to input characteristic information such as the impedance of the tag LSI from the input box 31.

In step S17, the matching state calculation unit 13 calculates S11 from the characteristics of the tag antenna model and the characteristics of the tag LSI input in step S16, and displays the matching characteristics as shown in FIG. 4 or 6 as step S18. To do.

  If the designer wants to change the conditions of the tag LSI and perform the analysis again by looking at the consistency characteristic, and inputs the notification to that effect to the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 (step S19). Y), the process returns to step S16, and if the designer wishes to change the tag antenna condition or end the process, the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the designer does not perform analysis processing and an input for notifying the determination is made to the automatic antenna design apparatus 1, the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 tags the designer in step S20. Select whether to perform antenna optimization processing.

  In step S8, if the designer selects to perform the optimization process and inputs to the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 to notify that (step S20, Y), the antenna automatic design is performed as step S21. The apparatus 1 activates the antenna optimization calculation unit 15, and the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 12 in step S 21 to allow the designer to input the characteristics of the tag LSI.

And the antenna optimization calculation part 15 performs the optimization process mentioned later as step S22, and moves a process to step S23.
Further, in step S20, if the designer selects not to perform the tag antenna optimization process and inputs to the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 to notify that (step S20, N), the process To step S23.

  In step S23, the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 causes the designer to select whether or not to end the tag antenna design process, and the designer selects not to end the process, and inputs the antenna automatic design to notify the selection. If it is performed on the device 1 (step S23, N), the process returns to step S1. In step S23, if the designer selects to end the process and inputs to the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 to notify that (step S23, Y), the process ends.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the optimization processing in step S22 of FIG.
In the process of FIG. 10, first, in step 31, the matching state calculation unit 13 determines whether αL1 <λ with respect to the length L1 of the tag antenna. Here, α is an arbitrary constant, and is obtained by conducting a preliminary analysis in advance. Λ is the wavelength of the received radio wave received by the tag antenna.

The value of α depends on the effective dielectric constant ε _r of the dielectric to which the tag antenna is attached.
In other words, the constant a is a value that does not depend on the effective dielectric constant ε _r .

  In step S31, if the matching state calculation unit 13 determines that αL1 <λ is not satisfied (step S31, N), as step S32, the one-dimensional minimum problem is solved and the size of S2 that minimizes S11 is obtained.

In step S31, if the matching state calculation unit 13 determines that αL1 <λ (step S31, Y), in step S33, the sum of the susceptance of the antenna and the susceptance of the tag LSI is minimized, in other words, | Bc + Ba Find the magnitude of S2 at which | is minimum, that is, Bc−Ba = 0.

In step S32 or S33, when the optimized size of S2 is obtained, in step S34, the matching state calculation unit 13 selects whether to save this result.
Then, when the designer selects save and gives an operation instruction to notify the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 (Y in step S34), the matching state calculation unit 13 selects the tag optimized in step S35. The shape, gain, consistency, and communication distance of the antenna are stored, and the process is passed to step S23. If the designer does not select save in step S34, the process is directly transferred to step S23.

Next, a case where a plurality of values that determine the shape of the tag antenna are optimized will be described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a tag antenna that can be automatically designed by optimizing a plurality of values.

FIG. 15 shows a tag antenna having a shape in which a loop inductance is connected in parallel to a folded dipole antenna.
The optimization method described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 shows an example in which the optimum length S2 is obtained by changing the length S2 and placing importance on the communication distance.

  In the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the optimization process can be performed on a plurality of values, instead of optimizing only one length value that determines the shape of the antenna.

Further, in this optimization process, it is possible to select optimization with emphasis on the frequency band in addition to optimization with emphasis on the communication distance.
The tag antenna that can be designed by optimization of one variable shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 is limited to a non-resonant tag antenna, and the length S2 that determines the susceptance of the tag antenna is calculated by the antenna optimization calculation unit 15. It was decided from.

