JP5385072B2 - Reader and authentication system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a reading device that reads identification information from an authentication medium represented by a non-contact IC card.

Conventionally, there is an authentication system using a non-contact IC card. The non-contact IC card receives and holds a request signal (also called a question signal) for requesting identification information from a wireless power supply and reading device (card reader) that reads the identification information of the non-contact IC card. Send identification information.
In this authentication system, for example, when a user holds a non-contact IC card over a reader (card reader) installed beside the door of a security area, the reader reads the identification information of the non-contact IC card, and the read identification information is When it is included in the identification information group stored in advance in the reading device, an operation is performed such as unlocking the electric lock provided on the door.

  In such an authentication system, the non-contact IC card can use only the power supplied wirelessly from the reader for transmitting the identification information, and therefore can only perform near field communication with its transmission output. Due to the restriction that only short-distance communication is possible, the user must hold the contactless IC card over the reader, making it easy to recognize who is entering the security area from the surroundings, so security is sufficiently secured. Will be.

On the other hand, in a system where only close proximity communication is possible, in a security area where a high level of security protection is not required, the user must go to the reading device and hold the contactless IC card one by one. It also has the aspect of lacking user convenience in its operation.
Therefore, for the purpose of managing the entry and exit of users in a security area where high security protection is not required, a response signal including identification information is received further by receiving a request signal for requesting identification information from a reading device with a built-in battery. An authentication system including an authentication medium (tag) that can be skipped up to and a reading device (tag reader) that reads identification information held by the tag has been developed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses such a tag reader and tag.

JP 2008-177775 A

By the way, in order to improve user convenience, a function for authenticating a tag is further added to a system for authenticating a non-contact IC card, or vice versa, a function for authenticating a non-contact IC card is added to a system for authenticating a tag. Thus, it is conceivable to configure a reading device that authenticates both.
However, since the request signal for the non-contact IC card and the request signal for the tag can be noise with respect to each other, there is a possibility that the request signal cannot be correctly received by the non-contact IC card or the tag.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in a reading device that performs communication in a frequency band different from two or more types of authentication media, a reading device that can receive a signal as correctly as possible in an IC card or tag, and an authentication system including the reading device The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a reading apparatus according to the present invention holds an active tag that holds first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and holds second information and holds the second information. A reading device that reads information held by each contactless IC card that transmits in the HF band, the first transmitting means that transmits in the LF band a first request signal that requests the first information; A second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting second information in the HF band; and causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, so that the predetermined first Control means for causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in the second period excluding the period is provided.

  An authentication system according to the present invention is an authentication system including an active tag, a non-contact IC card, and a reading device, wherein the active tag includes a memory for holding first information, A transmission means for transmitting a response signal including the first information in a UHF band when a first request signal for requesting the first information is received from a reading device; And a transmission means for transmitting a response signal including the second information in the HF band when a second request signal for requesting the second information is received from the reader. The reading apparatus transmits a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band, and a second transmission for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band. Means and the first transmission means Control means for transmitting the first request signal only in a predetermined first period and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. It is characterized by.

With the configuration as described above, the reading apparatus transmits the second request signal at a timing when the first request signal is not transmitted, so that the first request signal and the second request signal become noise with respect to each other. In addition, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the request signal is not correctly received in the active tag or the non-contact IC card.
Further, the non-contact IC card performs communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods, and the reading device is selected to select one of the communication methods. And the second transmission unit may transmit the second request signal based on the communication method selected by the selection unit.

As a result, the reading apparatus can accept an instruction from the user, for example, and can authenticate the desired non-contact IC card on the user side.
The non-contact IC card performs communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods, and the plurality of communication methods include an ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) 100. The control means transmits the second request signal to the non-contact IC card by the communication system modulated by the ASK 100%. In this case, unlike the other communication methods, the second request signal may be transmitted exceptionally only in the predetermined first period.

  Alternatively, the non-contact IC card performs communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods, and the plurality of communication methods include an ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) 10. A communication method modulated by% and other communication methods are included, and the control means is a second communication device for a contactless IC card in a communication method other than the communication method in which the second transmission means is modulated by the ASK 10%. When the request signal is transmitted, the second request signal may be transmitted only during the predetermined first period, unlike the ASK 10% communication method.

  As a result, the reading apparatus uses a communication method that is strong against noise, such as ASK 100% with a high degree of modulation, in which the difference between the amplitude determined to be “0” and the amplitude determined to be “1” is large. In this case, since the request signal for the non-contact IC card is transmitted in the first period, when there are a plurality of non-contact IC card communication methods from which the reader should be able to read information, more time is required for transmitting the request signal. It can be used effectively.

The contactless IC card includes one that performs communication using a first communication method and one that performs communication using a second communication method that is different from the first communication method. The two transmitting means may transmit the second request signal by switching between the first communication method and the second communication method according to a predetermined order.
As a result, when using non-contact IC cards with different communication methods, it is possible to operate non-contact IC cards with different communication methods in the same system by transmitting a request signal while switching the communication methods. it can.

  In addition, the active tag is supplied with power from the reading device in a non-contact manner and transmits the first information, and the active tag is supplied with power from a battery mounted on the device, and the active tag is in the UHF band. Communication is performed by selecting one of the second communication methods for transmitting the first information, and the reading device selects one of the first communication method and the second communication method. The first transmission unit may transmit the first request signal by the communication method selected by the selection unit.

