KR20040024502A - Radio frequency card terminal based on wireless communication - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A wireless RF(Radio Frequency) card terminal is provided to recognize the card in a long distance without an expensive wireless transceiver by a wireless RF characteristic of the wireless RF card, and to make a user select a card recognition distance variably fit to a settlement situation of the user. CONSTITUTION: A card connector(321) connects to the wireless RF card(310). A power supply(322) supplies power to the wireless RF card through the card connector. A command receiver(323) receives a command signal related to the recognition distance of the wireless RF card. A controller(324) controls voltage by controlling the power supply. The RF card comprises an RF interface(312), an operator(313), a memory(314), and an antenna coil(311).

Description

RADIO FREQUENCY CARD TERMINAL BASED ON WIRELESS COMMUNICATION}

The present invention relates to a wireless high frequency card terminal, and more particularly, by changing the magnitude of the voltage supplied to the wireless high frequency card by changing the size of the wireless high frequency signal radiated from the wireless high frequency card, the wireless high frequency that can change the card recognition distance It relates to a card terminal.

Today, the rapid development of wireless communication is changing our lives greatly. For example, in collecting traffic fare, payment using wireless high frequency card based on wireless communication is widely used instead of conventional token or cash payment. . In other words, when a user using public transportation such as a bus or subway moves a wireless high frequency card close to the card terminal, the charge included in the card is exhausted and the corresponding transportation fee is collected (prepaid) or the fee is automatically charged from the user's designated account. It will be paid later (postpay).

This payment system using the wireless high frequency card can be processed immediately in the field, including the inquiry, transaction approval, and payment of the wireless high frequency card as long as the wireless high frequency card and the card terminal are in close proximity without direct contact. As a result, the frequency of use is increasing in various areas of our lives, such as toll collection of public transportation, toll gates and payment in parking lots.

An example of a conventional radio frequency card payment system used in the related art is a system employing a short range RF card system. Such an RF card has a built-in antenna coil and uses induced electromotive force induced in the antenna coil to make payment without supplying external power. However, since the recognition distance of the card is short (usually within 10 cm), it is inconvenient to stop the vehicle and bring the card closer to the card reader (terminal) when the vehicle user wants to make a payment with the card. In addition, it further includes the disadvantage that the recognition speed of the card information is slow. 1B illustrates an example of a smart card and a terminal used in a conventional on-board terminal payment system.

As another type of wireless high frequency card payment system, a terminal payment system in the form of an onboard unit (OBU) is used. In this system, a fee is collected by contacting (inserting) a smart card made in the form of an IC card with a terminal (OBU) and communicating wirelessly with a card reader at the terminal side. As a wireless communication method, Bluetooth, a wireless local loop (WLL), or the like may be used.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of performing toll collection on a highway using an on-vehicle terminal payment system. As shown in FIG. 1A, a toll collection system (TCS) is operated on a highway and various toll roads by temporarily stopping at a toll booth to pay cash and a pass. The terminal under this system is attached to the vehicle to pay cash stored in the smart card through beacon and wireless communication.The main data related to the payment is encrypted and a medium for collecting and providing traffic information as well as toll collection on the toll road. Is utilized. However, such a system has to be manufactured in the form of a terminal for attaching a vehicle, and the terminal must include a wireless communication module, which causes a high cost and is not portable.

As another type of wireless high frequency card terminal system, a tag card terminal system is used. The tag is thin and light, so it can be easily worn by the user. The tag contains a power supply, such as a battery, and contains chips such as microwave antennas and ASICs. This system has the advantage that the card can be recognized even if the distance between the card and the terminal is relatively far (typically around 3m). 2 shows an example of a specification of a tag card conventionally used.

However, conventionally used payment systems as described above, regardless of the communication of the data or the user's intention by continuously radiating card information or radio frequency signal, the power consumption of the card or card terminal, and also the life of the system It is only a short period (usually 1-2 years, up to 3 years), requiring frequent replacement work, which inevitably entails a huge replacement cost.

In addition, since the recognition distance is fixed constantly, there is a problem in that it is not possible to freely select the portable or vehicle attachment according to the user's convenience.

In addition, the card has a further problem that unauthorized use by a third party is possible when the card is lost.

The present invention has been made to improve the prior art as described above, to provide a radio frequency card terminal capable of recognizing a card located at a far distance by the radio frequency characteristics of the radio frequency card itself without an expensive radio transceiver.

Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the user's convenience by allowing the user to select various card recognition distances according to the user's payment situation.