  On the other hand, when optimizing a plurality of values, as values, a length L1 that determines the resonance characteristics of the tag antenna in FIG. 14, a length S2 that determines the susceptance of the tag antenna, and a length that determines the conductance of the tag antenna. W1 and length W3 are determined by an optimization process by the antenna optimization calculation unit 15. Note that the conductance of the tag antenna is determined by the ratio of the lengths W1 and W3. Therefore, either one may be fixed and the other value may be optimized. In the optimization process by the antenna optimization calculation unit 15, since there are a plurality of variables, the best performance value is calculated using an optimization method such as a variable metric method (quasi-Newton method).

The value that determines the shape of the other tag antenna is determined from the manufacturing conditions based on the electrical characteristics.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a tag antenna that can be automatically designed by optimizing a plurality of values.

  The tag antenna of the second example also has a shape in which a loop inductance is connected in parallel to a folded dipole antenna. However, the tag antenna has a shape in which the folded dipole portion is bent in order to shorten the overall length. The operation principle of this tag antenna is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-548596.

When designing this tag antenna, values obtained by optimizing the lengths L1, S2, W1, and W2 by the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 in the figure are obtained. The resonance frequency is adjusted by adjusting the length L1. Further, the matching (conductance) between the tag antenna and the tag LSI is adjusted by adjusting the length S2. Further, the consistency (susceptance) between the tag antenna and the tag LSI is adjusted by adjusting the length W1 and / or W3. Optimization is performed by changing these simultaneously as parameters.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a tag antenna that can be automatically designed by optimizing a plurality of values.
The tag antenna of the third example is a tag antenna that operates even when attached to metal or liquid. In this tag antenna, a feeding pattern and a patch as shown in the above figure are installed on one surface of a dielectric, and a GND pattern is installed on the other surface. The operation principle of such a tag antenna is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-67342.

In designing the tag antenna as shown in FIG. 17, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 obtains optimization values of the lengths S6, S1 or S2, and S4.
The resonant frequency of the antenna can be adjusted by adjusting the length S6. When the electrical length of L1 + 2 × S6 is equal to a half wavelength, the antenna resonates and the highest gain is obtained.

  The matching between the antenna and the tag LSI is adjusted by adjusting the length S2 or S1. That is, by adjusting the length S2, the susceptance stance of the antenna changes. As S2 increases, the area of the loop pattern increases, and the inductance L increases. Since the susceptance is inversely proportional to the inductance, the susceptance is reduced. In addition, the electrical length of the length S1 is set shorter than the half wavelength. As the length S1 increases, the admittance rotates clockwise on the Smith chart and the antenna susceptance decreases. The consistency between the tag antenna and the tag LSI can be adjusted by adjusting the value of the length S2 so that the susceptance of the tag LSI and the tag antenna susceptance are equal and the signs are reversed.

  Further, the matching between the antenna and the tag LSI is adjusted by adjusting the length S4. That is, by adjusting the length S4, the conductance of the antenna changes. S4 may be adjusted so that the conductance of the tag LSI and the conductance of the tag antenna are equal.

  Further, as described above, when designing by optimizing a plurality of length values that determine the shape of the tag antenna, in the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the designer performs distance-oriented optimization, Alternatively, it is possible to select whether to perform band-oriented optimization.

  When designing with emphasis on distance, as shown in FIG. 18A, the locus of the impedance (or admittance) of the tag antenna when the frequency is changed rotates once on the Smith chart. At this time, it may be designed so that the apex of the rotating portion matches the specified frequency and matches the complex conjugate of the impedance of the tag LSI.

  Further, when designing with a focus on the band, the locus of the antenna impedance (or admittance) rotates once on the Smith chart as shown in FIG. At this time, the apex of the rotating portion matches the specified frequency and is slightly inside the Smith chart than the complex conjugate of the tag LSI impedance. In other words, the part of the impedance locus that rotates once surrounds the complex conjugate of the tag LSI impedance.

Comparing the Smith chart in the case of emphasizing the distance in FIG. 18A and the Smith chart in the case of emphasizing the band in FIG. 18B, the impedance of the tag antenna at the operating frequency in the case of emphasizing the band in FIG. It can be seen that, on the Smith chart, it is inside as compared to the case of emphasizing distance in FIG. This means that the conductance of the antenna is large (the parallel resistance is small).