  As a result, the request signal can be transmitted in a communication method in which the reader can supply power to the active tag in a non-contact manner, so that the active tag can receive power from the reader even if the battery power is cut off. Thus, authentication can be performed and, for example, a situation such as confinement in the user's room when the battery of the active tag is exhausted can be avoided. In addition, by configuring so as to be able to switch between when power is supplied and when power is not supplied, for example, a communication signal that transmits a request signal for an active tag in a communication method that normally does not supply power, and supplies power during that time. In the equation, power can be saved in the reading apparatus by not transmitting a request signal.

The predetermined transmission period may be composed of a plurality of unit periods, and the stop period may be provided between the unit periods.
As a result, by repeating the first period and the second period and dividing them into appropriate time units, a request signal for the active tag and the non-contact IC card is alternately transmitted. Transmission of request signals to any of the contact IC cards can be prevented from being biased. That is, it is possible to shorten the time required for authentication of each authentication medium, that is, the longest response time.

  Further, the non-contact IC card performs communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods, and the non-contact IC card has the request signal A response signal with respect to the sub-carrier load modulation and a non-contact IC card that transmits a response signal with other modulation schemes, and the control means sends the sub-transmission to the second transmission means When transmitting a second request signal for a non-contact IC card that transmits a signal using a carrier method, unlike when transmitting a second request signal for a non-contact IC card that transmits a signal using another modulation method, Exceptionally, the second request signal may be transmitted also in the first period.

  The signal modulated by the subcarrier load modulation generated by the non-contact IC card is easily distinguishable between “0” and “1” for the reader, and causes interference with the request signal transmitted by the reader. Regardless, you can receive correctly. Therefore, for a request signal for a contactless IC card that emits a response signal modulated by subcarrier load modulation, the request signal is transmitted in both the first period and the second period, and the reading cycle is accelerated. The convenience of the user who uses the non-contact IC card that emits the response signal modulated by the carrier load modulation can be improved.

In addition, the control means is an exception for a request signal for a non-contact card that receives a request signal modulated by ASK 100% by the second transmission means among non-contact IC cards that transmit a signal by subcarrier load modulation. In particular, it is possible to cause the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in the first period.
As a result, among the contactless IC cards that emit response signals modulated by subcarrier load modulation, the read cycle of identifiers of contactless IC cards that receive request signals modulated by a percentage other than ASK100% is accelerated. The convenience of the user who uses the non-contact IC card can be improved.

It is a system diagram showing a system configuration of an authentication system. It is the functional block diagram which showed the function structure of the reader. It is the functional block diagram which showed the function structure of the tag. It is the functional block diagram which showed the function structure of the non-contact IC card. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the authentication information which a reader hold | maintains. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the authentication log | history information which a hybrid reader and a high-order apparatus hold | maintain. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to transmission of a request signal of the hybrid reader 100 according to the first embodiment. 3 is a timing chart showing the timing of request signal transmission according to the first embodiment. 4 is a timing chart illustrating an example of transmission timing of a request signal according to the first embodiment. 4 is a timing chart illustrating an example of transmission timing of a request signal according to the first embodiment. 4 is a timing chart illustrating an example of transmission timing of a request signal according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation related to transmission of a request signal of the hybrid reader 100 according to the second embodiment. 6 is a timing chart showing the timing of request signal transmission according to the second embodiment. It is the table | surface which showed the modulation system in communication between a hybrid reader and a non-contact IC card. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to transmission of a request signal of the hybrid reader 100 according to the third embodiment. 10 is a timing chart showing the timing of request signal transmission according to the third embodiment.

<Embodiment 1>
Hereinafter, a reading apparatus and an authentication system using the reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the “reading device” is called “hybrid reader” because it authenticates both the non-contact IC card and the tag.
<Configuration>
FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing a system configuration of the authentication system.

As shown in FIG. 1, the authentication system includes a hybrid reader 100, an active tag 110 that is a first type of authentication medium, a contactless IC card 120 that is a second type of authentication medium, and a host device 130. Composed.
Here, the operation in normal authentication of each device in the authentication system will be briefly described. The hybrid reader 100 transmits a request signal for requesting identification information to the authentication medium (the active tag 110 or the non-contact IC card 120). Upon receiving the request signal, the authentication medium transmits a response signal including identification information held by itself to the hybrid reader 100. Then, the hybrid reader 100 unlocks the electric lock 150 provided on the door 140 and performs authentication when there is identification information included in the response signal in the identification information group stored in its own device. History information indicating that it has been performed or unlocked is transmitted to the host apparatus 130, and the host apparatus 130 records and stores the transmitted history information.

Now, each device related to the authentication system shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.
<Configuration of Hybrid Reader 100>
First, the hybrid reader 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the hybrid reader 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the hybrid reader 100 includes an I / F (InterFace) unit 210, an operation unit 220, a notification unit 230, an LF (Low Frequency) band transceiver 240, and a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band reception. 250, an HF (High Frequency) band transceiver 260, a storage unit 270, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 280.

  The I / F unit 210 has a function of executing communication with the host device 130 and the electric lock 150 in accordance with a predetermined communication standard (for example, RS-485 standard). More specifically, the I / F unit 210 transmits a signal transmitted from the host device 130 to the CPU 280 and history information transmitted from the CPU 280 to the host device 130 or transmits from the CPU 280. The electronic lock 150 has a function of transmitting a lock / unlock instruction signal to the electric lock 150.

The operation unit 220 includes an operation button provided on the decorative panel of the hybrid reader 100, and has a function of instructing the LF band transmitter / receiver 240 to switch the communication method based on an input from the user to the operation button. Have.
The notification unit 230 has a function of notifying a user of a state such as an error occurrence in the hybrid reader 100 and an information related to authentication using an LED or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) provided on the decorative panel of the hybrid reader 100. Have

The LF band transmitter / receiver 240 performs communication with the active tag 110, modulates a request signal for requesting identification information of the active tag 110 transmitted from the CPU 280, and transmits the LF antenna 241 in the LF band (135 kHz band). And a function of receiving a signal transmitted in the LF band and transmitting it to the CPU 280.
The UHF band receiver 250 has a function of receiving a signal from the active tag 110 in the UHF band (400 MHz band) via the UHF antenna 251, demodulating the received signal, and transmitting the demodulated signal to the CPU 280.

