JP5327558B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: An initiator specified in NFCIP-1 transmits attribute information representing its own communication capability, and receives from a target, attribute information representing a communication capability of the target. The attribute information contains at least information on low RF output or information on intermittent RF output. The initiator performs operation in at least one of low-RF output mode or intermittent-RF output mode, on the basis of the attribute information, thereby reducing power of output electromagnetic waves. The present invention may be applicable to e.g., an NFC communication apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a program, and more particularly, to a communication device, a communication method, and a program that can reduce power consumption.

  2. Description of the Related Art A short-range wireless communication system that uses an IC (Integrated Circuit) card to perform wireless communication without contact at a short distance is widely used. For example, use as an electronic ticket or electronic money is well known. In recent years, mobile phones equipped with electronic ticket and electronic money functions have become widespread.

  Near-field wireless communication systems include a proximity IC card system specified as ISO / IEC 14443, a proximity IC card system specified as ISO / IEC 15693, and NFC (Near as ISO / IEC 18092). Field Communication). ISO / IEC 18092 is a NFCIP (Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol) -1 standard.

  Near field communication based on ISO / IEC 18092 has an active mode and a passive mode. The active mode is a communication mode in which each of a plurality of communication devices that transmit and receive data outputs an electromagnetic wave and modulates the electromagnetic wave to transmit data. In the passive mode, one communication device (initiator) of a plurality of communication devices outputs an electromagnetic wave and transmits data by modulating the electromagnetic wave. Other communication devices (targets) among the plurality of communication devices perform data transmission by load-modulating the electromagnetic waves output from the initiator.

  An initiator in the passive mode of PCD (Proximity Coupling Device), a reader / writer of ISO / IEC 14443, VCD (Vicinity Coupling Device) of a reader / writer of ISO / IEC 15693, and ISO / IEC 18092 A so-called RF (Radio Frequency) field (magnetic field) is formed. When an ISO / IEC 14443 IC card (PICC), ISO / IEC 15693 IC card (VICC), or an ISO / IEC 18092 target approaches the reader / writer or initiator, power is supplied by electromagnetic induction to the reader / writer. Alternatively, data transmission can be performed with the initiator.

  Therefore, the reader / writer of ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 15693 and the initiator in the passive mode of ISO / IEC 18092 must continue to generate electromagnetic waves for a long time mainly for the purpose of supplying power to the IC card or target. is there. Therefore, the reader / writer and the initiator have a problem that power consumption is accelerated. For example, when a mobile phone having a reader / writer or initiator function outputs the above-mentioned electromagnetic wave output, the operable time, which is about 200 hours to 600 hours in the normal standby state alone, is less than 1/10. End up.

  Various studies have been made on techniques for reducing power consumption (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Special table 2008-533604 JP-A-11-126240 JP 11-338984 A

  However, particularly in the case where the short-range wireless communication function is built in a battery-driven electronic device such as a mobile phone, there is still a strong demand for power saving, and further reduction of power consumption is required.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a condition, and enables it to reduce power consumption.

A communication apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an electromagnetic wave generating unit that outputs an electromagnetic wave, and transmits the data by modulating the electromagnetic wave according to data, and is an electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating unit or a communication partner. Transmission / reception means for receiving data transmitted from the counterpart apparatus by demodulating the electromagnetic wave output from the counterpart apparatus, wherein the transmission / reception means uses the first attribute information representing its own communication capability as the data. And the second attribute information indicating the communication capability of the counterpart device, and the first attribute information includes a second output power including a power output value lower than the first output power range. RF output power information indicating that the extent is possible the output of the electromagnetic wave, and an RF oN period is a period for outputting the electromagnetic waves after the RF oN period Wherein the intermittent RF output information including the RF off period is a period for stopping the output of the serial electromagnetic wave, the electromagnetic wave generating means, as said second attribute information, the counterpart device operates in the second output power range When the information indicating that the state is set is received, an operation in a low RF output mode for outputting the electromagnetic wave at a power lower than the first output power range within the second output power range is started, and the first After receiving the information indicating that the counterpart device is set to the operation state corresponding to the RF on period and the RF off period as the attribute information of 2, the output of the electromagnetic wave is output only during the RF output on period. The operation in the intermittent RF output mode that stops only during the RF off period is started .

A communication method according to one aspect of the present invention is an electromagnetic wave generation unit that outputs an electromagnetic wave, and transmits the data by modulating the electromagnetic wave according to data, and is an electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generation unit or a communication partner. In a communication apparatus comprising a transmission / reception means for receiving data transmitted from the counterpart apparatus by demodulating an electromagnetic wave output from the counterpart apparatus, the transmission / reception means represents the first communication capability as the data . transmits the attribute information, receiving said second attribute information indicating communication ability of the other party apparatus, wherein the first attribute information, the second containing even lower power output value than the first output power range RF output power information indicating that in the output power range is possible the output of the electromagnetic wave, and an RF oN period is a period for outputting the electromagnetic waves, the RF Wherein the intermittent RF output information including the RF off period is a period for stopping the output of the electromagnetic wave after down period, the electromagnetic wave generating means, wherein the second attribute information, the counterpart device is the second output power range When the information indicating that the operation state is set to be received is received , the operation of the low RF output mode for outputting the electromagnetic wave at a power lower than the first output power range within the second output power range is started. When receiving information indicating that the counterpart device has been set to an operation state corresponding to the RF on period and the RF off period as the second attribute information, the output of the electromagnetic wave is set to the RF output on period only. And a step of starting an intermittent RF output mode operation of stopping only during the RF off period after output.

The program according to one aspect of the present invention transmits data to a computer by modulating electromagnetic waves in accordance with data, and demodulates electromagnetic waves output from the electromagnetic wave generation unit or electromagnetic waves output from a counterpart device that is a communication counterpart. Accordingly, the transmission / reception means for receiving the data transmitted from the counterpart device transmits the first attribute information indicating its own communication capability as the data and the second attribute indicating the communication capability of the counterpart device . receiving the attribute information, wherein the first attribute information, RF output power indicating that the second output power range to include low power output value than the first output power range are possible output of the electromagnetic wave information, and an RF oN period is a period for outputting the electromagnetic waves, the RF off period is a period for stopping the output of the electromagnetic wave after the RF oN period Includes a non-intermittent RF output information, when the electromagnetic wave generating means, as said second attribute information, the partner apparatus receives the information indicating that the set in a state of operating in the second output power range, the An operation in a low RF output mode in which the electromagnetic wave is output at a power lower than the first output power range within a second output power range is started, and the counterpart device transmits the RF on period as the second attribute information And the operation in the intermittent RF output mode in which the output of the electromagnetic wave is output only during the RF output on period and then is stopped during the RF off period when the information indicating that the operation state corresponding to the RF off period is set is received. Execute the process to start .

In one aspect of the present invention, as data, together with the first attribute information indicating communication ability of itself is transmitted, received second attribute information indicating communication ability of the other party apparatus, the first attribute information Is RF output power information indicating that the electromagnetic wave can be output in a second output power range including a power output value lower than the first output power range, and RF on which is a period during which the electromagnetic wave is output. Period, and intermittent RF output information including an RF off period, which is a period in which the output of electromagnetic waves is stopped after the RF on period. In the electromagnetic wave generating means, the counterpart device uses the second output power range as the second attribute information. When the information indicating that the operation state is set to be received is received, the operation of the low RF output mode for outputting the electromagnetic wave at a power lower than the first output power range within the second output power range is started, and the second Genus of As information, when receiving information indicating that the counterpart device has been set to the operating state corresponding to the RF on period and the RF off period, intermittent output that stops only the RF off period after outputting the output of the electromagnetic wave only for the RF output on period Operation in RF output mode is started .

  The program can be provided by being transmitted through a transmission medium or by being recorded on a recording medium.

  The communication device may be an independent device or an internal block constituting one device.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, power consumption can be reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the communication system to which this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining passive mode. It is a figure explaining active mode. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of an NFC communication apparatus. It is a timing chart explaining an initial RFCA process. It is a timing chart explaining response RFCA processing. It is a figure which shows the command set prescribed | regulated by ISO / IEC 18092. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of communication processing according to NFCIP-1. It is a flowchart explaining the process performed by an NFC communication apparatus in order to perform data exchange in passive mode. 6 is a flowchart for describing processing performed in an NFC communication apparatus for performing data exchange in an active mode. It is a figure explaining communication in a power saving mode. It is a figure explaining communication in a power saving mode. It is a figure which shows the extended command set. It is a figure which shows the structure of command ATR_REQ. It is a figure which shows the structure of PPi field. It is a figure which shows the structure of command ATR_RES. It is a figure which shows the structure of a PPt field. It is a figure which shows the structure of command PSL2_REQ. It is a figure which shows the structure of a FLAG field. It is a figure which shows the structure of command PSL2_RES. It is a figure which shows the structure of a MSG field. It is a flowchart explaining the communication processing in the case of performing communication in a power saving mode. It is a flowchart explaining the communication processing in the case of performing communication in a power saving mode. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mobile phone in which an NFC communication device is incorporated. It is a figure explaining the relational expression of magnetic flux density.

[Configuration example of communication system to which the present invention is applied]
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a communication system to which the present invention is applied (a system refers to a logical combination of a plurality of devices, regardless of whether the devices of each configuration are in the same housing). The structural example of embodiment is shown.

  In FIG. 1, the communication system includes three NFC communication devices 1, 2, and 3. Each of the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 can perform near field communication (NFC (Near Field Communication)) by electromagnetic induction using a carrier wave of a single frequency with another NFC communication device. ing.

  Here, as the frequency of the carrier used by the NFC communication apparatuses 1 to 3, for example, 13.56 MHz of the ISM (Industrial Scientific Medical) band can be employed.

  Proximity communication means communication that enables a distance between communicating devices to be within several tens of centimeters, and includes communication performed by contacting (communicating with) the communicating devices.

  Note that the communication system of FIG. 1 can be employed as an IC card system in which one or more of the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 are reader / writers and the other one or more are IC cards. In other words, the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 are devices that perform near field communication, and are not limited to any one of an IC card of an IC card system, a reader / writer, or a communication device that conforms to the NFC standard. Further, each of the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 can be employed as a communication system such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a wristwatch, and a pen.