It is still another object of the present invention to eliminate unnecessary radio frequency signal radiation for a long time to prevent unnecessary power consumption and to extend the life of the system.

Still another object of the present invention is to extend a recognition distance of a radio frequency card so that a user can make a payment more conveniently.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent unauthorized use by a third party even if a radio frequency card user loses the card.

1A illustrates an example of performing toll collection on a highway using an on-vehicle terminal payment system.

1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a smart card and a terminal used in a conventional on-board terminal payment system.

2 is a diagram showing an example of specifications of a tag card conventionally used.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless high frequency card terminal system including a wireless high frequency card terminal according to the present invention.

4 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration inside a card terminal when there is one battery of a power supply unit and one relay of a control unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration inside a card terminal when there are two batteries of a power supply unit and two relays of a control unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration inside a card terminal when there are three batteries of a power supply unit and three relays of a control unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless high frequency card payment system using a wireless high frequency card terminal system according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

300: wireless high frequency card terminal system

310: wireless high frequency card

320: wireless high frequency card terminal

321: card connection

322: power supply

323: command receiving unit

324: control unit

According to an aspect of the present invention, a card connection unit for connecting to a radio frequency card, a power supply for applying a predetermined voltage to the radio frequency card through the card connection, receiving a command signal associated with the recognition distance of the radio frequency card A command receiving unit, and a control unit for controlling the power supply unit to adjust the magnitude of the voltage, wherein the command receiving unit transmits the command signal to the control unit, and the control unit transmits the magnitude of the voltage based on the command signal. Provided is a wireless high frequency card terminal, characterized in that for determining.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a wireless high-frequency card and a wireless high-frequency card terminal, the wireless high-frequency card is an antenna coil for transmitting and receiving wireless high-frequency signals, and generates data demodulation demodulation signal, the modulation and demodulation signal to the antenna coil An RF interface unit for transmitting, an operation unit for controlling the antenna coil and the RF interface unit, and a memory unit for storing card identification information, wherein the wireless high frequency card terminal is connected to the wireless high frequency card card connection unit and the card connection unit A power supply unit for applying a predetermined voltage to the wireless high frequency card through the control unit; a command receiving unit receiving a command signal associated with a recognition distance of the wireless high frequency card; and a controller for controlling the power supply unit to adjust the magnitude of the voltage. Wireless, characterized in that The frequency card terminal system is provided.

Hereinafter, a wireless high frequency card terminal system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail.

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless high frequency card terminal system including a wireless high frequency card terminal according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wireless high frequency card terminal system 300 includes a wireless high frequency card 310 and a wireless high frequency card terminal 320. According to the present invention, by changing the magnitude of the voltage supplied from the radio frequency card terminal 320 to the radio frequency card 310, it is possible to vary the intensity of the radio frequency signal radiated from the radio frequency card to the card recognition distance It makes a difference.

The wireless high frequency card 310 may include an antenna coil 311, an RF interface unit 312, an operation unit 313, and a memory unit 314.

The antenna coil 311 is a coil wound in the shape of a concentric circle or a loop several times using a thin wire, and serves as an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency data signals. According to the present invention, when a predetermined voltage is applied from the outside in addition to the induced voltage, a radio frequency signal having a stronger magnitude may be radiated from the antenna coil. In addition, the antenna coil may generate a self-generated power by receiving a radio wave to generate an induced current to perform a function of supplying a voltage to a circuit in the wireless high frequency card.

The RF interface unit 312, the operation unit 313, and the memory unit 314 may be implemented in the form of one integrated circuit (IC), which is connected to the antenna coil and disposed.

The RF interface unit 312 may include a rectifier for rectifying the induced voltage induced in the antenna coil, a modulator for demodulating the data transmitted and received to the antenna coil, a voltage stabilizer for supplying a stable voltage to the integrated circuit, and a clock generator. have. In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the RF interface unit 312 generates a radio frequency signal through an antenna coil by supplying a voltage applied from the outside into the integrated circuit, the magnitude of the radio frequency signal according to the magnitude of the applied voltage It is characterized in that it also operates to change.

The calculator 313 controls the operation of the RF interface and the antenna coil according to a command stored in the memory unit. The memory unit 314 stores card identification information, various data, and command programs.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the radio frequency card 310 includes a connection 315 for connection with the radio frequency card terminal 320. Such a connection may be implemented in a form of being inserted into a wireless high frequency card terminal. As an example of the connecting portion, the connecting portion includes a pair of contacts. Such a contact may have a form protruding from the card surface. By implementing the contact portion in the form of a contact, the conventional wireless high frequency card can be easily modified to be suitable for the present invention without changing the configuration (for example, antenna coil, integrated circuit, etc.) embedded in a conventional wireless high frequency card. Can be implemented.