The HF band transmitter / receiver 260 communicates with the non-contact IC card 120, modulates a request signal for requesting identification information of the non-contact IC card 120 transmitted from the CPU 280, and generates an HF band (13.56 MHz). Band) and a function of receiving a signal transmitted in the HF band and transmitting it to the CPU 280.
The storage unit 270 includes an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), a memory, and the like, and has a function of storing various data and programs necessary for the operation of the hybrid reader 100. In addition, the storage unit 270 stores authentication information 271 that is referred to at the time of authentication.

The CPU 280 has a function of controlling each unit of the hybrid reader 100 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 270. The CPU 280 has a function of performing authentication using the authentication information 271 when the identification information of the contactless IC card read by the HF band transceiver 260 is transmitted from the HF band transceiver 260.
The CPU 280 also has the following functions. The CPU 280 instructs the LF band transceiver 240 to start transmission of a first request signal for requesting active tag identification information. After the instruction, when the predetermined time t1 elapses, the stop of the transmission of the first request signal is instructed, and the transmission of the second request signal for requesting the identification information held by the non-contact IC card to the HF transceiver 260 is started. Instruct. Then, the CPU 280 instructs the HF band transceiver 260 to stop transmitting the second request signal when the predetermined time t2 elapses, and instructs the LF band transceiver 240 to start transmitting the first request signal. The CPU 280 repeats the above-described instruction for switching the transmission of the request signal. When the CPU 280 receives a response signal immediately before switching between transmission of the LF band request signal and the HF band request signal, the CPU 280 takes time for processing related to authentication from the response signal, and the hybrid reader 100 Since communication is also performed with an authentication medium (active tag 110 or non-contact IC card 120), switching is performed after performing an authentication process. In this case, a predetermined time limit (time t1 and time described above) is set. t2) may be exceeded.
<Configuration of active tag 110>
Next, the active tab 110 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the active tag 110. As shown in FIG. 3, the active tag 110 includes an LF band transmitter / receiver 310, a UHF band transmitter 320, a memory 330, a button 340, a battery 350, and a CPU 360.
The LF band transceiver 310 receives the first request signal from the hybrid reader 100 via the LF antenna 311, demodulates the received first request signal, and transmits it to the CPU 360, and is transmitted from the CPU 360. The response signal is modulated and transmitted through the LF antenna 311.

The UHF band transmitter 320 has a function of modulating the first response signal transmitted from the CPU 360 and transmitting it through the UHF antenna 321.
The memory 330 has a function of storing identification information 331.
The button 340 is a button for accepting an operation from the user, and has a function of transmitting the fact to the CPU 360 when a user press is accepted.

The battery 350 has a function of supplying power for transmitting the first response signal in the UHF band to the UHF band transmitter 320 and the CPU 360.
The CPU 360 has a function of controlling each part of the active tag 110. The CPU 360 has a function of reading the identification information 331 from the memory 330 in accordance with the first request signal transmitted from the LF band transmitter / receiver 310 and transmitting the identification information 331 to the UHF band transmitter 320 as a first response signal. Further, only when a request signal from the hybrid reader 100 is received, the UHF band transmitter 320 is transmitted with a response signal generated by pressing the button 340.
<Configuration of non-contact IC card 120>
Next, the non-contact IC card 120 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the non-contact IC card 120 includes an HF band transceiver 410, a memory 420, and a CPU 430.
The HF band transceiver 410 has a function of receiving the second request signal from the hybrid reader 100 via the HF antenna 411, demodulating the received signal, and transmitting it to the CPU 430. The HF band transceiver 410 has a function of modulating the second response signal transmitted from the CPU 430 and transmitting it in the HF band via the HF antenna 411.

The memory 420 has a function of storing identification information 421.
The CPU 430 has a function of controlling each part of the non-contact IC card 120. The CPU 430 has a function of reading the identification information 421 from the memory 420 in accordance with the second request signal transmitted from the HF band transceiver 410 and transmitting it to the HF band transmitter 410 as a second response signal.
<Higher-level device 130>
The host device 130 will be briefly described. The host device 130 is a device that holds a history related to authentication or the like performed by the hybrid reader 100, and when a plurality of hybrid readers are connected. The history in each hybrid reader is held and managed. The host device 130 instructs the hybrid reader 100 to add new identification information to the authentication information 271 held by the hybrid reader 100, or deletes the identification information recorded in the authentication information 271; 100 has a function of recording and holding authentication history information transmitted from 100.
<Data>
From here, the authentication information 271 will be described.