[Description of passive mode and active mode]
The NFC communication apparatuses 1 to 3 can communicate in two communication modes, a passive mode and an active mode. For example, attention is paid to communication between the NFC communication device 1 and the NFC communication device 2 among the NFC communication devices 1 to 3. In the passive mode, for example, the NFC communication device 1 which is one of the NFC communication device 1 and the NFC communication device 2, for example, the NFC communication device 1 modulates an electromagnetic wave (corresponding to a carrier wave) generated by itself. Data is transmitted to the NFC communication apparatus 2 which is the NFC communication apparatus. The NFC communication device 2 transmits data to the NFC communication device 1 by load-modulating an electromagnetic wave (corresponding to the electromagnetic wave) generated by the NFC communication device 1. This is the same as the IC card system of ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 15693.

  On the other hand, in the active mode, both the NFC communication device 1 and the NFC communication device 2 transmit data by modulating the electromagnetic wave generated by the NFC communication device 1 and the NFC communication device 2.

  Here, when performing proximity communication by electromagnetic induction, a device that first outputs an electromagnetic wave and starts communication, and so to speak, is called an initiator. The initiator transmits a command to the communication partner, and the communication partner returns a response to the command to perform near field communication. A communication partner that returns a response to the command from the initiator is called a target.

  For example, now, if the NFC communication device 1 starts outputting electromagnetic waves and starts communication with the NFC communication device 2, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the NFC communication device 1 becomes an initiator, and NFC communication is performed. The device 2 is the target.

  In the passive mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the NFC communication device 1 that is an initiator continues to output electromagnetic waves, and the NFC communication device 1 modulates the electromagnetic waves that it outputs, thereby Data is transmitted to the communication device 2. The NFC communication device 2 transmits data to the NFC communication device 1 by load-modulating the electromagnetic wave output from the NFC communication device 1 as an initiator.

  On the other hand, in the active mode, as shown in FIG. 3, when the NFC communication apparatus 1 that is an initiator transmits data, the NFC communication apparatus 1 starts outputting an electromagnetic wave and modulates the electromagnetic wave. Data is transmitted to a certain NFC communication apparatus 2. And the NFC communication apparatus 1 stops the output of electromagnetic waves after the transmission of data is completed. When the target NFC communication apparatus 2 also transmits data, the target NFC communication apparatus 2 starts outputting an electromagnetic wave and modulates the electromagnetic wave to transmit data to the target NFC communication apparatus 2. And the NFC communication apparatus 2 stops the output of electromagnetic waves after transmission of data is completed.

  In FIG. 1, the communication system is configured by the three NFC communication devices 1 to 3, but the number of NFC communication devices that configure the communication system is not limited to three, but two or four or more. There may be. Further, the communication system can be configured to include, for example, an IC card or a reader / writer constituting an IC card system of ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 15693 in addition to the NFC communication device.

[Configuration Example of NFC Communication Device 1]
FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the NFC communication apparatus 1 of FIG. The other NFC communication apparatus 2 and the NFC communication apparatus 3 in FIG. 1 are also configured in the same manner as the NFC communication apparatus 1 in FIG.

  The antenna 11 constitutes a closed loop coil, and outputs an electromagnetic wave when the current flowing through the coil changes. In addition, a current flows through the antenna 11 as the magnetic flux passing through the coil as the antenna 11 changes.

  The receiving unit 12 receives the current flowing through the antenna 11, performs tuning and detection, and outputs it to the demodulation unit 13. The demodulator 13 demodulates the signal supplied from the receiver 12 and supplies it to the decoder 14. The decoding unit 14 decodes, for example, a Manchester code as a signal supplied from the demodulation unit 13, and supplies data obtained as a result of the decoding to the data processing unit 15.

  The data processing unit 15 performs predetermined processing based on the data supplied from the decoding unit 14. The data processing unit 15 supplies data to be transmitted to another device to the encoding unit 16.

  The encoding unit 16 encodes the data supplied from the data processing unit 15 into, for example, a Manchester code and supplies the encoded data to the selection unit 17. The selection unit 17 selects either the modulation unit 19 or the load modulation unit 20 and outputs the signal supplied from the encoding unit 16 to the selected one.

  Here, the selection unit 17 selects the modulation unit 19 or the load modulation unit 20 according to the control of the control unit 21. When the communication mode is the passive mode and the NFC communication apparatus 1 is the target, the control unit 21 causes the selection unit 17 to select the load modulation unit 20. Further, the control unit 21 causes the selection unit 17 to select the modulation unit 19 when the communication mode is the active mode or when the communication mode is the passive mode and the NFC communication apparatus 1 is the initiator. . Therefore, the signal output from the encoding unit 16 is supplied to the load modulation unit 20 via the selection unit 17 in the case where the communication mode is the passive mode and the NFC communication apparatus 1 is the target. In this case, the signal is supplied to the modulation unit 19 via the selection unit 17.

  The electromagnetic wave output unit 18 causes the antenna 11 to pass a current for radiating a carrier wave (having its electromagnetic wave) having a predetermined single frequency from the antenna 11. The modulation unit 19 modulates a carrier wave as a current that the electromagnetic wave output unit 18 passes through the antenna 11 according to a signal supplied from the selection unit 17. As a result, the antenna 11 emits an electromagnetic wave obtained by modulating the carrier wave in accordance with the data output from the data processing unit 15 to the encoding unit 16.

  The load modulation unit 20 changes the impedance when the coil as the antenna 11 is viewed from the outside according to the signal supplied from the selection unit 17. When an RF field (magnetic field) is formed around the antenna 11 by another device outputting an electromagnetic wave as a carrier wave, the impedance when the coil as the antenna 11 is viewed changes. The surrounding RF field also changes. As a result, the carrier wave as the electromagnetic wave output from another device is modulated (load modulation) in accordance with the signal supplied from the selection unit 17, and the data output from the data processing unit 15 to the encoding unit 16 is converted into the electromagnetic wave. It is sent to other devices that are outputting.

  Here, for example, amplitude modulation (ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying)) can be adopted as a modulation method in the modulation unit 19 and the load modulation unit 20. However, the modulation method in the modulation unit 19 and the load modulation unit 20 is not limited to ASK, and PSK (Phase Shift Keying), QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and the like can be adopted. Also, the amplitude modulation degree is not limited to a numerical value such as 8% to 30%, 50%, 100%, and a suitable one may be selected.

  The control unit 21 performs control of each block configuring the NFC communication apparatus 1. That is, the control unit 21 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21A, an EEPROM (Electrically and Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 21B, and other RAM (Random Access Memory) not shown. The CPU 21A executes a program stored in the EEPROM 21B, thereby performing control of each block constituting the NFC communication apparatus 1 and various other processes. The EEPROM 21B stores programs to be executed by the CPU 21A and data necessary for the operation of the CPU 21A.

  Note that a series of processing performed by the CPU 21A executing the program can be performed by using dedicated hardware instead of the CPU 21A. The program to be executed by the CPU 21A is installed in the EEPROM 21B in advance, and is also a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), MO (Magneto Optical) disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), magnetic disk, semiconductor It can be stored (recorded) in a removable recording medium such as a memory temporarily or permanently and provided as so-called package software. Furthermore, the program can be transmitted to the NFC communication device 1 by proximity communication and installed in the EEPROM 21B.

  The power supply unit 22 supplies necessary power to each block constituting the NFC communication apparatus 1. In FIG. 4, illustration of lines indicating that the control unit 21 controls each block configuring the NFC communication apparatus 1 is omitted because the figure becomes complicated. Further, the illustration of lines indicating that the power supply unit 22 supplies power to each block constituting the NFC communication apparatus 1 is also omitted. The power supply unit 22 may include a battery (battery), or may obtain power serving as a power source from a current flowing through the antenna 11 without incorporating a battery. However, in the latter case, the NFC communication apparatus 1 operates only as a passive mode target.

  Here, in the case described above, the decoding unit 14 and the encoding unit 16 process the Manchester code. However, the decoding unit 14 and the encoding unit 16 select and process not only the Manchester code but also one of a plurality of types of codes such as a modified mirror and NRZ (Non Return to Zero). It is possible.

[Description of RFCA processing]
Any of the NFC communication apparatuses 1 to 3 can be an initiator that first outputs an electromagnetic wave to start communication. Further, in the active mode, the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 output electromagnetic waves by themselves even when they are the initiator and the target.

  Accordingly, when two or more of the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 output electromagnetic waves at the same time, collision occurs and communication cannot be performed.

  Therefore, each of the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 detects whether or not there is an electromagnetic wave (due to an RF field) from another device, and starts output of the electromagnetic wave only when it does not exist. It comes to prevent. Here, in this way, it is detected whether or not electromagnetic waves from other devices are present, and the process of starting the output of the electromagnetic waves only when there is not, is the RFCA (RF Collision (Avoidance) process.

  The RFCA process includes an initial RFCA process first performed by an NFC communication apparatus (one or more of the NFC communication apparatuses 1 to 3 in FIG. 1) to be an initiator, and an electromagnetic wave output during communication in the active mode. There are two types of response RFCA processing that is performed each time the NFC communication device that starts the communication starts the operation. Whether it is the initial RFCA process or response RFCA process, before starting the output of the electromagnetic wave, it is detected whether there is an electromagnetic wave by another device, and the output of the electromagnetic wave is performed only when it does not exist. The point of starting is the same. However, the initial RFCA process and the response RFCA process differ in the time from when the presence of an electromagnetic wave by another device is no longer detected until the timing at which the output of the electromagnetic wave must be started.

[Description of initial RFCA processing]
First, the initial RFCA process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 shows an electromagnetic wave whose output is started by the initial RFCA process. In FIG. 5 (the same applies to FIG. 6 described later), the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the power (level) of the electromagnetic wave output from the NFC communication apparatus.

The NFC communication device that intends to become an initiator always detects electromagnetic waves by other devices, and when the electromagnetic waves by other devices are not continuously detected for a time T _IDT + n × T _RFW , Start output. NFCIP-1 stipulates that an initiator outputs an electromagnetic wave with a power of 1.5 A / m to 7.5 A / m. That is, the initiator is required to output an electromagnetic wave with a power of at least 1.5 A / m.