  Therefore, when designing with an emphasis on bandwidth, the susceptance of the tag antenna is the same as that of the tag LSI and the sign is reversed, and the antenna conductance is made larger than the conductance of the tag LSI. How much conductance is increased depends on the required bandwidth.

FIG. 19A is an enlarged view of the Smith chart in the case of emphasizing the distance in FIG. 18A, and FIG. 19B is an enlarged view of the Smith chart in the case of emphasizing the band in FIG.
If the gain of the antenna is constant, the communication distance becomes maximum when the impedance of the antenna and the impedance of the tag LSI are perfectly matched.

  If the admittances of the antenna and the tag LSI are Ya = Ga + jBa and Yc = Gc + jBc, respectively, Ga = Gc and Ba = −Bc when the tag antenna and the tag LSI are perfectly matched.

  Here, when Ga (tag antenna susceptance) = Bc (tag LSI susceptance) and Ga (tag antenna conductance) are made larger than Gc (tag LSI conductance), FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the admittance at the frequency used is placed inside the circle formed by the locus of the tag antenna when the frequency is changed on the admittance chart.

  On the other hand, the length of the locus in FIG. 19B is almost the same as that in FIG. 19A, and the admittance at each frequency is far from the target admittance at the peak position, but generally approaches the target admittance. . In addition, the frequency used is far from the target admittance. Since Ga is the reciprocal of resistance Ra (radiation resistance + loss resistance) (Ga = 1 / Ra), a large Ga means that resistance Ra is small. In other words, if the resistance Ra (= 1 / Ga) is made slightly smaller (experience value of about x0.8) than the optimum matching, the overall matching becomes better, so the band becomes wider.

  Therefore, when optimization is performed with emphasis on bandwidth, each tag antenna to be optimized is made slightly smaller in resistance Ra (= 1 / Ga) than in the case of emphasis on distance (experience value is about x0.8). Find the length value of.

FIG. 20A is an example of a screen for inputting a frequency range to be analyzed when a plurality of lengths defining a tag antenna are optimized.
In the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when a model of a tag antenna to be designed is selected by pressing the model selection button 71, the model of the tag antenna is displayed on the display screen 72 together with each length. From this state, before obtaining the length optimized by the antenna optimization calculation unit 15, the designer inputs the maximum frequency / minimum frequency and frequency step input column 73 to be analyzed. Then, the frequency to be analyzed is displayed from the frequency output column 74.

In the figure, the frequency range to be analyzed is set to be optimized by changing the range from 800 MHz to 1000 MHz in increments of 10 MHz.
In such a state, when the confirmation button 75 on the screen is pressed, the screen is switched to FIG.

FIG. 20B is an example of a setting screen when a plurality of lengths that define the tag antenna are optimized with emphasis on distance.
When the screen shown in the figure is displayed, the designer first inputs the characteristics of the tag LSI such as the LSI impedance and the characteristics of the RW antenna such as the output power of the RW antenna from the input field 81. Then, after selecting either one with a button for selecting distance / bandwidth on the screen, the calculation execution button 83 is pressed.

  Then, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 uses a plurality of length values that define the shape of the tag antenna using a multivariable optimization method such as a variable metric method or a conjugate gradient method. Ask for. This optimization process is displayed to the designer as a graph on the display screen 84 and as a numerical value in the table 85.

If the designer determines that each length value obtained in the optimization process is appropriate, the designer completes the design process by pressing the confirm button 86 on the screen.
Next, the case where the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 simultaneously obtains values optimized for a plurality of parameters using a variable metric method or the like will be described.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 when a plurality of lengths defining a tag antenna are simultaneously optimized and obtained.
Note that the processing in the figure shows only the operations of the design input unit 11 and the antenna optimization calculation unit 15, and the operations of the other matching state calculation unit 13 and communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 are in the flow of FIG. Since this is basically the same as that described in, description is omitted here.