The authentication information 271 indicates the authority of who is allowed to enter and leave the area where the hybrid reader 100 authenticates.
FIG. 5 is a data conceptual diagram of the authentication information 271.
As shown in FIG. 5, the authentication information 271 is an information group in which the identification information 502 and the user name 503 are associated with the management number 501.
The management number 501 is a management number assigned for convenience in order for the hybrid reader 100 to manage each authentication information.
The identification information 502 is identification information unique to the active tag and the non-contact IC card. The active tag and the non-contact IC card are classified by data of the first two characters of the identification information (here, two characters in a character string format). That is, in the case of an active tag, the identification information begins with “ID”, and in the case of a non-contact IC card, the identification information begins with “IC”.
A user name 503 is a name of a user holding an active tag and a non-contact IC card.
For example, the identification information of the contactless IC card corresponding to the management number “10687” is “IC00006898”, and the name of the user holding the contactless IC card is “Kana Sato”.
Data is added to or deleted from the authentication information 271 from the higher-level device 130.
FIG. 6 is a data conceptual diagram of an authentication history 600 indicating the history of authentication held by the hybrid reader 100 and the host device 130. The authentication history 600 is held in the hybrid reader 100 and the host device 130. The hybrid reader 100 has a predetermined number (for example, 20,000) of history, and the host device 130 has a history of all authentication and unlocking events.
As shown in FIG. 6, the authentication history 600 is information in which identification information 602, user name 603, location 604, date and time 605, and event 606 are associated with management No. 601.
The management number 601 is a management number assigned for convenience in order for the hybrid reader 100 or the host device 130 to manage each authentication information.
The identification information 602 is identification information unique to the active tag or non-contact IC card used for authentication.
The user name 603 is the name of the user holding the active tag or contactless IC card used for authentication.
The location 604 is information on an area or an authentication device in which an event, for example, execution of authentication, unlocking of a key, a decrease in battery voltage, or the like has occurred.
Date and time 605 is information on the date and time when the event occurred.
The event 606 is information indicating the content of the event that has occurred.
For example, the identification information corresponding to the management number “087882” is “IC00006897”, the authentication medium is a non-contact IC card in the header portion, and the name of the user holding the non-contact IC card is “Aoi” The place where the authentication was performed is “Area A”, and the date and time when the authentication was performed is “12:13 on November 12, 2008”. According to the event content, Noriko Aoi Has been “exited” from area A. If the generated event is not related to authentication, there is no data corresponding to the identification information 602 or the user name 603. In FIG. 6, “−” is described.
<Operation>
From here, the operation | movement of the hybrid reader 100 in this Embodiment is demonstrated using the flowchart shown in FIG.

The CPU 280 of the hybrid reader 100 causes the LF band transceiver 240 to transmit a request signal for requesting identification information to the non-contact IC card (step S701).
The CPU 280 determines whether or not a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the LF band transceiver 240 starts transmitting the request signal (step S702). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S702), the process returns to step S702, and the subsequent processing is executed.

If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S702), the CPU 280 instructs the LF band transceiver 240 to stop transmitting the request signal (step S703).
After the instruction, the CPU 280 instructs the HF band transceiver 260 to start transmitting a request signal for requesting identification information of the non-contact IC card (step S704).
When receiving a response signal that is a response to the request signal transmitted from the non-contact IC card (YES in step S705), the HF band transceiver 260 demodulates the response signal and transmits it to the CPU 280. Alternatively, when receiving the response signal transmitted by the active tag (YES in step S705), the LF transceiver 240 or the UHF band receiver 250 demodulates the response signal and transmits it to the CPU 280. Then, the CPU 280 executes an authentication process for determining whether or not the identification information included in the transmitted response signal is included in the authentication information 271 (step S706). If no response signal has been received (NO in step S705), the process proceeds to step S707.

The CPU 280 determines whether or not a predetermined time t2 has elapsed since the HF band transceiver 260 started transmitting the request signal (step S707). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S707), the process returns to step S705 to execute the subsequent processing.
If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S707), the HF band transceiver 260 is instructed to stop transmitting the request signal (step S708), and the process returns to step S701.

By performing the above operation, the timing of the signal transmitted by the hybrid reader 100 in each cycle will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the signal transmission timing when only one of the active tag and the non-contact IC card is used in the authentication system will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8A shows the transmission timing of the request signal in the system using only the active tag, and the time T0 in FIG. 8A is one cycle. In FIG. 8A, the block indicated by “LF” is the timing at which the request signal is transmitted. In FIG. 8A, the blocks “UHF1” to “UHF5” indicated by dotted lines may transmit a response signal from the active tag to the request signal transmitted by the LF band transceiver 240. Shows the slot. By repeating this period T0, authentication of the active tag in the reader is performed.

On the other hand, FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C are diagrams showing timings of request signals transmitted to a non-contact IC card in a system using only a non-contact IC card in the past. To explain here, there are a plurality of communication methods for communication between the non-contact IC card and the reader, and one of the communication methods is usually used.
FIG. 8B shows a case where communication is performed with a non-contact IC card using only one communication method. In FIG. 8B, a system using FeliCa (registered trademark) which is one of the communication methods. Shows the case. As shown in the figure, a request signal for the non-contact IC card is periodically transmitted.

  FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the transmission timing of a request signal in a system in which a plurality of contactless IC cards with different communication methods are used. In addition to the above-mentioned FeliCa (registered trademark), communication methods used for contactless IC cards include communication methods such as ISO14443typeA (hereinafter referred to as typeA), ISO15693typeB (hereinafter referred to as typeB), and ISO15693. is there. Therefore, in the case of a system in which non-contact IC cards communicating with any one of these communication methods are mixed, as shown in FIG. 8C, the FeliCa (registered trademark) type non-contact IC card The period shown by time T1 in FIG. 8C is a method in which a request signal, a request signal for a type A non-contact IC card, and a request signal for a type B type non-contact IC card are transmitted in a predetermined order. By repeating the above, the reading device executes communication with the non-contact IC card.

In the present embodiment, the hybrid reader 100 as a reading device needs to transmit a request signal to both the active tag and the non-contact IC card, and operates in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. The request signal is transmitted as shown in FIG.
When the LF band transceiver 240 transmits a request signal in the LF band, the request signal is transmitted as in the case shown in FIG. 8A, but the HF band transmits the request signal to the non-contact IC card. The transceiver 260 is not at the timing shown in FIG. 8B, but at the timing when the LF band transceiver 240 is not transmitting a request signal in the LF band as shown in FIG. Send a request signal.