Then, the NFC communication apparatus that intends to become an initiator starts transmission (Send Request) of data (including a command) after a time T _{IRFG has} elapsed from the start of output of electromagnetic waves.

Here, T _IDT is in the time T _IDT + n × T _RFW, a minimum time the NFC communication apparatus has to check that the electromagnetic wave is not output which is to start transmission and reception of data as the initiator, the initial Called delay time. The frequency of the initial delay time Carrier When be represented by f _c, for example, a value greater is employed than 4096 / f _c. n is an integer from 0 to 3, for example, and is generated using a random number. T _RFW is called an RF waiting time, for example, 512 / f _c is employed. The time T _IRFG is called an initial guard time, and for example, a value larger than 5 ms is adopted.

In addition, by adopting n which is a random number for the time T _IDT + n × T _RFW where electromagnetic waves should not be detected, there is a possibility that a plurality of NFC communication devices start outputting electromagnetic waves at the same timing. Reduction is being achieved.

  When the NFC communication apparatus starts output of electromagnetic waves by the initial RFCA process, the NFC communication apparatus becomes an initiator. When the active mode is set as the communication mode, the NFC communication apparatus serving as the initiator stops the transmission of the electromagnetic wave after completing the transmission of its own data. On the other hand, when the passive mode is set as the communication mode, the NFC communication apparatus serving as the initiator continues the output of the electromagnetic wave started by the initial RFCA process until the communication with the target is completely completed.

[Description of response RFCA processing]
Next, the response RFCA process will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows an electromagnetic wave whose output is started by the response RFCA process.

The NFC communication device that attempts to output an electromagnetic wave in the active mode detects the electromagnetic wave by another device, and when the electromagnetic wave by the other device is not continuously detected for a time T _ADT + n × T _RFW , Output is started, and data transmission (Send Responsese) is started after the time T _{ARFG has} elapsed from the output.

Here, n and T _RFW at time T _ADT + n × T _RFW are the same as those in the initial RFCA process of FIG. Also, T _ADT in the time T _ADT + n × T _RFW is called an active delay time, for example, 768 / f _c or more 2559 / f _c or less values are adopted. Time T _ARFG is called an active guard time, for example, a value greater is employed than 1024 / f _c.

As is apparent from FIGS. 5 and 6, in order to start the output of the electromagnetic wave by the initial RFCA process, the electromagnetic wave must not exist for at least the initial delay time T _IDT . Also, to start the electromagnetic wave output of the response RFCA processing, for at least the active delay time T _ADT, electromagnetic wave should not exist.

Initial delay time T _IDT, since whereas a larger value than 4096 / f _c, the active delay time T _ADT is a following values 768 / f _c or more 2559 / f _c, NFC communications When the device is going to be an initiator, a state where no electromagnetic wave is present is required for a longer time than when trying to output an electromagnetic wave during communication in the active mode. In other words, when an NFC communication device tries to output an electromagnetic wave during communication in active mode, the electromagnetic wave does not exist, and it takes less time than when trying to become an initiator. , Must output electromagnetic waves. This is due to the following reason.

  That is, when the NFC communication device performs communication in the active mode, one NFC communication device outputs an electromagnetic wave by itself and transmits data, and then stops the output of the electromagnetic wave. Then, the other NFC communication device starts outputting electromagnetic waves and transmits data. Therefore, in active mode communication, any NFC communication apparatus may stop outputting electromagnetic waves. For this reason, when an NFC communication device is going to become an initiator, in order to confirm that active mode communication is not performed around the NFC communication device, the surroundings of the NFC communication device that is going to be an initiator Therefore, it is necessary to confirm that other devices are not outputting electromagnetic waves for a sufficient time.

  On the other hand, in the active mode, as described above, the initiator transmits data to the target by outputting an electromagnetic wave. The target transmits data to the initiator by starting the output of the electromagnetic wave after the initiator stops the output of the electromagnetic wave. Thereafter, the initiator stops the output of the electromagnetic wave after the target stops, and then starts outputting the electromagnetic wave, thereby transmitting data to the target. Thereafter, the data is exchanged between the initiator and the target in the same manner.

  Therefore, when there is an NFC communication device that intends to become an initiator around the initiator and target that are performing active mode communication, one of the initiator and target that is performing active mode communication outputs an electromagnetic wave. If it takes a long time for the other to start outputting an electromagnetic wave, the electromagnetic wave does not exist during that time, so that the NFC communication device that intends to become an initiator starts outputting the electromagnetic wave by the initial RFCA process. In this case, communication in the active mode previously performed is hindered.

  For this reason, in the response RFCA process performed during communication in the active mode, the electromagnetic wave must be output without much delay after the electromagnetic wave does not exist.

[About target recognition at the start of communication]
As described with reference to FIG. 5, the NFC communication apparatus that intends to become an initiator starts output of electromagnetic waves by the initial RFCA process, and then transmits data. The NFC communication apparatus that is going to become an initiator becomes an initiator by starting the output of electromagnetic waves, and the NFC communication apparatus that exists in a position close to the initiator becomes a target.

  Here, in order for the initiator to exchange data with the target, the target that exchanges the data must be specified. For this reason, after starting the output of electromagnetic waves by the initial RFCA process, the initiator is determined by, for example, a random number or the like as information for identifying each target with respect to one or more targets existing in the vicinity of the initiator. NFCID (NFC Identification) to be performed is requested. Then, in response to a request from the initiator, the target existing at a position close to the initiator transmits an NFCID that identifies itself to the initiator.

  The initiator specifies the target by the NFCID transmitted from the target as described above, and exchanges data with the specified target.

  In the active mode, the initiator transmits a command (request) ATR_REQ, which will be described later, including an NFCID that identifies itself. In response to the ATR_REQ, one target returns (transmits) a response ATR_RES, which will be described later, to the command ATR_REQ, including the NFCID that identifies itself. As a result, the initiator and the target recognize each other's NFCID and identify each other.

  On the other hand, in the passive mode, the initiator performs a process called SDD (Single Device Detection) process to specify a target existing around (close position) by the NFCID.

  The initiator requests the NFCID of the target in the SDD process, and this request is made when the initiator transmits a frame called a polling request frame. When the target receives the polling request frame, for example, the target determines its NFCID by a random number and transmits a frame called a polling response frame in which the NFCID is arranged. The initiator recognizes the NFCID of the target by receiving the polling response frame transmitted from the target.

  By the way, since the target in the passive mode transmits data by load modulation, RFCA processing is not performed. Therefore, in the SDD process, when an initiator requests an NFCID from the surrounding targets, when there are multiple targets around the initiator, NFCIDs are simultaneously transmitted from two or more of the multiple targets. It can come. In this case, NFCIDs transmitted from the two or more targets collide, and the initiator cannot recognize the collided NFCID.

  Therefore, the SDD process is performed by, for example, a method using time slots in order to avoid NFCID collision as much as possible. The method using the time slot means that the target that has received the transmitted polling command determines the timing for sending the reply command based on the random number generated by itself, and in accordance with that timing, sends the reply command storing the NFCID. How to send.

  As described above, the NFC communication device uses the IC card and reader / writer to communicate with the IC card and reader / writer that constitute the IC card system of ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 15693. You can exchange data at a rate. If the target is an IC card of an IC card system of ISO / IEC 14443 and ISO / IEC 15693, for example, the SDD process is performed as follows, for example.

  That is, the initiator starts the output of electromagnetic waves by the initial RFCA process, and the target IC card obtains the power from the electromagnetic waves and starts the process. That is, in this case, since the target is an IC card of an existing IC card system, a power source for operation is generated from the electromagnetic wave output from the initiator.

  For example, the target prepares to receive a polling request frame within 2 seconds at the longest after obtaining power and becomes operable, and waits for the polling request frame to be transmitted from the initiator.

  On the other hand, the initiator can transmit the polling request frame regardless of whether or not the target is ready to receive the polling request frame.

  When receiving a polling request frame from the initiator, the target transmits a polling response frame to the initiator at a reply timing determined by a random number as described above. When the initiator can normally receive the polling response frame from the target, the initiator recognizes the NFCID of the target as described above. On the other hand, if the initiator cannot normally receive the polling response frame from the target, it can transmit the polling request frame again.

[Command set defined by ISO / IEC 18092]
In the NFC communication apparatus, communication is performed when the initiator transmits a command to the target, and the target transmits (returns) a response to the command from the initiator.

  Then, next, the command set prescribed | regulated by ISO / IEC 18092 is demonstrated.

  FIG. 7 shows a command set defined by ISO / IEC 18092, which shows a request command that the initiator sends to the target and a response command that the target sends to the initiator.

  In FIG. 7, a command in which the REQ character is described after the underbar (_) represents a request, and a command in which the RES character is described after the underbar (_) represents a response. In ISO / IEC 18092, six types of requests, ATR_REQ, WUP_REQ, PSL_REQ, DEP_REQ, DSL_REQ, and RLS_REQ, are prepared. As responses to requests, six types of ATR_RES, WUP_RES, PSL_RES, DEP_RES, DSL_RES, and RLS_RES are prepared as in the request. As described above, the initiator transmits a request to the target, and the target transmits a response corresponding to the request to the initiator. Thus, the request is sent by the initiator and the response is sent by the target.

  Each request and response is identified by a total of 2 instruction bytes composed of a 1-byte CMD0 field and a CMD1 field. That is, a value for identifying a request or a response is stored in the CMD0 field of the instruction byte. Specifically, “D4” is stored in the CMD0 field when the command is a request, and “D5” is stored in the CMD0 field when the command is a response.

  A value for identifying each request and response is stored in the CMD1 field of the instruction byte. Specifically, the ATR_REQ, ATR_RES, WUP_REQ, WUP_RES, PSL_REQ, PSL_RES, DEP_REQ, DEP_RES, DSL_REQ, DSL_RES, RLS_REQ, RLS_RES CMD1 fields have “00”, “01”, “02”, “03”, respectively. ”,“ 04 ”,“ 05 ”,“ 06 ”,“ 07 ”,“ 08 ”,“ 09 ”,“ 0A ”,“ 0B ”are stored.

