KR20060035776A - Reader device for radio frequency identification transponder with transponder functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reader device for radio frequency identification transponders, which implements enhanced radio frequency identification transponder functionality. In particular, the present invention relates a reader device, which is capable to serve as a radio frequency identification transponder. A reader device for radio frequency identification transponders comprises a reader logic unit (300, 310), a radio/high frequency (RF/HF) interface (150) and an antenna (160). The reader device is adapted to communicate at least with radio frequency identification transponders (700) in a reader operation mode. The reader device comprises additionally a transponder logic unit (200, 210, 510). The transponder logic unit (200, 210, 510) is connected to the reader device (600) and in particular to the radio/high frequency (RF/HF) interface (150) such that the reader device (600) acts as a radio frequency identification transponder (700) in a transponder operation mode. In particular, the transponder logic unit (200, 210, 510) is adapted to communicate with other reader devices for radio frequency identification transponders. The reader device for radio frequency identification transponders can be attached, connected, implemented and/or embedded in electronic device and particularly portable electronic devices, respectively.

Description

Reader device for radio frequency identification transponder with transponder functionality

The present invention relates to a communication device that implements enhanced radiofrequency identification transponder read functionality. In particular, the present invention relates to a radio frequency transponder reader that can serve as a radio frequency transponder.

Radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders, also referred to herein as RFID tags, are widely used to label objects to allow RFID tags to recognize objects provided and to identify a person. Basically, RFID tags have an electronic circuit, a radio frequency (RF) interface, and a high frequency (HF) interface, respectively, and the RF interface and the HF interface are connected to the antenna and the electronic circuit. RFID tags are typically housed in small containers. Depending on the requirements placed on the deployment of RFID tags (ie data rate, energy of interrogation, transmission range, etc.), other types may range from a few 10 to 100 ms up to approximately 13 ms (eg 134 ms). , 13.56 MHz, 860-928 MHz, represent only a number of example frequencies employed). RFID tags can be divided into two main classes. Ie passive RFID tags that are made active by RFID tag readers that generate interrogation signals, eg RF signals of some frequency, and power supplies such as batteries or accumulators to provide electricity. Active RFID tags.

Passive inductive RFID tags are energized by passing an energizing electromagnetic field, ie a query signal. RFID tags resonate at the frequency of the electromagnetic field causing interference in the electromagnetic field, which can be detected and evaluated by the RFID tag reader. The amount of information that can be provided by passive inductive RFID tags and their transmission range are limited.

Passive or backscattered RFID tags reflect a small amount of electromagnetic energy of the interrogation signal emitted by the RFID tag reader. The reflected signal may be modulated or encoded in any manner that inserts the RFID tag information stored in the RFID tag to be sent to the RFID tag reader. Specifically, backscattering RFID tags receive the electromagnetic energy of the interrogation signal and convert a small amount of electromagnetic energy to provide electricity to the electronic components of the RFID tag. RFID tag components may generate a data stream comprising stored RFID tag information and clock signals that are modulated or encoded with respect to the reflected signal.

Active RFID tags have miniaturized transceivers and are based on microprocessor technology. Active RFID tags may be polled for data transmission or transmitted in a self-controlled manner. Microprocessor technology makes it possible to perform software algorithms for parsing received (question) RF signals and for generating corresponding RF response signals.

In particular, active RFID tags may have a large amount of information and may have a longer transmission range. Depending on the complexity of the RFID tags, the information stored non-volatile within the RFID tags can be read-only information or can be transformed (reprogrammable) by an RFID tag reader operating as an RFID recorder.

RFID tags are used in a number of applications, such as information storage devices that allow wireless read access. Specifically, applications include electronic article surveillance (ESA), storage management systems, anti-theft systems, access controls, identification systems (persons, pets, wildlife, children, etc.), tolls ( toll) collection, traffic management systems, railroad vehicle identification, and high value asset control. Application areas are not limited to those listed. The operating frequency of the RFID tags is in the frequency range from several kilohertz to several gigahertz. RFID tags may have a variety of containers adapted to the purpose and application of RFID tags. RFID tags used as key substitutes for accessing a control area, such as an office building, can be integrated into a key pocket or have a credit card shape to be housed in a pocket. Moreover, RFID tags may be provided with adhesive or adhesive labels may be secured for application to articles, products, and the like.

The market for microprocessor-based portable terminals is still growing at a rapid pace and the popularity of mobile terminals has not diminished. Portable terminals provide the user with the ability to retrieve, process, modify and add information data at any time and from any place. Moreover, portable terminals equipped with RFID tag readers are well known in the art. These portable terminals can receive RFID tag information for further processing. For example, a portable terminal may be employed to receive RFID tag information of RFID tags that replace barcodes that are uniquely used to label products.

To describe the state-of-the-art RFID tags and RFID tag readers, the following description refers to FIG. 1. 1 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the state-of-the-art use of RFID tags and RFID tag readers.

In a first approach, state-of-the-art communication between RFID tag readers and RFID tags will be described. This block diagram shows a portable terminal 1 having a tag reader capability to run an application 400 and allow data flow between the RFID tag 700 and the application 400. This portable terminal 1 is any electronic terminal suitable for communicating with the RFID tag 700.