By configuring in this way, the request signal in the LF band and the request signal in the HF band do not become noise with respect to each other, so that the request signal cannot be correctly received in the active tag or the non-contact IC card. Can be reduced as compared with the case where the LF band request signal and the HF band request signal are transmitted simultaneously.
In FIG. 9, the request signal transmitted by the HF band transceiver is described as an example of transmitting a request signal for a FeliCa (registered trademark) type non-contact IC card. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, if a non-contact IC card conforming to the type B communication method is operated, the request signal may be transmitted using the type B communication method, or a non-different communication method may be used. If the contact IC cards are operated simultaneously, as shown in FIG. 11, request signals having different communication methods may be transmitted at a timing at which the LF band request signal is not transmitted according to a predetermined order.
<Embodiment 2>
Another method for signal transmission timing in the first embodiment will be described.

The second embodiment is an example in the case where request signals by a plurality of communication methods have to be transmitted, and the request signal is efficiently transmitted to the non-contact IC card in that case.
The above-described plurality of communication systems include those having different modulation degrees, and normally employs one of ASK 100% (Type A) and ASK 10% (FeliCa (registered trademark), Type B). In the case of ASK 100%, since the difference between 0 and 1 of the signal amplitude is large, it is easy to determine 0 and 1, so it can be said that the modulation method is resistant to noise.

  Therefore, in the hybrid reader 100 according to the second embodiment, the LF band transmitter / receiver 240 transmits a request signal in the LF band for the communication system using the ASK 100% modulation system, specifically, the type A communication system. At the timing, the HF band transmitter / receiver 260 transmits a request signal by the communication method of type A, and the request signal for the non-contact IC card according to the other communication method is the LF band transmitter / receiver as shown in the above embodiment. The request signal is transmitted at a timing when 240 does not transmit the request signal.

The configuration and operation in this case will be described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment.
<Configuration>
Unlike the first embodiment, the CPU 280 is the same timing as the transmission timing of the request signal for the LF band transmitter / receiver 240 for the type A communication scheme of 100% ASK among the request signals for the non-contact IC card. The HF band transceiver 260 is instructed to send and stop a request signal, and other communication methods that are not 100% ASK such as typeB and FeliCa (registered trademark) are requested in the LF band as in the first embodiment. At the timing when no signal is transmitted, the HF band transceiver 260 is instructed to transmit.
<Operation>
The operation of the hybrid reader 100 in the case of the second embodiment will be described.

The CPU 280 of the hybrid reader 100 instructs the LF band transmitter / receiver 240 to start the sequential transmission of request signals, and the HF band transmitter / receiver 260 transmits request signals in the ASK 100% communication method (here, type A). A sequential transmission is instructed (step S1201).
When receiving the response signal from the non-contact IC card (YES in step S1202), the HF band transceiver 260 demodulates the received response signal and transmits it to the CPU 280. The CPU 280 executes an authentication process as to whether or not the identification information included in the transmitted response signal is included in the held authentication information 271 (step S1203). If a response signal for the transmitted request signal has not been received (NO in step S1202), the process proceeds to step S1204.

The CPU 280 determines whether or not a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the LF band transceiver 240 starts transmitting the request signal (step S1204). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1204), the process returns to step S1202.
If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1204), the CPU 280 instructs the LF band transceiver 240 and the HF band transceiver 260 to stop transmitting the request signal (step S1205).

After the instruction, the CPU 280 starts transmitting a request signal for requesting identification information to the HF band transceiver 260 using a communication method other than type A of the non-contact IC card 120 (here, FeliCa (registered trademark) and type B). (Step S1206).
When receiving a response signal that is a response to the transmitted request signal (YES in step S1207), the HF band transceiver 260 demodulates the response signal and transmits it to the CPU 280. Alternatively, when the LF transceiver 240 or the UHF band receiver 250 receives the response signal transmitted by the active tag (YES in step S1207), the response signal is demodulated and transmitted to the CPU 280. Then, the CPU 280 executes an authentication process for determining whether or not the identification information included in the transmitted response signal is included in the authentication information 271 (step S1208). If no response signal has been received (NO in step S1207), the process proceeds to step S1209.

The CPU 280 determines whether or not a predetermined time t2 has elapsed since the HF band transceiver 260 started transmitting the request signal (step S1209). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S1209), the process returns to step S1207.
If the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S1209), the HF band transceiver 260 is instructed to stop transmitting the request signal (step S1210), and the process returns to step S1201.

Thus, the transmission timing of each signal when the hybrid reader 100 operates will be described with reference to FIG.
While the LF band transmitter / receiver 240 transmits a request signal in the LF band, the HF transmitter / receiver 260 transmits the request signal using the type A communication method.
Then, while the LF band transceiver 240 is not transmitting a request signal, the request signal is alternately transmitted by the communication method of FeliCa (registered trademark) and type B.

The hybrid reader 100 according to the second embodiment transmits the request signal in the LF band for the FeliCa (registered trademark) and type B communication systems that are vulnerable to noise by repeating the transmission of the request signal as shown in the cycle T0. By transmitting with no timing, the request signal is received by the non-contact IC card without being influenced by the signal of the LF band. In addition, by transmitting a request signal based on a type A communication system that is resistant to noise at the timing when the request signal in the LF band is transmitted, the communication band related to time is more effectively used than in the case of FIG. be able to.
<Embodiment 3>
In the second embodiment, attention is paid to the interference between the HF band signal transmitted to the active tag by the hybrid reader 100 and the LF band signal transmitted to the contactless IC card having a different communication method type. Therefore, the timing for transmitting each signal to the non-contact IC card having a different type of communication method is determined.