  The command ATR_REQ is transmitted to the target when the initiator informs the target of its own attribute information (specification) and requests the target attribute information. Here, the attribute information of the initiator or target includes a transmission rate of data that can be transmitted and received by the initiator or target. In addition to the attribute information of the initiator, the command ATR_REQ includes an NFCID that identifies the initiator, and the target receives the command ATR_REQ to recognize the attribute information and the NFCID of the initiator.

  The command ATR_RES is transmitted to the initiator as a response to the command ATR_REQ when the target receives the command ATR_REQ. The command ATR_RES includes target attribute information, NFCID, and the like.

  Note that the transmission rate information as attribute information arranged in the command ATR_REQ and the command ATR_RES can include all transmission rates of data that can be transmitted and received by the initiator and the target. In this case, the command ATR_REQ and the command ATR_RES as a response are exchanged only once between the initiator and the target, and the initiator can recognize the transmission rate at which the target can transmit and receive. Can recognize the transmission rate at which data can be transmitted and received.

  The command WUP_REQ is transmitted when the initiator selects a target for communication. That is, as will be described later, by transmitting the command DSL_REQ from the initiator to the target, the target can be in a deselect state (a state in which data transmission (response) to the initiator is prohibited). The command WUP_REQ is transmitted when the deselect state is released and the target is set in a state enabling transmission of data to the initiator. In the command WUP_REQ, the target NFCID for solving the deselected state is arranged. Then, among the targets that have received the command WUP_REQ, the target specified by the NFCID arranged in the command WUP_REQ releases the deselect state.

  The command WUP_RES is transmitted as a response to the command WUP_REQ when the target specified by the NFCID arranged in the command WUP_REQ among the targets that have received the command WUP_REQ has solved the deselect state.

  The command WUP_REQ is transmitted only when the initiator is in the active mode, and the command WUP_RES is transmitted only when the target is in the active mode.

  The command PSL_REQ is transmitted when the initiator changes (sets) a communication parameter related to communication with the target. Here, the communication parameter includes, for example, a transmission rate of data exchanged between the initiator and the target.

  The command PSL_REQ is transmitted from the initiator to the target. The command PSL_REQ contains the changed communication parameter value. The target receives the command PSL_REQ and changes the communication parameter according to the value of the communication parameter arranged there. Further, the target transmits a command PSL_RES as a response to the command PSL_REQ.

  The command DEP_REQ is transmitted when the initiator transmits / receives data (so-called actual data) (data exchange with the target), and data to be transmitted to the target is arranged there. The command DEP_RES is transmitted by the target as a response to the command DEP_REQ, and data to be transmitted to the initiator is arranged there. Accordingly, data is transmitted from the initiator to the target by the command DEP_REQ, and data is transmitted from the target to the initiator by the command DEP_RES which is a response to the command DEP_REQ.

  The command DSL_REQ is transmitted when the initiator sets the target to the deselected state. The target that has received the command DSL_REQ transmits the command DSL_RES as a response to the command DSL_REQ and enters the deselected state. Thereafter, it does not respond to commands other than the command WUP_REQ (no response is returned).

  The command RLS_REQ is transmitted when the initiator completely ends the communication with the target. The target that has received the command RLS_REQ transmits the command RLS_RES as a response to the command RLS_REQ, and completes the communication with the initiator.

  Here, the commands DSL_REQ and RLS_REQ are both common in that the target is released from the target of communication with the initiator. However, the target released by the command DSL_REQ becomes communicable with the initiator again by the command WUP_REQ. However, if the target released by the command RLS_REQ does not repeat the process from the initial RFCA process, the target is released. Communication is not possible. In this respect, the commands DSL_REQ and RLS_REQ are different.

  In the following, in order to easily distinguish a command from the initiator and a command returned as a response from the target, for example, a command ATR_RES of a response to the command ATR_REQ is referred to as a response ATR_RES. The same applies to commands transmitted by other targets.

  By the way, the NFC communication devices (each of the NFC communication devices 1 to 3 in FIG. 1) can perform communication according to NFCIP-1 as ISO / IEC 18092, and as an extended function as described later. Communication in the power saving mode can also be performed.

  First, communication processing according to the basic NFCIP-1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[Communication processing according to ISO / IEC 18092]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an outline of communication processing according to NFCIP-1.

  First, in step S1, the NFC communication apparatus that is an initiator performs an initial RFCA process. In step S2, the NFC communication device serving as the initiator determines whether or not an RF field has been detected by the initial RFCA processing in step S1. If it is determined in step S2 that the RF field has been detected, the process returns to step S1 and the same processing is repeated thereafter. That is, while detecting the RF field, the NFC communication apparatus serving as an initiator does not form an RF field so as not to hinder communication by other NFC communication apparatuses that form the RF field.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the RF field has not been detected, the NFC communication apparatus selects one of the active mode and passive mode in step S3 and transmits as an initiator. Select the rate.

  That is, in NFCIP-1, for example, a transmission rate used for actual communication can be selected from a plurality of transmission rates such as 106 kbps, 212 kbps, and 424 kbps. Therefore, in step S3, the NFC communication apparatus that has become the initiator selects a transmission rate.

  Specifically, when performing passive mode communication, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3-1 of steps S3-1 and S3-2 that constitute step S3. Then, the NFC communication apparatus becomes an initiator, shifts the communication mode to the passive mode, and selects a transmission rate. Further, in step S3-1, the NFC communication apparatus that has become the initiator performs predetermined initialization processing and SDD processing. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4-1 of steps S4-1 and S4-2 constituting step S4.

  In step S4-1, the NFC communication apparatus is activated (activated) (activated) in the passive mode, and exchanges a command ATR_REQ and a response ATR_RES with the target in the passive mode.

  On the other hand, when performing active mode communication, the process proceeds from step S2 to step S3-2 of steps S3-1 and S3-2 that constitute step S3. Then, the NFC communication apparatus becomes an initiator, shifts the communication mode to the active mode, and selects a transmission rate. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4-2 of steps S4-1 and S4-2 constituting step S4.

  In step S4-2, the NFC communication apparatus is activated in the active mode, and exchanges a command ATR_REQ and a response ATR_RES with the target.

  After step S4-1 or step S4-2, in step S5, the NFC communication apparatus needs to change communication parameters (for example, transmission rate) necessary for communication from the current communication parameters. Select the communication parameter. Then, the NFC communication apparatus exchanges the command PSL_REQ and the response PSL_RES in which the selected communication parameter is arranged with the target, and changes the communication parameter.

  In step S6, the NFC communication apparatus exchanges a command DEP_REQ and a response DEP_RES with the target according to the communication parameter selected in step S5, and performs data exchange (communication) using a data exchange protocol.

  In step S7, the NFC communication apparatus exchanges the command DSL_REQ and the response DSL_RES or the command RSL_REQ and the response RSL_RES with the target, deactivates them, and ends the transaction.

  The NFC communication apparatus can be set to be a target by default, for example. The NFC communication device set as a target by default does not form an RF field, but waits until a command is transmitted from the initiator (until the initiator forms an RF field).

  Further, the NFC communication apparatus can become an initiator in response to a request from an application, for example. Further, for example, the application can select (determine) the transmission rate by setting the communication mode to either the active mode or the passive mode.

  In addition, if the RF field is not formed outside, the NFC communication apparatus that has become the initiator forms the RF field, and the target is activated by the RF field formed by the initiator.

  Thereafter, the initiator transmits a command in the selected communication mode and transmission rate, and the target returns (transmits) a response command in the same communication mode and transmission rate as the initiator.

[Detailed communication processing in passive mode]
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, processing performed in the NFC communication apparatus for performing data exchange in the passive mode will be described.

  First, in step S11, the initiator performs an initial RFCA process, proceeds to step S12, and sets the communication mode to the passive mode. In step S13, the initiator performs initialization processing and SDD processing to select a transmission rate.

  The processing in step S11 corresponds to the processing in steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 8, and the processing in steps S12 and S13 corresponds to the processing in step S3 (S3-1) in FIG.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14, where the initiator determines whether to request attribute information from the target. Here, the attribute information is information that defines the communication capability of the NFC communication apparatus, and includes, for example, information on a transmission rate that can be supported by the NFC communication apparatus.

  If it is determined in step S14 that attribute information is not requested from the target, in step S15, the initiator performs communication with the target in accordance with a unique protocol. After step S15, the process returns to step S14, and the same process is repeated thereafter.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that attribute information is requested from the target, the process proceeds to step S16, and the initiator transmits a command ATR_REQ, thereby requesting attribute information from the target. Then, the initiator waits for the response ATR_RES to the command ATR_REQ transmitted from the target, and receives the response ATR_RES in step S17.

  The processing in steps S16 and S17 corresponds to the processing in step S4 (S4-1) in FIG.

  In step S18, the initiator determines whether the communication parameter, that is, for example, the transmission rate can be changed based on the response ATR_RES received from the target in step S17. If it is determined in step S18 that the transmission rate cannot be changed, the process skips steps S19 to S21 and proceeds to step S22.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the transmission rate can be changed, the process proceeds to step S19, where the initiator transmits a command PSL_REQ, thereby requesting the target to change the transmission rate. Then, the initiator waits for the response PSL_RES to the command PSL_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response PSL_RES in step S20. In step S21, the initiator changes the communication parameter, for example, the transmission rate, according to the response PSL_RES received in step S20.

  The process of steps S18 to S21 corresponds to the process of step S5 in FIG.

  In step S22, the initiator exchanges data with the target according to the data exchange protocol. That is, the command DEP_REQ and the response DEP_RES are exchanged. The process of step S22 corresponds to the process of step S6 of FIG.

  After the data conversion is performed in step S22, the initiator proceeds to step S23 or S25 as necessary.

  That is, when the initiator sets the target to the deselected state, the process proceeds from step S22 to S23, and the initiator transmits the command DSL_REQ. Then, the initiator waits for the response DSL_RES to the command DSL_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response DSL_RES in step S24. After step S24, the process returns to step S14, and the same process is repeated thereafter.