The wireless high frequency card terminal 320 includes a card connection unit 321, a power supply unit 322, a command receiving unit 323, and a control unit 324. Hereinafter, the function of each component will be described in detail.

The card connection part 321 connects with the connection part of the radio frequency card and transfers a predetermined voltage to the radio frequency card. As an example, the card connection unit 321 may have an insertion hole shape and may be implemented in a manner in which a wireless high frequency card is inserted.

According to the present invention, the radio frequency card receives power from the radio frequency card terminal and emits radio frequency signals using the power. Therefore, even if the card user loses the wireless high frequency card, the card cannot be used unless the wireless card is inserted into the wireless high frequency card terminal, thereby preventing unauthorized use by a third party when the card is lost in the conventional prepaid card. Will be. As a further embodiment to prevent fraudulent use, an authentication apparatus capable of confirming authenticity between the wireless high frequency card terminal and the wireless high frequency card may be added.

The card connector 321 may include a pair of contacts to correspond to a pair of contacts attached to the wireless high frequency card.

The power supply unit 322 supplies a predetermined voltage to the wireless high frequency card 310 through the card connection unit 321. As an example, the power supply unit 322 includes at least one battery, and operates the battery to supply a voltage.

The command receiver 323 receives a command signal associated with the magnitude of the voltage. As an example, the command receiving unit 323 includes at least one input button and receives a command signal from a user by using the input button. According to the present invention, the command receiver is implemented in the form of a button so that the user can easily specify a command signal that can determine the recognition distance of the wireless card according to the payment situation through the command receiver 323 arbitrarily.

The control unit 324 controls the power supply unit 322 to adjust the magnitude of the voltage. To this end, the command receiving unit 323 transmits a command signal to the control unit 324, and the control unit 324 based on the command signal. The magnitude of the voltage is determined.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the control unit 324 includes at least one relay element, the relay element is determined on or off based on the command signal, the operation of the battery in accordance with the on or off determination of the relay element It is determined whether or not.

More detailed operations of the power supply unit 322 and the control unit 324 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.

FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed circuit configuration of the wireless high frequency card terminal 320 when there is one battery of the power supply unit 322 and one relay of the controller 324 shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the relay element 424 is maintained in the OFF state, the branch point 1 is kept in the closed (connected) state, and the branch point 2 is maintained in the open state, respectively. Therefore, no voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 410 through the contact 421.

In FIG. 4, when a command signal is input from the user through the input button 423, the relay element 424 is turned ON based on the command signal, so that the branch point 1 of the relay element 424 is The opening is disconnected and the branch point 2 is closed and converted to the connected state. Therefore, since the contact 421 and the battery 422 are connected to each other, the battery 422 is operated so that a predetermined voltage provided by the battery is applied to the wireless high frequency card 410 through the contact 421.

As an example according to the present invention, the wireless high frequency card terminal 420 may further include a control CPU 425 for controlling the operation of the relay by interpreting the command signal of the input button.

Since the voltage generated by the operation of the battery 422 is applied to the wireless high frequency card, the strength of the radio frequency signal radiated from the wireless high frequency card is increased, which leads to an extension of the card recognition distance. That is, a much larger voltage is supplied to the wireless card than when the wireless high frequency card operates only by the induced voltage without applying any external voltage, thereby increasing the intensity of the radio frequency signal radiated through the antenna coil.

As another embodiment according to the present invention, the wireless high frequency card 410 may be used as a conventional general short-range RF card, and thus the radio frequency signal is induced by using induced power induced by using an antenna coil embedded in the wireless high frequency card. Will radiate. That is, in a state in which no command signal is received from the user through the input button, the voltage applied from the wireless high frequency card terminal to the wireless high frequency card is 0, so that the wireless high frequency card is internally independent from the wireless high frequency card terminal ( Can only be operated by induced power generated. In this case, the recognition distance is very short, but since it can be freely carried away from the radio frequency card terminal 420, it can be advantageously portable.

5 is another embodiment according to the present invention, when there are two batteries of the power supply unit 322 shown in FIG. 3, and there are two relays of the control unit 324 for controlling the wireless high frequency card terminal 320 The circuit configuration inside is shown in detail.