In the third embodiment, the transmission timing of the request signal to the non-contact IC card is further determined in consideration of interference of signals transmitted from the non-contact IC card.
In the second embodiment, the hybrid reader 100 transmits a request signal also to the type A non-contact IC card at the transmission timing of the request signal in the LF band. This is because the contactless IC card can correctly receive the request signal in the type A communication system that modulates with 100% ASK that is resistant to noise. However, in the authentication system according to the present invention, the contactless IC card receives the request signal. What is more important than being receivable is that the hybrid reader 100 can correctly receive the response signal transmitted by the non-contact IC card. This is because, when the hybrid reader 100 reads an erroneous identifier due to noise, it may not be unlocked even though authentication was performed with a contactless IC card that originally holds an identifier that can unlock the electric lock of the door. Because there is sex.

In describing the transmission timing of the request signal of the hybrid reader 100 according to the third embodiment, first, the signal transmission method of each contactless IC card of type A, type B, and Felica (registered trademark) will be described.
FIG. 14 is a table showing signal transmission methods between various contactless IC cards and hybrid readers, and shows communication speeds, encoding methods, and modulation methods.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the hybrid reader 100 transmits a signal modulated with ASK 100% using a modified mirror code to a type A non-contact IC card. Further, the hybrid reader 100 transmits a signal modulated by ASK 10% to the type B non-contact IC card using the NRZ code. A signal modulated by ASK 10% is transmitted to a Felica (registered trademark) non-contact IC card by using 10,000 chess and other codes.

  On the other hand, as for a non-contact IC card, a type A non-contact IC card transmits a signal modulated by subcarrier load modulation using a Manchchester code. The type B contactless IC card uses BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) to modulate the signal modulated by subcarrier load modulation, while the Felica (registered trademark) contactless IC card uses Manchester code to modulate at 10% ASK. Is sending the signal.

The communication between the type A non-contact IC card and the hybrid reader 100 is a communication speed of 106 kbps, the communication between the type B non-contact IC card and the hybrid reader 100 is a communication speed of 106 kbps, and the non-contact of Felica (registered trademark). Communication between the IC card and the hybrid reader 100 is performed at a communication speed of 212 kbps.
Subcarrier load modulation is a modulation scheme that modulates a carrier wave with a subcarrier. That is, in the case of type A among the signals transmitted by the contactless IC card, for the component meaning “0”, a subcarrier is generated in the latter half part in the bit period corresponding to 1 bit, and “1” is set. For the meaning component, subcarriers are generated in the first half in a bit period corresponding to one bit. In the case of type B, subcarriers are generated in all periods, but the signal phase changes when the signal phase in the guard time for indicating the start of the signal is “1” and the start bit is “0”. Each time the subcarrier phase is changed by 180 degrees (by BPSK), the components of “0” and “1” are expressed. The subcarrier frequency is in the 847.5 kHz band.

By using subcarrier load modulation, the difference between “0” and “1” becomes clearer, so that the hybrid reader 100 can more easily distinguish the signal contents.
In other words, the LF band request signal transmitted by the hybrid reader 100 becomes noise with respect to the response signal from the non-contact IC card and may not be received correctly, but is modulated by subcarrier load modulation. Since the received signal is highly resistant to such noise, the request signal is also sent to the contactless IC card that transmits the response signal modulated by subcarrier load modulation at the timing of transmitting the request signal of the LF band. Even if transmitted, the hybrid reader 100 can correctly receive the response signal without being affected by noise.

Therefore, the hybrid reader 100 according to the third embodiment has the following configuration. In the following, a configuration different from that of the second embodiment will be described, and operations common to those of the second embodiment will be omitted.
<Configuration>
Unlike Embodiment 2, CPU 280 requests a non-contact IC card that performs communication using the type B communication method among the request signals for the non-contact IC card at the timing at which the LF band request signal is transmitted. Send a signal.

  That is, the CPU 280 alternately requests the HF band transmitter / receiver 260 for the contactless IC card that performs communication using the type A and type B communication methods at the same timing as the transmission timing of the request signal to the LF band transmitter / receiver 240. At the timing when the signal is transmitted and the request signal is not transmitted to the LF band transmitter / receiver 240, the HF band transmitter / receiver 260 is connected to the Felica (registered trademark) and the type B communication method to a non-contact IC card. In contrast, the request signal is alternately transmitted.

The reason why the request signal is transmitted to the type B non-contact IC card even during the t2 period is that the non-contact IC card cannot correctly receive the type B request signal during the t1 period as described in the second embodiment. This is because there is a possibility.
<Operation>
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation related to transmission of a request signal of the hybrid reader 100 according to the third embodiment. The operation of the hybrid reader 100 according to the third embodiment is different from the operation according to the second embodiment in the operations in steps S1501 and S1506 in FIG. Therefore, step S1501 and step S1506 will be described in detail here, and the other operations will not be described here as they are the same as in the second embodiment.

  In step S1501, the CPU 280 of the hybrid reader 100 instructs the LF band transmitter / receiver 240 to start sequential transmission of request signals, and outputs a signal modulated by subcarrier load modulation to the HF band transmitter / receiver 260. A sequential transmission of request signals (here, type A and type B) to the non-contact IC card to be transmitted is instructed (step S1501).

Upon receiving the instruction, the LF band transceiver 240 sequentially transmits a request signal for the active tag, and the HF band transceiver 260 transmits a request signal for the type A non-contact IC card and a request signal for the type B non-contact IC card. Are sent alternately.
On the other hand, when the t1 period elapses (YES in step S1204), the CPU 280 of the hybrid reader 100 instructs the LF band transceiver 240 to stop the sequential transmission of request signals (step S1205).