  On the other hand, when the initiator completely ends the communication with the target, the process proceeds from step S22 to S25, and the initiator transmits a command RLS_REQ. Then, the initiator waits for the response RLS_RES to the command RLS_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response RLS_RES in step S26. After step S26, the process returns to step S11, and the same process is repeated thereafter.

  The processes of steps S23 and S24 and the processes of steps S25 and S26 correspond to the process of step S7 in FIG.

[Detailed communication processing in active mode]
Next, processing performed in the NFC communication apparatus for exchanging data in the active mode will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  First, in step S31, the initiator performs initial RFCA processing, proceeds to step S32, selects the transmission rate with the communication mode as the active mode.

  The processing in step S31 corresponds to the processing in steps S1 and S2 in FIG. 8, and the processing in step S32 corresponds to the processing in step S3 (S3-2).

  Thereafter, in steps S33 to S39, the same processing as in steps S16 to S22 of FIG. 9 is performed.

  That is, in step S33, the initiator transmits a command ATR_REQ, thereby requesting attribute information from the target. Then, the initiator waits for the response ATR_RES to the command ATR_REQ transmitted from the target, and receives the response ATR_RES in step S34.

  In step S35, the initiator determines whether or not the communication parameter, for example, the transmission rate can be changed, based on the response ATR_RES received from the target in step S34. If it is determined in step S35 that the communication parameter cannot be changed, the process skips steps S36 to S38 and proceeds to step S39.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that the communication parameter can be changed, the process proceeds to step S36, and the initiator transmits the command PSL_REQ, thereby requesting the target to change (set) the communication parameter. To do. Then, the initiator waits for the response PSL_RES to the command PSL_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response PSL_RES in step S37. In step S38, the initiator changes the communication parameter, for example, the transmission rate, according to the response PSL_RES received in step S37.

  In step S39, the initiator exchanges data with the target according to the data exchange protocol. That is, the command DEP_REQ and the response DEP_RES are exchanged.

  The processes in steps S33 and S34 correspond to the process in step S4 (S4-2) in FIG. 8, and the processes in steps S35 to S38 correspond to the process in step S5 in FIG. Further, the process of step S39 corresponds to the process of step S6 of FIG.

  After the data conversion in step S39, the process proceeds to step S40 or S44 as necessary.

  That is, when the initiator sets the target currently communicating to the deselected state and wakes up one of the targets already in the deselected state, the process proceeds from step S39 to S40. In step S40, the initiator transmits a command DSL_REQ to the target to be deselected. Then, the initiator waits for the response DSL_RES to the command DSL_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response DSL_RES in step S41. The target that has sent the response DSL_RES is in the deselected state.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds from step S41 to S42, and the initiator transmits a command WUP_REQ to the target to be woken up. The initiator waits for the response WUP_RES to the command WUP_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response WUP_RES in step S43. The target that has transmitted the response WUP_RES wakes up, and the wake-up target becomes the target of processing after step S35 that the initiator subsequently performs.

  On the other hand, when the initiator completely ends the communication with the target, the process proceeds from step S39 to S44. In step S44, the initiator transmits a command RLS_REQ. Then, the initiator waits for the response RLS_RES to the command RLS_REQ to be transmitted from the target, and receives the response RLS_RES in step S45. After step S45, the process returns to step S31, and the same process is repeated thereafter.

  The processes in steps S40 to S43 and the processes in steps S44 and S45 correspond to the process in step S7 in FIG.

  The communication processing according to NFCIP-1 has been described above with reference to FIGS.

[Description of communication function in power saving mode]
Next, communication in the power saving mode that can be performed as an extended function by the NFC communication apparatus of the communication system of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. In the following description, it is assumed that the NFC communication apparatus performs communication in the passive mode. Regarding the communication in the active mode, different parts will be supplementarily described in the description of the communication in the passive mode.

  The NFC communication apparatus has a low RF output communication function shown in FIG. 11 and an intermittent RF output communication function shown in FIG. 12 as communication functions in the power saving mode.

  With the low RF output communication function, as shown in FIG. 11, communication is performed with a value obtained by lowering the power (magnetic field strength: unit A / m) of the electromagnetic wave output from the initiator to a value lower than the value specified by NFCIP-1. It is a function.

  As described with reference to FIG. 5, NFCIP-1 stipulates that the initiator outputs an electromagnetic wave with a power of 1.5 A / m to 7.5 A / m.

  On the other hand, an NFC communication device having a low RF output communication function can communicate if the electromagnetic wave power is at least 0.3 A / m. That is, in the low RF output communication function, the initiator can output an electromagnetic wave with a power of 0.3 A / m to 7.5 A / m.

  Therefore, communication can be performed with the electromagnetic wave power lower than the value specified in NFCIP-1, and therefore the power consumption of the initiator that continues to output the electromagnetic wave can be reduced.

  Next, the intermittent RF output communication function will be described.

The intermittent RF output communication function is a function that performs communication while repeating the ON / OFF of the output of the electromagnetic wave by providing a period in which the output of the electromagnetic wave is stopped for a predetermined period after the initiator outputs the electromagnetic wave for a predetermined period. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the initiator has a predetermined power for a certain period (RF output on period indicated by ON time period in FIG. 12) from the start of electromagnetic wave output after time T _IDT + n × T _{RFW has} elapsed. To output electromagnetic waves. This RF output ON period is a time with a predetermined margin time until transmission (Send Request) of data (including a command) is completed. Thereafter, the initiator stops (turns off) the output of the electromagnetic wave for a certain period (RF output off period indicated by OFF time period in FIG. 12). Thereafter, the initiator repeatedly turns on and off the electromagnetic wave output during the RF output on period and the RF output off period.

  Compared with the communication according to NFCIP-1, there is a period during which the output of electromagnetic waves can be stopped, as is apparent with reference to FIG. 12, so that the power consumption of the initiator can be reduced.

Note that the NFC communication device may have either a low RF output communication function or an intermittent RF output communication function, or may have both a low RF output communication function and an intermittent RF output communication function. When both the low RF output communication function and the intermittent RF output communication function are executed, for example, the NFC communication apparatus that is going to be an initiator uses an electromagnetic wave with a power of 0.3 A / m after time T _IDT + n × T _{RFW has} elapsed. Is output. Then, the NFC communication apparatus that intends to become an initiator stops the output of the electromagnetic wave for the RF output off period after the RF output on period has elapsed since the start of the output of the electromagnetic wave. Thereafter, the NFC communication apparatus that intends to become an initiator starts output of electromagnetic waves with a power of 0.3 A / m again.

  Next, in order to perform communication processing in the above-described power saving mode, commands or parameters that the NFC communication apparatus has other than those specified by NFCIP-1 will be described.

[Explanation of extended command set]
FIG. 13 shows a command set that the NFC communication apparatus additionally has in addition to the command set shown in FIG.

  That is, the NFC communication apparatus having the power saving mode can further exchange the command PSL2_REQ shown in FIG. 13 and the response command PSL2_RES corresponding thereto in addition to the command set shown in FIG.

  The command PSL2_REQ is identified by storing “D4” in the CMD0 field and storing “0C” in the CMD1 field. The response PSL2_RES is identified by storing “D5” in the CMD0 field and storing “0D” in the CMD1 field.

  The command PSL2_REQ is transmitted from the initiator to the target when the initiator changes (sets) an extended communication parameter (extended communication parameter) related to communication with the target. The value of the extended communication parameter after the change is arranged in the command PSL2_REQ. The target receives the command PSL2_REQ and changes the communication parameter according to the value of the extended communication parameter arranged there. Further, the target transmits a command PSL2_RES as a response to the command PSL2_REQ.

  Next, detailed contents of each command for performing communication processing in the power saving mode will be described.

[Description of command ATR_REQ]
FIG. 14 shows the structure of the command ATR_REQ.

  The command ATR_REQ includes a CMD0 field, a CMD1 field, and Byte0 to Byten + 14 fields (n is an integer value of 0 or more) from the top (from the left in the figure).

  As described above, values “D4” and “00” indicating that this command is the command ATR_REQ are stored in the CMD0 field and the CMD1 field.

  In the Byte0 to Byte9 fields, an NFC communication apparatus that transmits the command ATR_REQ, that is, an NFCID that specifies an initiator is stored.

  In the Byte10 field, DIDi that is the device ID of the initiator that transmits this command ATR_REQ is set. Therefore, hereinafter, the Byte10 field is also referred to as a DIDi field.

  In the Byte11 field, a bit rate (transmission rate) BSi at which the initiator transmitting the command ATR_REQ transmits data is set.

  In the Byte12 field, a bit rate (transmission rate) BRi at which the initiator transmitting this command ATR_REQ receives data is set.

  In the Byte13 field, an optional parameter PPi for the initiator that transmits this command ATR_REQ is set. Hereinafter, the Byte 13 field is also referred to as a PPi field. Details of the PPi field will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Each of the Byte14 to Byte14 + n fields is a field in which various information designated by a designer or the like is set, and is a field prepared as an option. The value n can be changed by a designer or the like, and is an integer value of 0 or more. This value n is set in the PPi field, as will be described later. Hereinafter, each of the n Gi fields is referred to as Gi [0] to Gi [n] fields in the order of arrangement (in order from the left in FIG. 14).

[Details of PPi field]
FIG. 15 shows the structure of the PPi field.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the PPi field is composed of bit 0 to bit 7 (bit 0 to bit 7).

  The PPi field is the same as NFCIP-1 except that bit 7 can take a value of “1” other than “0”. In other words, when bit 7 is “0”, the PPi field is the PPi field itself defined by NFCIP-1.

  In NFCIP-1, bit 7 is determined to be “0”, but in the communication system of FIG. 1, the bit 7 is extended to be “1”. When bit 7 is “1”, it indicates that the initiator has a power saving mode communication function.

  Bits 0, 3 and 2 are set to “0”.

  Bits 4 and 5 are information LLi for designating the effective length of data, and the value n described above with reference to FIG. 14 is set.

  Bit 1 is set with information Gi indicating whether or not Gi [0] to Gi [n] fields are arranged (whether or not exist). Since the information Gi is “0” or “1”, for example, it is assumed that “0” is not arranged (does not exist) and “1” is arranged (exists).