In this embodiment, compared with the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, an effect of selecting a card recognition distance can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the relay elements 524-1 and 524-2 remain OFF, the branch points 1 and 3 are in the closed (connected) state, and the branch points 2 and 4 are open. Each state is maintained. Therefore, no voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 510 through the contact 521. In this case, the wireless high frequency card 510 may be used as a conventional general contactless wireless card.

In FIG. 5, the relay elements 524-1 and 524-2 are selectively turned on in response to a command signal received through the input buttons 523-1 and 523-2 from the user. It is possible to determine whether to operate.

As an example, when the command signal is input through the input button 523-1, the relay element 524-1 is turned ON, and thus the branch point 1 is opened to disconnect the connection point. 2) is closed and converted to the connected state. Accordingly, the battery 522-1 is operated so that a predetermined voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 510 through the contact 521.

Next, when the command signal is input through the input button 523-2, the two relay elements 524-1 and 524-2 are all turned ON, and thus the branch points 1 and 3 are used. Is open to disconnect, and branch points 2 and 4 are closed to convert to a connected state. Accordingly, the batteries 522-1 and 522-2 are operated so that a predetermined voltage obtained by summing the voltages provided by the batteries 522-1 and 522-2 is provided through the contact point 521. Is applied.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the intensity of the radio frequency signal emitted from the radio frequency card can be increased by controlling the operation of two batteries. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to extend the recognition distance more than the embodiment of FIG. 4 or to provide a method of selecting various recognition distances corresponding to one battery or two batteries.

FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit configuration inside the wireless high frequency card terminal when there are three batteries of the power supply unit 322 shown in FIG. 3 and three relays of the control unit 324 for controlling them.

In this embodiment, compared to the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, an effect of variously selecting a card recognition distance can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the relay elements 624-1, 624-2, and 624-3 remain in the OFF state, the branch points 1, 3, and 5 are in the closed (connected) state, and the branch point ( 2, 4 and 6 are kept open respectively. Therefore, no voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 610 through the contact 621.

In FIG. 6, the relay elements 624-1, 624-2, and 624-3 are selectively turned on by command signals received from the user through the input buttons 623-1, 623-2, and 623-3. It is possible to determine whether to operate the 622-1, 622-2, 622-3.

As an example, when the command signal is input through the input button 623-1, the relay element 624-1 is turned on, and thus the branch point 1 is opened to disconnect the connection point ( 2) is closed and converted to the connected state. Accordingly, the battery 622-1 operates so that a predetermined voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 610 through the contact 621.

Next, when the command signal is input through the input button 623-2, the two relay elements 624-1 and 624-2 are all turned ON, and thus the branch points 1 and 3 are used. Is open to disconnect, and branch points 2 and 4 are closed to convert to a connected state. Therefore, the batteries 622-1 and 622-2 are both operated, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 610 through the contact 621.

Next, when the command signal is input through the input button 623-3, all three relay elements 624-1, 624-2, and 624-3 are turned ON, and thus the branch point ( 1, 3, and 5 are open and disconnected, and branch points 2, 4 and 6 are closed and converted to the connected state. Accordingly, the batteries 622-1, 622-2, and 622-3 all operate, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the wireless high frequency card 610 through the contact 621.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the intensity of the radio frequency signal radiated from the radio frequency card can be increased by controlling the operation of three batteries. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a method of extending the recognition distance more than the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 or selecting the recognition distance in various ways.

As described above with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 6, according to the present invention, the user can freely select a command signal through a command receiver (input button) to vary the recognition distance of the wireless card. That is, the user can apply a predetermined voltage to the radio frequency card only at the time of payment to radiate radio frequency signals, thereby preventing long-term continuous radio frequency signal radiation.

In the same way as the embodiment of Figs. 4 to 6, if the number of batteries, relays, and input buttons is more than four, the recognition distance of the wireless card can be further extended or more various recognition distances can be selected. Done.

In the above embodiments, at least one battery is used as an element for implementing the power supply unit. However, by using a power source other than the battery, the size of the voltage supplied from the power supply unit may be appropriately changed according to the input button. Various methods may be provided.

As another example, when the specifications (standards) of each battery are not the same, it is possible to vary the magnitude of the voltage applied to the wireless card by varying the magnitude of the voltage provided from each battery. That is, even if one battery is operated, the magnitude of the voltage provided by each battery is different, and thus the recognition distance of the card can be changed according to which battery is selected and operated. Thus, various changes in the voltage applied from the power supply to the wireless card will enable various choices of recognition distance.