  Then, the CPU 280 transmits a request signal (type B) modulated with ASK 100% of the request signal for the non-contact IC card that transmits the signal modulated with the subcarrier load modulation to the HF band transceiver 260, and the subcarrier. A sequential transmission with a request signal (Felica (registered trademark)) for a contactless IC card that transmits a signal not modulated by load modulation is instructed (step S1506).

In response to the instruction, the HF band transceiver 260 alternately transmits a request signal for the type B non-contact IC card and a request signal for the Felica (registered trademark) non-contact IC card.
FIG. 16 schematically shows the signal timing of each request signal transmitted by the hybrid reader 100 when operated in this way.
As can be seen from FIG. 16, unlike the second embodiment, a request signal for a non-contact type IC card of type B is issued even during the period t1.

By doing so, it is possible to increase the reading efficiency of the identifier of the type B non-contact IC card by transmitting a request signal for the type B non-contact IC card even during the period t1.
<Supplement>
In the above embodiment, the method of implementing the present invention has been described, but it is needless to say that the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this. Hereinafter, various modified examples included in the present invention other than the above-described embodiment will be described.
(1) In the second embodiment, the case of ASK 100% and the case of ASK 10% has been described as an example. However, HF band communication in the case of transmitting an HF band request signal when transmitting an LF band request signal The selection of the method may be divided into high and low resistance to noise, and may be divided according to a predetermined modulation degree threshold, for example. Moreover, although the case of ASK was shown in the above-described embodiment, this can be divided according to the difference in modulation degree even in the case of PSK (Phase Shift Keying).
(2) In the above embodiment, the active tag and the non-contact IC card are distinguished by the first two characters “IC” and “ID” of the identification information. This is because the active tag is an active tag. Information indicating that the information is present is stored separately from the identification information, or information indicating that the non-contact IC card is a non-contact IC card is stored separately from the identification information, and the information is used as a response signal. By including, the CPU 280 of the hybrid reader 100 may recognize whether the authentication medium to be authenticated is an active tag or a non-contact IC card.

Alternatively, the CPU 280 recognizes whether the response signal is transmitted from the LF band transceiver 240, the HF band transceiver 260, or the UHF band receiver 250 as an active tag or a non-contact IC card. Also good.
(3) In the above embodiment, the communication between the hybrid reader 100 and the active tag 110 is performed by receiving a request signal in the LF band from the hybrid reader 100 and the active tag 110 returning a response signal. However, since the active tag 110 is designed to transmit a response signal in the UHF band using the power of the battery 350 built in itself, the power of the battery 350 is cut off and cannot be transmitted in the UHF band. May occur.

  Therefore, in addition to the communication method described above, a communication method that performs near field communication using the LF band that performs authentication while supplying power from the hybrid reader 100 to the active tag 110 in addition to the communication method described above. You can communicate with. In this case, the active tag 110 transmits a response signal in the LF band. That is, communication performed while supplying power from the hybrid reader 100 that is performed using the HF band between the hybrid reader 100 and the non-contact IC card 120 is performed in the LF band.

In response to such a case, the hybrid reader 100 is provided with a switch for switching the communication method, and the hybrid reader 100 supplies power to the active tag 110 while the user presses the button. Switch to a communication method that authenticates while supplying.
At this time, as shown in the first embodiment, at the timing of transmitting the request signal for the active tag in the LF band, the request signal for the non-contact IC card is not transmitted in the HF band, and the request for the active tag is performed in the LF band. At the timing when the request signal is not transmitted, the request signal is transmitted to the non-contact IC card in the HF band.
(4) Although no specific time is shown for the period (t2 in t1) in which the LF band transceiver 240 shown in the above embodiment transmits the request signal, this is the time that can be put to practical use in the operation of the authentication system. For example, t1 may be set to 100 msec, t2 may be set to 300 msec, or t1 may be set to 200 msec and t2 may be set to 500 msec.

This time may be configured so that the system administrator can freely set this time as appropriate in the hybrid reader 100.
(5) The communication method of the contactless IC card described in the above embodiment is not limited to the communication method described in the above embodiment, and may correspond to the communication method used in the authentication system. Further, even when a plurality of types of communication methods are used, the combination is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, a combination of FeliCa (registered trademark) and ISO15693 may be used.

Further, the hybrid reader 100 may be configured to be able to set which communication method is used from among a plurality of communication methods, or may be set from the higher-level device 130.
(6) In the above embodiment, the hybrid reader 100 performs the authentication. However, in the authentication system, the hybrid reader 100 may take a form in which authentication is not performed.

Here, a modified example related to authentication when the hybrid reader 100 does not perform authentication is shown. In the case of this modification, the hybrid reader 100 is not connected to the electric lock 150, and the host device 130 is connected to the electric lock. In the above embodiment, the host device 130 executes the locking / unlocking of the electric lock 150 performed by the hybrid reader 100.
First, when the hybrid reader 100 does not hold the authentication information 271 and acquires identification information from the active tag 110 or the non-contact IC card 120, the hybrid reader 100 transmits the identification information to the host device 130.

The host device 130 determines whether or not the identification information transmitted from the hybrid reader 100 matches the identification information registered in the authentication information. Instruct the lock. When a negative determination is made, a signal indicating that authentication is impossible is transmitted to the hybrid reader 100, and the hybrid reader 100 notifies the user that the authentication has failed by, for example, lighting the LED in red.
(7) In the third embodiment, the request signal for the type A non-contact IC card is transmitted only during the period t1, but this may be transmitted during the period t2.
(8) A control program composed of a program code for causing the processor of the reader and various circuits connected to the processor to execute the operation related to the transmission of the request signal shown in the above embodiment (see FIG. 7). It can be recorded on a recording medium, or distributed and distributed via various communication paths. Such recording media include IC cards, hard disks, optical disks, flexible disks, ROMs, and the like. The distributed and distributed control program is used by being stored in a memory or the like that can be read by the processor. When the processor executes the control program, the various functions as shown in the embodiment are performed. It will be realized.