  In bit 0, information (0 or 1) indicating whether or not to use NAD (Node Address) is set. NAD refers to the sub-address of the device ID of the initiator that transmits the command ATR_REQ set in the Byte10 field of FIG. 14, that is, the DIDi field. NFCIP-1 stipulates that it is possible to have 16 subaddresses for one device ID.

  In this bit 0, for example, if “0” indicates that it is not used and “1” indicates that it is used, the fact that “0” is set in bit 0 indicates that this command ATR_REQ is transmitted. Means that no subaddress is used. On the other hand, setting “1” in bit 0 means that the initiator transmitting this command ATR_REQ uses the sub address.

  As described above, the value of the PPi field of the command ATR_REQ is expanded, and the presence / absence of the communication function in the power saving mode can be transmitted from the initiator to the target.

[Description of command ATR_RES]
FIG. 16 shows the structure of the command ATR_RES.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the command ATR_RES includes a CMD0 field, a CMD1 field, and Byte0 to Byten + 15 fields (n is an integer value of 0 or more) from the top (from the left in the figure). .

  As described above, values “D5” and “01” indicating that this command is the command ATR_RES are stored in the CMD0 field and the CMD1 field.

  Data similar to the Byte0 to Byte12 fields of the command ATR_REQ is set in the Byte0 to Byte12 fields.

  That is, the Byte 0 to Byte 9 fields store the NFC communication apparatus that transmits the command ATR_RES, that is, the NFCID that specifies the target.

  In the Byte10 field, DIDt that is the device ID of the target that transmits this command ATR_RES is set. Therefore, hereinafter, the Byte10 field is also referred to as a DIDt field.

  In the Byte11 field, a bit rate (transmission rate) BSt at which the target transmitting this command ATR_RES transmits data is set.

  In the Byte12 field, a bit rate (transmission rate) BRt at which the target transmitting this command ATR_RES receives data is set.

  The target timeout value TO is set in the Byte13 field.

  The Byte14 field is the same as the Byte13 field of the command ATR_REQ. That is, the option parameter PPt for the target that transmits this command ATR_RES is set in the Byte 14 field. Hereinafter, the Byte 14 field of the command ATR_RES is also referred to as a PPt field. Details of the PPt field will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The Byte15 to Byte15 + n fields are the same as the Byte14 to Byte14 + n fields of the command ATR_REQ, respectively. That is, the Byte15 to Byte15 + n fields are fields in which various information designated by the designer or the like is set, and are fields that are prepared as options. The value n can be changed by a designer or the like, and is an integer value of 0 or more. This value n is set in the PPt field, as will be described later. Hereinafter, each of the n Gt fields will be referred to as Gt [0] to Gt [n] fields in the order of arrangement (in order from the left in FIG. 16).

[Details of PPt field]
FIG. 17 shows the structure of the PPt field.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the PPt field is configured in the same manner as the PPi field of the command ATR_REQ.

  That is, the PPt field is the same as NFCIP-1 except that bit 7 can take a value of “1” other than “0”. In other words, when bit 7 is “0”, the PPt field is the PPt field itself defined by NFCIP-1.

  In NFCIP-1, bit 7 is determined to be “0”, but in the communication system of FIG. 1, the bit 7 is extended to be “1”. When bit 7 is “1”, it indicates that the target has a power saving mode communication function.

  Bits 0, 3 and 2 are set to “0”.

  Bits 4 and 5 are information LRt for designating the effective length of data, and the value n described above with reference to FIG. 16 is set.

  In bit 1, information Gt indicating whether or not the Gt [0] to Gt [n] fields are arranged (whether or not exist) is set. Since the information Gt is 0 or 1, for example, it is assumed that 0 is not arranged (does not exist), and 1 is arranged (exists).

  In bit 0, information (0 or 1) indicating whether or not to use NAD (Node Address) is set. NAD refers to the sub-address of the target device ID that transmits the command ATR_RES, which is set in the Byte10 field of FIG. 16, that is, the DIDt field. NFCIP-1 stipulates that it is possible to have 16 subaddresses for one device ID.

  In this bit 0, for example, if “0” indicates that it is not used and “1” indicates that it is used, the fact that “0” is set in bit 0 indicates that this command ATR_RES is transmitted. Means that no subaddress is used. On the other hand, setting “1” in bit 0 means that the target that transmits this command ATR_RES uses the sub address.

  As described above, the value of the PPt field of the response ATR_RES is expanded, and the presence / absence of the communication function in the power saving mode can be returned from the target to the initiator.

  Next, the command PSL2_REQ and the corresponding response PSL2_RES shown in FIG. 13 will be described.

[Description of command PSL2_REQ]
FIG. 18 shows the structure of the command PSL2_REQ.

  The command PSL2_REQ includes a CMD0 field, a CMD1 field, and Byte0 to Byte7 fields from the top (from the left in the figure).

  As described above, the values “D4” and “0C” indicating that this command is the command PSL2_REQ are stored in the CMD0 field and the CMD1 field.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 19, a flag FLAG indicating validity or invalidity of the Byte1 field and the Byte4 to Byte7 fields is stored in the Byte0 field. Hereinafter, the Byte0 field is also referred to as a FLAG field.

  In the Byte1 field, the magnetic field intensity (power) of the electromagnetic wave emitted by the initiator is set. In NFCIP-1, the initiator is specified to output electromagnetic waves within the range of 1.5 to 7.5 A / m, with 1.5 A / m as the lower limit (Hmin) and 7.5 A / m as the upper limit (Hmax). Yes. When “00” is set in the Byte1 field, this indicates that the initiator outputs an electromagnetic wave within a range of 1.5 to 7.5 A / m defined by NFCIP-1. On the other hand, when “01” is set in the Byte1 field, the initiator can output an electromagnetic wave within a range of 0.3 to 7.5 A / m with a lower limit of 0.3 A / m.

  In other words, when “00” is set in the Byte1 field, it indicates that the initiator performs communication within the range of the NFCIP-1 standard shown with reference to FIG. On the other hand, when “01” is set in the Byte1 field, it indicates that the initiator can perform communication using the low RF output communication function described with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, since the communication in the passive mode is performed, only the initiator outputs the electromagnetic wave having the set magnetic field strength. However, when communication in the active mode is selected, Byte1 The initiator and the target each output an electromagnetic wave within the range of the magnetic field strength set in the field.

  The Byte2 and Byte3 fields are reserved for future use (RFU: Reserved For Future Use), in which, for example, “0” is stored.

  In two bytes of the Byte4 and Byte5 fields, an RF output on period (ON time period) in the intermittent RF output communication function described with reference to FIG. 12 is set as, for example, an unsigned integer binary value. The unit of the values set in the Byte4 and Byte5 fields is, for example, milliseconds (msec).

  In two bytes of the Byte6 and Byte7 fields, an RF output off period (OFF time period) in the intermittent RF output communication function described with reference to FIG. 12 is set as a binary value of an unsigned integer, for example. The unit of the values set in the Byte6 and Byte7 fields is, for example, milliseconds (msec).

[Details of FLAG field]
FIG. 19 shows the structure of the FLAG field.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the FLAG field is composed of bit 0 to bit 7 (bit 0 to bit 7).

  Bit 7 stores a flag indicating whether the magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic wave set in the Byte1 field of the command PSL2_REQ is valid or invalid. For example, when bit 7 is “0”, it indicates that the magnetic field strength of the electromagnetic wave set in the Byte1 field is invalid, and when bit 7 is “1”, the electromagnetic wave intensity set in the Byte1 field Indicates that the magnetic field strength is effective.

  Bit 6 stores a flag indicating validity or invalidity of the RF output ON period set in the Byte4 and Byte5 fields of the command PSL2_REQ. For example, when bit 6 is “0”, the RF output on period is invalid, and when bit 6 is “1”, the RF output on period is valid.

  Bit 5 stores a flag indicating validity or invalidity of the RF output off period set in the Byte6 and Byte7 fields of the command PSL2_REQ. For example, when bit 5 is “0”, it indicates that the RF output off period is invalid, and when bit 5 is “1”, it indicates that the RF output off period is valid.

  Bit 4 stores a flag indicating the presence or absence of transition to the passive mode. For example, when bit 4 is “0”, it indicates that there is no transition to the passive mode, and when bit 4 is “1”, it indicates that there is a transition to the passive mode. The details will be described later with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23. In communication in the power saving mode, when communication is performed in the passive mode, first, communication in accordance with the flow of the active mode defined in NFCIP-1 is performed. After doing so, transition to passive mode. Therefore, “1” in the bit 4 flag means that communication is performed in the passive mode, and “0” in the bit 4 flag means that communication is performed in the active mode.

[Description of command PSL2_RES]
FIG. 20 shows the structure of the command PSL2_RES.

  As described above, the values “D5” and “0D” indicating that this command is the command PSL2_RES are stored in the CMD0 field and the CMD1 field.

  In the Byte0 field, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 21, a message MSG representing a target response to the command PSL2_REQ is stored. Hereinafter, the Byte0 field is also referred to as a MSG field.

  The Byte1 to Byte7 fields are reserved for future use (RFU: Reserved For Future Use). For example, “0” is stored in the Byte1 to Byte7 fields.

[Details of MSG field]
FIG. 21 shows the structure of the MSG field.

  As shown in FIG. 21, the MSG field is composed of bit 0 to bit 7 (bit 0 to bit 7).

  Bit 7 stores a response message (flag) indicating whether or not the power saving mode using the low RF output communication function can be supported. For example, when bit 7 is “0”, it indicates that the operation is performed with a power within a range of 0.3 to 7.5 A / m, and when bit 7 is “1”, 0.3 to 7.5 A / m. This means that it does not have the ability to operate at a power within the range. Hereinafter, bit 7 of the MSG field is also referred to as a low RF output OK bit.

  Bit 6 stores a response message indicating whether or not the power saving mode using the intermittent RF output communication function is available. For example, when bit 6 is “0”, it indicates that the operation is set in accordance with the on / off state of the electromagnetic wave in the RF output on period and the RF output off period set in the Byte 4 to Byte 7 fields of the command PSL2_REQ. On the other hand, when the bit 6 is “1”, it indicates that it does not have the ability to operate in response to on / off of the electromagnetic wave. Hereinafter, bit 6 of the MSG field is also referred to as an intermittent output OK bit.