When the process is started in FIG. 21, first, in step S <b> 41, the design input unit 11 reads a model serving as a tag antenna model to be designed from the model storage unit 11.
Next, in step S42, it is determined whether the setting input by the designer from the screen of FIG. As a result, if priority is given to bandwidth (step S42, N), the value of 1 / Gc is slightly smaller than the actual value for the conductance Gc of the tag LSI in step S43 (here, x0.8). And). In step S42, if the setting is distance-oriented (step S42, Y), the process of step S43 is skipped and the value of 1 / Gc is left as it is.

  Next, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 uses the value of Gc set in steps S42 and S43 to calculate the length value that forms the shape of the tag antenna using an optimization method for multivariables such as a variable metric method. In step S44, the size, gain, consistency, and communication distance that define the shape of the tag antenna obtained as a result of optimization are stored in the memory, and the process ends.

Thus, in the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain values by performing optimization processing on a plurality of values.
Next, a case will be described in which a plurality of values defining the shape of the tag antenna are obtained by combining all or part of the bisection method, Newton method, blend method, etc. for performing optimization processing on one parameter.

  In this case, the length that determines the resonance of the tag antenna, the length that determines the susceptance of the tag antenna, and the length that determines the conductance of the tag antenna are sequentially optimized one by one using the bisection method, Newton method, blend method, etc. Decide by processing.

  22 and 23 are flowcharts showing the operation process of the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 when the optimization process for one parameter is performed a plurality of times to obtain a plurality of values defining the shape of the tag antenna.

22 and 23 also show only operations by the design input unit 11 and the antenna optimization calculation unit 15, and other operations of the matching state calculation unit 13 and the communication distance characteristic calculation unit 14 are shown in FIG. Since it is basically the same as that described in the flow of, the description is omitted here.

In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that a tag antenna having a shape in which a loop inductance is connected in parallel to the folded dipole antenna of FIG. 15 is designed.
When the processing is started in the figure, first in step S51, the design input unit 11 reads data from the model storage unit 11 and models only the folded dipole portion.

Next, as step S52, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 calculates the antenna impedance using the value given to the length L1 as the initial value of the model.
Then, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 determines whether or not the imaginary part of the obtained antenna impedance is 0 in step S53, and if not (step S53, N), the dichotomy or Newton method is used in step S54. Alternatively, the value of the length L1 is obtained so that the imaginary part of the impedance becomes 0 by the golden section method. If the value of the antenna impedance is 0 in step S53 (step S53, Y), the value of the length L1 has no problem with the value, so step S54 is skipped.

  The value of the length L1 is a provisional value, and is provisionally set in order to accelerate the convergence of the loop processing in steps S58 to S67 described later. The final value of the length L1 is the value of steps S58 to S67. Determined within the loop process.

Since the value of the length L1 of the folded dipole part has been determined, the design input unit 11 next adds an inductance part to the model as step S55.
Next, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 checks whether the setting value by the designer is a setting for optimization with emphasis on communication distance or a setting for optimization with emphasis on bandwidth, and in the case of emphasis on communication distance (step S56, Y ), The tag LSI conductance value Gc is left as it is, and when the band is important, the tag LSI conductance value 1 / Gc is a constant less than 1 / Gc = 1 (experimental value is 0.8) × 1. / Gc.

Next, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 initializes a counter N of the number of repetitions to zero. In step S58, the counter N is incremented by 1.
Next, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 calculates the admittance of the tag antenna as step S59. As a result, if the relationship between the susceptance Ba of the tag antenna and the susceptance Bc of the tag LSI is Ba = −Bc (step S60, Y), the length S2 of the inductance portion of the tag antenna is left as it is, and the susceptance of the antenna is maintained. If the relationship between Ba and the susceptance Bc of the tag LSI is not Ba = −Bc (step S60, N), as step S61, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 uses the bisection method, the Newton method, or the golden division method to obtain Ba = Adjust the value of the length S2 to be -Bc.