100 Hybrid reader (reading device)
110 Active tag 120 Non-contact IC card 130 Host device 140 Door 150 Electric lock 210 I / F unit 220 Operation unit 230 Notification unit 240 LF band transceiver 241 LF antenna 250 UHF receiver 251 UHF antenna 260 HF band transceiver 261 HF antenna 270 Storage unit 271 Authentication information 280 CPU
310 LF band transceiver 311 LF antenna 320 UHF transmitter 321 UHF antenna 330 Memory 331 Identification information 340 Button 350 Battery 360 CPU
410 HF transceiver 411 HF antenna 420 memory 421 identification information 430 CPU

Claims (9)

The active tag that holds the first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and the non-contact IC card that holds the second information and transmits the second information in the HF band, respectively. A reading device for reading information,
First transmission means for transmitting a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band;
Second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band;
Causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. Control means ,
The non-contact IC card executes communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods,
The plurality of communication methods include a communication method modulated by ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) 100% and other communication methods,
When the second transmission means transmits the second request signal to the non-contact IC card in the communication method modulated by the ASK 100%, unlike the other communication methods, the control means is exceptionally the predetermined one. A reading apparatus that transmits the second request signal only in a first period .   The active tag that holds the first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and the non-contact IC card that holds the second information and transmits the second information in the HF band, respectively. A reading device for reading information,
  First transmission means for transmitting a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band;
  Second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band;
  Causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. Control means,
  The non-contact IC card executes communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods,
  The plurality of communication methods include a communication method modulated by ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) 10% and other communication methods,
  When the second transmission means transmits the second request signal to the contactless IC card by a communication method other than the communication method modulated by the ASK 10%, unlike the communication method of the ASK 10%, the control means is an exception. Thus, the second request signal is transmitted only during the predetermined first period.
  A reading device.   The active tag that holds the first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and the non-contact IC card that holds the second information and transmits the second information in the HF band, respectively. A reading device for reading information,
  First transmission means for transmitting a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band;
  Second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band;
  Causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. Control means,
  The non-contact IC card includes one that performs communication by a first communication method and one that performs communication by a second communication method that is different from the first communication method,
  The second transmission means transmits the second request signal by switching between the first communication method and the second communication method according to a predetermined order.
  A reading device.   The active tag that holds the first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and the non-contact IC card that holds the second information and transmits the second information in the HF band, respectively. A reading device for reading information,
  First transmission means for transmitting a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band;
  Second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band;
  Causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. Control means,
  The active tag is supplied with electric power from the reading device in a non-contact manner and transmits the first information, and the active tag is supplied with electric power from a battery mounted on the own device, and the first tag in the UHF band. Select one of the second communication methods for transmitting the information and execute communication,
  The reading device includes a selection unit that selects one of the first communication method and the second communication method,
The first transmission means transmits the first request signal by the communication method selected by the selection means.
  A reading device.   The active tag that holds the first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and the non-contact IC card that holds the second information and transmits the second information in the HF band, respectively. A reading device for reading information,
  First transmission means for transmitting a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band;
  Second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band;
  Causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. Control means,
  The non-contact IC card performs communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods, and the non-contact IC card has the second request. A response signal for a signal is transmitted with subcarrier load modulation, and the contactless IC card transmits a response signal for the second request signal in a modulation scheme other than that,
  When the control means transmits the second request signal to the non-contact IC card that transmits the response signal to the second request signal by modulating the subcarrier load modulation to the second transmission means. Unlike the case where the second request signal is transmitted to a non-contact IC card that transmits a response signal to the second request signal by the other modulation method, the first request is exceptionally also in the first period. 2 Send a request signal
  A reading device. The non-contact IC card that receives a request signal modulated by ASK 100% by the second transmission unit among non-contact IC cards that modulate and transmit a response signal to the second request signal by the subcarrier load modulation. The reading apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the second request signal is transmitted to the second transmission unit exceptionally only in the first period with respect to a request signal to the card. The non-contact IC card performs communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods, and the reading device includes a selection unit that selects any one of the communication methods. The reading apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second transmission unit transmits the second request signal based on a communication method selected by the selection unit. The active tag that holds the first information and transmits the first information in the UHF band, and the non-contact IC card that holds the second information and transmits the second information in the HF band, respectively. A reading device for reading information,
First transmission means for transmitting a first request signal for requesting the first information in an LF band;
Second transmission means for transmitting a second request signal for requesting the second information in an HF band;
Causing the first transmission means to transmit the first request signal only in a predetermined first period, and causing the second transmission means to transmit the second request signal only in a second period excluding the predetermined first period. Control means,
The non-contact IC card executes communication by any one of a plurality of communication methods having different modulation methods,
The plurality of communication methods include a communication method having high resistance to noise and a communication method having lower resistance to noise than a communication method having high resistance to noise,
When the second transmission means transmits the second request signal to the non-contact IC card in a communication system having high resistance to noise, the control means is exceptionally different from the communication system having low resistance to noise. The reading apparatus transmits the second request signal only in the first period. A communication system with high resistance to noise is a communication system with a high degree of modulation.
The reading apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the communication system having low resistance to noise is a communication system having a lower modulation degree than the communication system having a higher modulation degree.

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