  In the active mode, when the target returns with the low RF output OK bit set to “0”, the target also outputs an electromagnetic wave and transmits a command with low RF output. Similarly, when the target returns with the intermittent output OK bit set to “0”, the target also outputs an electromagnetic wave in the RF output on period and the RF output off period received from the initiator and transmits a command.

  Bit 5 stores a response message indicating the operating state of transition to the passive mode. For example, when bit 5 is “1”, it indicates that the setting of the parameter specified by the command PSL2_REQ is completed and the transition to the passive mode is completed (waiting in the passive mode). On the other hand, when bit 5 is “0”, it indicates that no transition to the passive mode is performed. Hereinafter, bit 5 of the MSG field is also referred to as a passive OK bit.

  Bits 4 through 0 are reserved for future use.

  The command PSL2_REQ having the parameters as described above and the response PSL2_RES corresponding thereto are exchanged between the initiator and the target in order to confirm whether or not the power saving mode can be executed.

[Communication processing that enables power saving mode]
Then, next, with reference to FIG.22 and FIG.23, the communication process in the case of performing communication in a power saving mode is demonstrated.

  First, regardless of whether the final communication mode is the active mode or the passive mode, the initiator starts the communication process in the same process as in the active mode.

  Therefore, the processes in steps S101 to S105 in FIG. 22 are the same as the processes in steps S31 to S35 in FIG. However, in the transmission of the command ATR_REQ and the reception of the response ATR_RES in steps S103 and S104 of FIG. 22, the bit 7 of the PPi field and the PPt field can take a value of “1” other than “0”. Different.

  If it is determined in step S105 that the communication parameter can be changed based on the response ATR_RES, the process proceeds to step S106, and the initiator determines whether the target has a power saving mode communication function.

  If it is determined in step S106 that the target does not have a power saving mode communication function, that is, if bit 7 of the PPt field of the response ATR_RES is “0”, the process proceeds to step S107. The processing in steps S107 to S109 is the same as the processing in steps S36 to S38 in FIG.

  After the processes of steps S107 to S109 are executed, the process proceeds to step S114. As a result, when the processing of steps S107 to S109 is executed, the initiator and the target perform communication (data exchange) in the active mode according to NFCIP-1, similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. .

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the target has the communication function of the power saving mode, that is, if bit 7 of the PPt field of the response ATR_RES is “1”, the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the initiator transmits commands PSL_REQ and PSL2_REQ, thereby requesting the target to change communication parameters and extended communication parameters. Then, a response PSL_RES to the command PSL_REQ and a response PSL2_RES to the command PSL2_REQ are transmitted from the target. In step S111, the initiator receives the responses PSL_RES and PSL2_RES. In step S112, the initiator changes the communication parameter and the extended communication parameter in accordance with the responses PSL_RES and PSL2_RES received in step S111.

  In step S113, the initiator determines whether or not the target has completed the transition to the passive mode. That is, in step S113, the initiator determines whether or not the passive OK bit of the response PSL2_RES returned from the target is “1”. If it is determined in step S113 that the target has not completed the transition to the passive mode, that is, if the passive OK bit is “0”, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the initiator and the target perform communication (data exchange) in the active mode similar to the processing described with reference to FIG. However, since the initiator and the target have agreed in the power saving mode by the commands PSL2_REQ and PSL2_RES, in the processing after step S114, active mode communication in the power saving mode is performed.

  That is, when the low RF output OK bit of the MSG field received from the target by the initiator is “0”, communication with the low RF output is performed. Further, when the intermittent output OK bit of the MSG field received from the target by the initiator is “0”, communication by intermittent RF output is performed. Further, when the low RF output OK bit and the intermittent output OK bit in the MSG field are “0”, communication is performed with low RF output and intermittent RF output.

  The processes in steps S115 to S120 in FIG. 22 are the same as those in steps S40 to S45 in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S113 that the target has completed the transition to the passive mode, that is, if the passive OK bit is “1”, the process proceeds to step S121 in FIG.

  The processing after step S121 is basically the same as in the passive mode described with reference to FIG. That is, the processes in steps S121 to S134 in FIG. 23 are the same as the processes in steps S13 to S26 in FIG. However, the initiator and the target perform the processing after step S121 in the low RF output mode and / or the intermittent RF output mode, which are agreed upon by transmission / reception of the commands PSL2_REQ and PSL2_RES.

  As described above, the NFC communication apparatus can operate in a low RF output power saving mode (low RF output mode) or an intermittent RF output power saving mode (intermittent RF output mode).

  In the low RF output mode, the power of the output electromagnetic wave is different only in both the passive mode and the active mode. Therefore, the initiator and the target can perform the same communication as in NFCIP-1.

  Regarding the intermittent RF output mode, in the passive mode, only the initiator outputs a carrier wave (electromagnetic wave), and the target transmits data by load-modulating the carrier wave output by the initiator. Therefore, since the target in the intermittent RF output mode only needs to perform load modulation (data transmission) at the timing when the initiator outputs a carrier wave, communication is normally established even in the intermittent RF output mode. By exchanging the commands PSL2_REQ and PSL2_RES, the target can know in which period the initiator stops outputting the carrier wave. For example, the target can take measures such as stopping the electromagnetic wave detection process in that period.

  On the other hand, in the active mode, each of the initiator and the target outputs a carrier wave by itself and transmits data, and after the data is transmitted, the output of the carrier wave is stopped. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 6, there is a state in which the output of the carrier wave is stopped by both the initiator and the target during the active mode communication. For this reason, other NFC communication devices that intend to become initiators may start carrier wave output by the initial RFCA, which may hinder active mode communication, but this can be done as follows. .

As described above, other NFC communication apparatuses that intend to become initiators are determined to confirm that electromagnetic waves are not output at least for the initial delay time T _IDT as the initial RFCA process. In other words, if the time during which no electromagnetic wave is output is within the initial delay time T _IDT , other NFC communication devices that intend to become initiators will not output the electromagnetic wave. Thus, in the active mode of the intermittent RF output mode, the RF output OFF period initial delay time T _IDT within, i.e., if the RF output OFF period is within 4096 / f _c, reliably that communication in the active mode is disturbed It can be avoided.

However, when the RF output off period is limited to within the initial delay time T _IDT , there is a limit in reducing power consumption.

Therefore, a case where the RF output off period is set longer than the initial delay time T _IDT will be described. When the RF output off period is longer than the initial delay time T _IDT, it is possible that another NFC communication apparatus that intends to become an initiator outputs an electromagnetic wave.

However, as described above, at the beginning of communication (transaction), the commands ATR_REQ, ATR_RES, PSL2_REQ, and PSL2_RES are exchanged, and when operating in the intermittent RF output mode, bit 7 of the PPt field of this command ATR_REQ is set. It is “1”. That is, the NFC communication apparatus (initiator and target) can recognize that the communication started when the bit 7 of the PPt field of the command ATR_REQ is “1” is the intermittent RF output mode. Therefore, the NFC communication apparatus that has started communication sets the bit 7 of the PPt field to “0” in the communication after the bit 7 of the PPt field is set to “1” (the intermittent RF output mode is canceled). It is possible to avoid responding to electromagnetic wave output from other NFC communication devices that intend to become initiators. Thereby, even when the RF output off period is longer than the initial delay time T _IDT , it is possible to reliably prevent the active mode communication from being hindered. Whether or not bit 7 of the PPi field and the PPt field is set to “1” is determined by the application. The application is executed by the CPU 21A (FIG. 4), but the device incorporated in the NFC communication apparatus. It may be executed in.

Therefore, even when the RF output off period is longer than the initial delay time T _IDT , active mode communication is not hindered. That is, the RF output off period and the RF output on period can be arbitrarily determined between the initiator and the target.

Note that the initial delay time T _IDT when the NFC communication apparatus that intends to become an initiator executes the initial RFCA process next after the end of a series of communication exchanges (transactions) is the last of the previous transactions. The RF output off period can be counted as part of the initial delay time T _IDT .

  The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, regardless of whether the target communication mode is the active mode or the passive mode, the processing is first started in the processing flow in the active mode of NFCIP-1, and the mode is shifted to the passive mode. Changed to passive mode when is agreed. This processing flow has the advantage that there is no need to change the processing flow in the passive mode. Therefore, when priority is not given to the compatibility of the communication processing in the passive mode, the processing flow similar to the processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed, and in steps S19 and S20, in addition to the commands PSL_REQ and PSL_RES, the command PSL2_REQ and The power saving mode may be executed by performing PSL2_RES.

  In the above-described embodiment, since it is unknown whether the target can operate in the power saving mode until the response PSL2_RES is received, communication according to NFCIP-1, that is, an electromagnetic wave of 1.5 A / m or more Output has been done. However, for example, when communication with only a target that operates in the power saving mode is a precondition according to the purpose of communication, in other words, it is not necessary to communicate with a target that is not in the power saving mode. In such a case, electromagnetic waves may be output in the low RF output mode from the beginning (from the process of step S101).

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the RF output on period and the RF output off period are determined by the initiator (the determined value is transmitted to the target). However, the initiator and the target negotiate the RF output on period. And the RF output off period may be determined. For example, when the target wants to make the RF output on period and the RF output off period longer (or shorter) than the values transmitted from the initiator, a desired value can be transmitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the values for the RF output on period and the RF output off period are set in the Byte4 and Byte5 fields, and the Byte6 and Byte7 fields, respectively. Set by bit 5. Instead, valid or invalid may be set with values set in the Byte4 and Byte5 fields and the Byte6 and Byte7 fields. For example, when the values of the Byte4 and Byte5 fields and the Byte6 and Byte7 fields are “FFFF” or “0000”, it may mean that the intermittent output mode is invalid. Alternatively, the electromagnetic wave output may be kept off when the transaction ends, and may remain off until the next activation by the application. The low RF output OK bit and the passive OK bit may be determined by negotiation (consultation) between the initiator and the target.

  The point of the present invention is that the information about whether the low RF mode or the intermittent RF output mode is possible can be exchanged between the initiator and the target, and the agreed low RF mode or intermittent RF output mode. Is to communicate with. Therefore, it is arbitrary what command or parameter is used to exchange the operation parameter and the presence / absence of the low RF mode and intermittent RF output mode function.