4 to 6 illustrate that one relay operates corresponding to one battery, but as another embodiment according to the present invention, various methods for allowing one relay to operate in association with two or more batteries are illustrated. The circuit configuration of will be possible.

7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless card payment system using a wireless high frequency card terminal system according to the present invention.

The wireless high frequency card payment system 700 includes a card information receiving terminal 720, a search and control system 730, and a settlement system 740 in addition to the wireless high frequency card terminal system 710.

The wireless high frequency card terminal system 710 includes a wireless high frequency card 711 and a wireless high frequency card terminal 712, and the user considers the distance between the wireless high frequency card terminal system 710 and the card information receiving terminal 720. The card recognition distance is freely selected using the wireless high frequency card terminal 712.

The card information receiving terminal 720 wirelessly transmits and receives data with the wireless high frequency card terminal system 710 and includes a card reader to recognize and read card information stored in the wireless high frequency card 711. In response to the payment approval request from the wireless high frequency card terminal system 710, the card information receiving terminal 720 determines whether to approve payment by reading card information, and includes data about the payment details of the card, including a communication module. The authorization details of the card may be sent to the search and control system 730 or from the search and control system 730.

The retrieval and control system 730 receives data on payment details of the card from the card information receiving terminal 720 or retrieves and controls the approval and use history of the card information with respect to the settlement system 740. .

The settlement system 740 calculates a corresponding fare for the payment approval request received from the wireless high frequency card terminal system 710 through the card information receiving terminal 720 and the retrieval and control system 730, and then through the bank payment account. The fee is settled either by fulfilling the payment request or by updating the prepaid fee information embedded in the card. To this end, the settlement system 740 stores a card information and usage history requested by the search and control system 730, including a database.

Although the present invention as described above has been described by way of limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, which can be variously modified and modified by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Do.

Accordingly, the spirit of the present invention should be understood only by the claims set forth below, and all equivalent or equivalent modifications thereof will belong to the scope of the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, the user can arbitrarily and simply change the recognition distance of the radio frequency card.

According to the present invention, there is provided a system that can easily pay wirelessly without expensive radio transceiver.

According to the present invention, the effect of eliminating unnecessary power consumption and extending the life of the system can be obtained.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new wireless high frequency card terminal system without significantly changing the circuit configuration of the conventional wireless high frequency card.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use of a third party due to card loss.

According to the present invention, it is possible to conveniently provide a variety of payment services such as tolls, parking fees, payment of goods price non-stop by conveniently adjusting the recognition distance in the vehicle or at a distance when using the vehicle or when carrying.

Claims (9)

A card connecting portion for connecting with a radio frequency card; A power supply unit applying a predetermined voltage to the wireless high frequency card through the card connection unit; A command receiver configured to receive a command signal associated with a recognition distance of the wireless high frequency card; And Control unit for controlling the power supply to adjust the magnitude of the voltage Including, And the command receiving unit transmits the command signal to the control unit, and the control unit determines the magnitude of the voltage based on the command signal. The method of claim 1, The power supply unit includes at least one battery, The control unit includes at least one relay, The relay is a radio frequency card terminal, characterized in that on or off is determined based on the command signal, and whether or not the operation of the battery in conjunction with the determination of the on or off. The method of claim 2, And each of the batteries provides a predetermined voltage different from each other. The method of claim 2, And wherein each relay is associated with the respective battery, and when the relay is turned on, the battery associated with the relay is connected with the card connection unit. The method of claim 1, And the card connection portion includes a pair of contacts, and connects with the wireless high frequency card through the contacts. The method of claim 1, And the command receiving unit comprises at least one input button, and receives the command signal from a user using the input button. The method of claim 1, When the magnitude of the voltage is 0, the radio frequency radio frequency card terminal is characterized in that the radio frequency card terminal operates independently. The radio frequency card terminal according to claim 1, further comprising an authentication device for authenticating the radio frequency card. Including a wireless high frequency card and a wireless high frequency card terminal, The wireless high frequency card An antenna coil for transmitting and receiving wireless high frequency signals; An RF interface unit generating a modulation demodulation signal and transmitting the modulation demodulation signal to the antenna coil; A calculator configured to control the antenna coil and the RF interface unit; And A memory unit for storing card identification information; Including, The wireless high frequency card terminal A card connection unit for connecting with the wireless high frequency card; A power supply unit applying a predetermined voltage to the wireless high frequency card through the card connection unit; A command receiver configured to receive a command signal associated with a recognition distance of the wireless high frequency card; And Control unit for controlling the power supply to adjust the magnitude of the voltage Wireless high frequency card terminal system comprising a.