  In step S62, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 determines whether the relationship between the antenna conductance value Ga and the tag LSI conductance value Gc is Ga = Gc, and if Ga = Gc as a result. In this case (step S62, Y), the length W1 and / or W3 of the inductance portion of the tag antenna is set as it is, and if Ga = Gc is not satisfied (step S62, N), the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 is set as step S63. Adjusts the values of the lengths W1 and / or W3 so that Ga = Gc using the bisection method, Newton method or golden section method.

Next, in step S64, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 uses the lengths L1 and S2 obtained by optimization up to step S63 and the values of the initial values and the impedance of the tag antenna and V
SWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) or S11 (input reflection coefficient) is calculated.

  And the antenna optimization calculation part 15 determines whether VSWR or S11 calculated | required by step S64 is below a regulation value as step S65. As a result, if the specified value is not exceeded (step S65, Y), the process proceeds to step S68.

  If VSWR or S11 is less than or equal to the specified value in step S65 (N in step S65), the value of length L1 is optimized so that S11 is minimized in step S66.

  Then, the antenna optimization calculation unit 15 checks the value of the counter N as step S67. If the value of the counter N has not reached the specified value N0, the process returns to step S58, and thereafter the value of the counter N becomes the specified value N0. The process of steps S58 to S67 is repeated until it reaches. If the value of the counter N reaches the specified value N0 (step S67, Y), the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, the lengths L1, S2, and W1 or / and W3 optimized in the processing up to step S67 are stored in the memory together with the values of other lengths, and then the present processing is terminated.
Thus, in the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of length values defining the shape of the tag antenna can be obtained by the optimization process.

FIG. 24 is a system environment diagram when the antenna automatic design apparatus 1 of this embodiment is realized by an information processing apparatus such as a PC.
24 includes a CPU 91, a main storage device 92 such as a RAM, an auxiliary storage device 93 such as a hard disk, an input / output device (I / O) 94 such as a display, a keyboard, and a pointing device, and a network connection device such as a modem. 95 and a medium reading device 96 that reads out the storage contents from a portable storage medium such as a disk or a magnetic tape, and these are connected to each other by a bus 98. Each component exchanges data with each other via the bus 98.

  The CPU 91 executes a program on the auxiliary storage device 93 or a program installed via the network connection device 95 by using the main storage device 92 as a work memory, so that the components of the automatic antenna design apparatus 1 shown in FIG. The function is realized, and the processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 21, 22, and 23 is realized.

  In the information processing apparatus of FIG. 14, a program and data stored in a storage medium 98 such as a magnetic tape, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, and an MO are read out by a medium reading device 97, and this is implemented through an external interface 96. Load the mobile terminal in the form. Then, by executing or using this program or data on a portable terminal, the above-described flowchart processing is realized in software.

  In the information processing apparatus of FIG. 14, application software may be exchanged using a storage medium 97 such as a CD-ROM. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the automatic antenna design apparatus, the automatic antenna design method, and the program, and when used by a computer, the computer-readable storage for causing the computer to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention. It can also be configured as a medium 97.

In this case, the “storage medium” includes a medium drive device 107 such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (or may be an MO, DVD, memory card, removable hard disk, etc.) as shown in FIG. Removable portable storage medium 106, storage unit (database or the like) 102 in an external apparatus (server or the like) transmitted via the network line 103, or memory (RAM or hard disk) in the main body 104 of the information processing apparatus 101 Etc.) 105 etc. are included. A program stored in the portable storage medium 106 or the storage unit (database or the like) 102 is loaded into a memory (RAM or hard disk or the like) 105 in the main body 104 and executed.

  In addition to the above-described examples of storage media such as CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, blue colors such as Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark) and AOD (Advanced Optical Disc) are also included. The present invention may also be carried out using various types of large-capacity storage media that will be developed in the future, such as next-generation optical disk storage media using lasers, HD-DVD9 using red lasers, Blue Laser DVDs using blue-violet lasers, and holograms. Is possible.

Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional notes are disclosed.
(Appendix 1)
An automatic antenna design apparatus for designing a tag antenna of an IC tag, a model storage unit for storing a model of a tag antenna to be designed,
A design input unit that reads a model from the model storage unit based on an instruction from the designer, displays the read model on the screen, and displays an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of the model by length information; ,
An antenna automatic design apparatus comprising:
(Appendix 2)
An automatic antenna design method for designing a tag antenna for an IC tag, displaying the shape of the tag antenna to be designed on the screen,
An antenna automatic design method, comprising: displaying an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of a tag antenna to be designed by length information.
(Appendix 3)
A program executed by an information processing apparatus,
Display the shape of the tag antenna of the IC tag to be designed on the screen,
A program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute an on-screen display of an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of a tag antenna to be designed by length information.
(Appendix 4)
Supplementary note 3 that causes the information processing apparatus to change the screen display of the shape of the tag antenna to be designed based on the length information input from the input screen that is input with the length information The program described in.
(Appendix 5)
The program according to appendix 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to read a model from the model storage unit based on a designer's instruction and display the read model on a screen.
(Appendix 6)
Input the impedance of the tag LSI of the IC tag,
Using the impedance of the tag LIS, calculate the matching characteristics of the tag antenna to be designed and the tag LIS,
The program according to appendix 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to display the matching characteristic.
(Appendix 7)
Input the impedance of the tag LSI of the IC tag,
Input the characteristics of the reader / writer for reading and writing to the IC tag,
Using the impedance of the tag LIS and the characteristics of the reader / writer, obtain the communication distance of the tag antenna that performs the design,
The program according to attachment 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to display the communication distance.
(Appendix 8)
The program according to appendix 7, wherein the display of the communication distance is a display of a communication distance-frequency characteristic.
(Appendix 9)
The program according to appendix 7, wherein the display of the communication distance is a display of a directivity distribution of the communication distance.
(Appendix 10)
The program according to appendix 3, which causes the information processing apparatus to change the antenna optimization method according to the length L1 of the tag antenna that performs the design with respect to the wavelength λ of all received waves.
(Appendix 11)
The first algorithm is used when the relationship between the wavelength λ and the length L1 of the tag antenna with respect to the constant α is αL1 <λ, and the antenna is optimized using the second algorithm when αL1 <λ is not satisfied. The program according to appendix 9, which causes the information processing apparatus to execute. (Appendix 12)
The program according to appendix 3, which causes the information processing apparatus to display an input screen for inputting characteristics of an object to which the tag antenna to be designed is pasted.
(Appendix 13)
The program according to appendix 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to display an input screen for inputting an electrical characteristic of the tag antenna to be designed.
(Appendix 14)
The information processing apparatus is configured to determine the characteristics of the tag antenna to be designed in consideration of the shape and electrical characteristics of the tag antenna to be designed and the characteristics of an object to which the tag antenna to be designed is attached. The program according to attachment 3.
(Appendix 15)
The program according to appendix 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to obtain a plurality of length values defining the shape of the tag antenna by an optimization process.
(Appendix 16)
The plurality of length values include at least one of a length value that determines resonance of the tag antenna, a length value that determines susceptance of the tag antenna, and a length value that determines conductance of the tag antenna. The program according to appendix 15, characterized in that the program is included.
(Appendix 17)
The program according to appendix 15, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to select whether to perform the optimization process with a focus on distance or with a focus on a band based on an instruction from a designer.
(Appendix 18)
(Supplementary note 17) In the case where the optimization process is performed with emphasis on the bandwidth, the information processing apparatus is caused to set the conductance of the tag LSI to be less than 1 times that when the distance is emphasized. The program described.
(Appendix 19)
The program according to appendix 15, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to execute the optimization process using a variable metric method.
(Appendix 20)
The program according to appendix 15, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to perform the optimization process using at least one of a bisection method, a Newton method, and a blend method.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the antenna automatic design apparatus in this embodiment. It is an example of a display screen by a design input part. It is a figure which shows the model example of the tag antenna produced. It is a display input screen by a consistency state calculation part. It is a figure which shows the equivalent circuit of tag LSI. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed and displayed on the Smith chart the calculation result by the matching state calculation part. It is a figure which shows the frequency characteristic of the communication distance of the model of the designed tag antenna displayed by the communication distance characteristic calculation part. It is a figure which shows the directivity distribution of the communication distance in a specific frequency displayed by the communication distance characteristic calculation part. It is a figure which shows the example of the antenna which performs an optimization design by the antenna optimization part. It is a figure which shows the simulation result at the time of fixing length L1 and changing S2. It is an example in which the size of S2 of the tag antenna is changed from P1 to P4. It is a figure which shows the example of an optimization process implementation screen by an antenna optimization calculation part. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the antenna automatic design apparatus at the time of designing a tag antenna. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement of an optimization process. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the tag antenna which can optimize a some value and can be designed automatically. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the tag antenna which can optimize a some value and can be designed automatically. It is a figure which shows the 3rd example of the tag antenna which can optimize a several value and can be designed automatically. (A) is a diagram showing the impedance locus of the tag antenna on the Smith chart when the frequency is changed when designing with emphasis on distance, and (b) with emphasis on bandwidth. It is the figure which expanded FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an optimization process implementation screen by the antenna optimization calculation part in the case of optimizing the some length which prescribes | regulates a tag antenna. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement process of the antenna automatic design apparatus in the case of optimizing and calculating | requiring several length which prescribes | regulates a tag antenna simultaneously. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows the operation | movement process in the case of calculating | requiring the several value which prescribes | regulates the shape of a tag antenna by performing the optimization process with respect to one parameter in multiple times. It is a flowchart (the 2) which shows the operation | movement process in the case of calculating | requiring the several value which prescribes | regulates the shape of a tag antenna by performing the optimization process with respect to one parameter in multiple times. It is a system environment figure of an antenna automatic design device. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage medium.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Antenna automatic design apparatus 11 Model memory | storage part 12 Design input part 13 Matching state calculation part 14 Communication distance characteristic calculation part 15 Antenna optimization calculation part 20, 32, 42, 52 Display screen 21, 31, 41, 51 Input box 91 CPU
92 Main storage device 93 Auxiliary storage device 94 Input / output device 95 Network connection device 96 Medium reading device 97 Storage medium 98 Bus