[Verification of power saving effect]
Next, assuming the case where the NFC communication device described above is incorporated as a part of a mobile phone, the power saving effect due to the power saving mode when the NFC communication device incorporated in the mobile phone operates as an initiator will be described. Validate.

  FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a mobile phone in which the NFC communication device is incorporated.

  The mobile phone 51 includes a mobile phone electronic circuit 61, a battery (battery) 62, an NFC circuit 63, and an NFC antenna 64.

  The mobile phone electronic circuit 61 is an electronic circuit that realizes the voice communication function of the mobile phone 51. The battery 62 is composed of, for example, a lithium battery, and supplies power to both the mobile phone electronic circuit 61 and the NFC circuit 63. The battery 62 is generally used for a mobile phone and has, for example, a capacity of about 800 [mAh] at a supply voltage of 3.7 [V].

  The NFC circuit 63 and the NFC antenna 64 correspond to each configuration of the NFC communication apparatus 1 shown in FIG. That is, the NFC circuit 63 corresponds to the receiving unit 12 to the control unit 21, and the NFC antenna 64 corresponds to the antenna 11. Since the power is supplied from the battery 62, the power supply unit 22 in FIG. 4 is not included in the NFC circuit 63.

  First, when the NFC circuit 63 of the mobile phone 51 performs an operation as an initiator according to NFCIP-1, a current to be passed through the NFC antenna 64 is obtained.

  The following relationship holds between the magnetic flux density B (z) [μT] and the magnetic field strength H [A / m].

Here, μ ₀ is a conversion constant, and μ ₀ = 4π10 ⁻⁷ [T / A / m].

  As shown in FIG. 25, when current C [A] is passed through a circular coil having a radius G [m], the magnetic flux density at a distance W [m] from the center of the circular coil (vertical component of the circular coil). B (z) [μT] can be expressed by the following equation (2).

  Therefore, Expression (3) is established from Expression (1) and Expression (2).

After transforming Equation (3) so that the left side is C only, Equation (4) is obtained by reducing μ ₀ on the right side.

  Therefore, the current flowing through the NFC antenna 64 is obtained by substituting the condition when the NFC circuit 63 of the mobile phone 51 performs an operation as an initiator according to NFCIP-1 into Expression (4).

  NFCIP-1 stipulates that an electromagnetic wave is output with a power within a range of 1.5 [A / m] to 7.5 [A / m]. However, since the life of the battery 62 is desired to be as long as possible, The electromagnetic wave is output at a power of 1.5 [A / m] which is the lower limit value. Further, since the mounting space is limited to a mobile phone, the operation range (proximity distance) is 3 [cm] (within). The NFC antenna 64 of the mobile phone 51 is wound once in a circle (circular shape), and the radius of the circle is 1.5 [cm].

Therefore, W = 0.03 [m], G = 0.015 [m], μ ₀ = 4π10 ⁻⁷ [T / A / m], and H = 1.5 [A / m] are assigned to equation (4), respectively. Is done.

となる。即ち、携帯電話５１がイニシエータとして電磁波を出力する場合、NFC回路６３がNFCアンテナ６４に0.5［A］の電流を連続して流すことで、NFCアンテナ６４から３［cm］離れた位置で、1.5［A/m］の磁界強度を保証することができる。 as a result,

It becomes. That is, when the mobile phone 51 outputs an electromagnetic wave as an initiator, the NFC circuit 63 continuously sends a current of 0.5 [A] to the NFC antenna 64, so that the current is 1.5 [cm] away from the NFC antenna 64. A magnetic field strength of [A / m] can be guaranteed.

  Next, the lifetime of the battery 62 when a current of 0.5 [A] (500 [mA]) is continuously passed through the NFC antenna 64 is calculated assuming that the efficiency of the electronic circuit is 30%. In this case, 60 × 800/500 = 96 [min], 96 × 0.3 = 28.8 [min], and the lifetime is 28.8 minutes.

  Next, the lifetime is calculated when communication is performed in the low RF output mode under the same conditions.

  In low RF output mode, the power of electromagnetic wave may be 0.3 [A / m], so substitute H = 0.3 [A / m], W = 0.03 [m], G = 0.015 [m] into equation (4). Then, when the current C satisfying the magnetic field strength H = 1.5 [A / m] at a position 3 cm away from the center of the NFC antenna 64 is obtained, 0.167 [A] is obtained.

  As in the case described above, when the lifetime is calculated with the efficiency of the electronic circuit being 30%, 60 × 800/167 = 287 [min], 287 × 0.3 = 86.2 [min], and the lifetime is 86.2 minutes. It becomes.

  As described above, 86.2 / 28.8 = 2.99. When the operation as the initiator is performed in the low RF output mode, the battery 62 can be extended by about three times. That is, according to the low RF output mode, power consumption can be reduced.

  In the intermittent RF output mode, the battery 62 (life time) can be extended in proportion to the ensured RF output OFF period. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced even in the intermittent RF output mode.

  In the above-described example, the lower limit value of the electromagnetic wave power in the low RF output mode has been described as 0.3 [A / m], but the lower limit value is not necessarily 0.3 [A / m]. For example, it may be 0.15 [A / m] defined in ISO / IEC 15693, or other values.

  In this specification, the steps described in the flowcharts include processes that are executed in parallel or individually even if they are not necessarily processed in time series, as well as processes that are executed in time series in the described order. Is also included.

  1 to 3 NFC communication device, 11 antenna, 12 receiving unit, 13 demodulating unit, 14 decoding unit, 15 data processing unit, 16 encoding unit, 17 selection unit, 18 electromagnetic wave output unit, 19 modulation unit, 20 load modulation unit, 21 Control unit, 21A CPU, 21B EEPROM, 22 Power supply unit

Claims (6)

Electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting electromagnetic waves;
Data is transmitted by modulating the electromagnetic wave according to data, and transmitted from the counterpart device by demodulating the electromagnetic wave output by the electromagnetic wave generation means or the electromagnetic wave output by the counterpart device that is a communication counterpart. Transmission / reception means for receiving incoming data,
The transmission / reception means transmits, as the data, first attribute information representing its own communication capability, and receives second attribute information representing the communication capability of the counterpart device,
The first attribute information includes RF output power information indicating that the electromagnetic wave can be output in a second output power range including a power output value lower than the first output power range, and the electromagnetic wave. Including an RF on period that is a period for outputting, and intermittent RF output information including an RF off period that is a period for stopping the output of the electromagnetic wave after the RF on period ,
When the electromagnetic wave generation means receives, as the second attribute information , information indicating that the counterpart device is set in a state of operating in the second output power range, the electromagnetic wave generation means falls within the second output power range. The operation of the low RF output mode for outputting the electromagnetic wave at a power lower than the first output power range is started, and the counterpart device corresponds to the RF on period and the RF off period as the second attribute information. A communication device that starts an operation in an intermittent RF output mode in which output of the electromagnetic wave is output only during the RF output on period and then is stopped during the RF off period when information indicating that the operation state is set is received . The electromagnetic wave generating means, wherein by performing both operations of the low RF output mode and the intermittent RF output mode, the communication device according to claim 1 for reducing the power of the electromagnetic wave to be output. The RF off period is greater than the initial delay time, which is the minimum time that a device attempting to start data transmission / reception must confirm that no electromagnetic waves are being output,
The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission / reception unit stops response to another communication apparatus that operates as an initiator until the intermittent RF mode is canceled after the intermittent RF output mode is set. Said transmitting and receiving means, in the intermittent RF mode, the communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 to set any of the RF off period and the RF ON period between the partner apparatus as the initiator or target . An electromagnetic wave generating means for outputting an electromagnetic wave, and modulating the electromagnetic wave according to data to transmit data, and to demodulate the electromagnetic wave output from the electromagnetic wave generating means or the electromagnetic wave output from the counterpart device that is a communication partner By means of a communication device comprising transmission / reception means for receiving data transmitted from the counterpart device,
The transmission / reception means transmits, as the data, first attribute information representing its own communication capability, and receives second attribute information representing the communication capability of the counterpart device,
The first attribute information includes RF output power information indicating that the electromagnetic wave can be output in a second output power range including a power output value lower than the first output power range, and the electromagnetic wave. Including an RF on period that is a period for outputting, and intermittent RF output information including an RF off period that is a period for stopping the output of the electromagnetic wave after the RF on period ,
When the electromagnetic wave generating means receives, as the second attribute information , information indicating that the counterpart device is set in a state of operating in the second output power range, the second attribute information is within the second output power range. The operation of the low RF output mode for outputting the electromagnetic wave at a power lower than the first output power range is started, and the counterpart device corresponds to the RF on period and the RF off period as the second attribute information. A communication method including a step of starting an operation in an intermittent RF output mode in which, when information indicating that the operation state is set is received, the output of the electromagnetic wave is output only during the RF output on period and then stopped during the RF off period . On the computer,
Data is transmitted from the counterpart device by demodulating the electromagnetic wave output by the electromagnetic wave generation means or the counterpart device that is the communication counterpart, while transmitting data by modulating the electromagnetic wave according to the data. Transmitting and receiving means for transmitting the first attribute information representing its own communication capability as the data, and receiving the second attribute information representing the communication capability of the counterpart device,
The first attribute information includes RF output power information indicating that the electromagnetic wave can be output in a second output power range including a power output value lower than the first output power range, and the electromagnetic wave. Including an RF on period that is a period for outputting, and intermittent RF output information including an RF off period that is a period for stopping the output of the electromagnetic wave after the RF on period ,
When the electromagnetic wave generating means receives, as the second attribute information , information indicating that the counterpart device is set in a state of operating in the second output power range, the second attribute information is within the second output power range. The operation of the low RF output mode for outputting the electromagnetic wave at a power lower than the first output power range is started, and the counterpart device corresponds to the RF on period and the RF off period as the second attribute information. A program for executing processing for starting an operation in an intermittent RF output mode in which output of the electromagnetic wave is output only during the RF output on period and then is stopped only during the RF off period when information indicating that the operation state is set is received .

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