Claims (10)

An automatic antenna design apparatus for designing a tag antenna of an IC tag, a model storage unit for storing a model of a tag antenna to be designed,
A design input unit that reads out a model from the model storage unit based on an instruction of a designer, displays the read model on the screen, and displays an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of the model by length information; ,
An antenna automatic design apparatus comprising: An automatic antenna design method for designing a tag antenna for an IC tag, displaying the shape of the tag antenna to be designed on the screen,
An antenna automatic design method, comprising: displaying an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of a tag antenna to be designed by length information. A program executed by an information processing apparatus,
Display the shape of the tag antenna of the IC tag to be designed on the screen,
A program for causing the information processing apparatus to execute an on-screen display of an input screen for inputting a change in the shape of a tag antenna to be designed by length information.   The information processing apparatus is configured to change the screen display of the shape of the tag antenna to be designed based on the length information input from the input screen that is input with the length information. 3. The program according to 3.   The program according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured to read a model from the model storage unit based on a designer's instruction and to display the read model on a screen. Input the impedance of the tag LSI of the IC tag,
Using the impedance of the tag LIS, calculate the matching characteristics of the tag antenna to be designed and the tag LIS,
The program according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to display the matching characteristic. Input the impedance of the tag LSI of the IC tag,
Input the characteristics of the reader / writer for reading and writing to the IC tag,
Using the impedance of the tag LIS and the characteristics of the reader / writer, obtain the communication distance of the tag antenna that performs the design,
The program according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to display the communication distance.   4. The program according to claim 3, wherein the information processing apparatus is caused to obtain a plurality of length values defining a shape of the tag antenna by an optimization process. 5.   The plurality of length values include at least one of a length value that determines resonance of the tag antenna, a length value that determines susceptance of the tag antenna, and a length value that determines conductance of the tag antenna. The program according to claim 8, comprising: 9. The program according to claim 8, which causes the information processing apparatus to select whether to perform the optimization process with emphasis on distance or with emphasis on bandwidth based on an instruction from a designer.