The portable terminal 1 is connected to an RFID tag reader that enables communication between the application 400 running on the portable terminal 1 and the RFID tag 700. This RFID tag reader can be detachably connected to the portable terminal 1 or can be realized as a stand-alone unit which can be embedded in the portable terminal 1.

The RFID tag 700 shown in FIG. 1 includes a storage component (Mem) 750 and a microprocessor (μP) or microcontroller (μC) 710. The antenna 760 enables the RFID tag 700 to receive a question signal and to transmit a response signal, for example, on receipt of such a question signal. The storage component 750 contains RFID tag information comprising, according to the present invention, at least one tag identification sequence suitable for addressing a plurality of individual services. The question signal and the response signal are communicated with the portable terminal 1 via the radio communication link 5, which is a radio frequency (RF) communication link or, depending on the frequency placed, is actually a high frequency (HF) communication link. The combination of the RFID tag reader and the RFID tag is preferably inductive. Storage component 750 is one of a read / write (ie random access) storage component that is embedded as a read only or volatile or nonvolatile memory. In the case of read-only storage components, the RFID tag reader may be allowed to retrieve the stored information, while in the case of read / write storage components the RFID tag reader may be permitted to read and write information. The communication link established between the RFID tag reader and the RFID tag 700 enables the application 400 operating on the portable terminal 1 to send several commands to the RFID tag 700 to request information, and RFID The tag 700 responds with a corresponding response containing the requested information. The received request information is supplied to the first requesting application 400 and processed. One or several instructions may simply be interrogation signals or may be inserted in the interrogation signals by modulation. The RFID tag reader establishes a data flow between the RFID tag 700 and the application 400.

Increasing use of RFID tags promotes standardization efforts to establish widely applicable communication frameworks between RFID tag readers and RFID tags. This standard was established in December 2002 by ECMA International, Geneva, Switzerland, in the form of a near field communication standard (ECMA-340). This standard defines communication modes for the near field communication interface and protocol (NFCIP-1) used for RFID tag readers and RFID tags. It also defines both active and passive communication modes for realizing a communication network using near-field communication capable devices for networked products and for consumer equipment. This standard specifies, among other things, modulation schemes, encoding, transmission rate, and frame format for the RF / HF interface, and the conditions required for initialization schemes and data collision control during initialization. In addition, the ECMA standard defines transport protocols, including protocol activation and data exchange methods.

The above-described RFID tag reader and RFID tag communication are covered by the passive communication mode. The active communication mode relates to communications between RFID tag readers.

Correspondingly in the second approach, state-of-the-art communication between RFID tag readers will be described in terms of FIG. A second portable terminal 2 is provided which is connected to the RFID tag reader. The RFID tag reader may be detachably connected to the portable terminal 2 or may be realized as a standalone unit that may be embedded in the portable terminal 2. Both RFID tag readers of the portable terminal 1 and the portable terminal 2 are active communications, meaning that both RFID tag readers are adapted to communicate with each other by employing the near field communication interface and protocol (NFCIP-1) standard described above. Mode is supported. During the active communication mode, one of the involved RFID tag readers of the portable terminal 1 and the portable terminal 2 actively simulates the RFID tag while the other RFID tag reader actively simulates the RFID tag reader. Data communication is established via a wireless communication link 6, which is a radio and high frequency (RF / HF) communication link, respectively. The wireless communication link 6 provides a data flow between an application 400 operating in the portable terminal 1 and an application 410 operating in the portable terminal 410.

However, in contrast to passive RFID tags powered by an interrogation signal from an RFID tag reader, both participating RFID tag readers are always powered independently, i.e. have their own power supply for data communications between them. Generates radio / high frequency (RF / HF) signals used. Therefore, an RFID tag reader that actively simulates an RFID tag can be considered as an active RFID tag.

Although advantages are provided by the mutual communication of RFID tag readers, several disadvantages of the foregoing description can be identified. RFID Tag Readers-The realization of RFID tag reader intercommunication requires a great deal of development effort, which is quite complex, of which the interface and protocol definitions are complicated and of course required to ensure interoperability between RFID tag readers of different manufacturers. It is because it shows functionality. Moreover, the realization of RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader intercommunication requires energy supply for each participating RFID tag reader, which may be problematic in terms of portable devices powered by batteries or accumulators. And in some circumstances, the operation of portable devices may be unwanted or forbidden, for example, in an airplane or hospital. It is assumed that the RFID tag reader is embedded in the cellular phone and the embedded RFID tag reader supports the RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader intercommunication and the user of the cellular phone wants to establish intercommunication with the fixed RFID tag reader. Due to the fact that the embedded RFID tag reader must be supplied with electricity, intercommunication is not possible in these aforementioned environments, as the electricity supply of the embedded RFID tag reader results in unwanted or forbidden electricity supply of the cellular phone.

In addition, RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader intercommunication competes with well-established short-range communication standards such as Bluetooth implemented in many modern handheld terminals. Implementation of competitive communication solutions that provide compatible functionality is not economical, especially given the complexity of implementing support for RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader intercommunication.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an advanced reading device for radio frequency (RF) identifying transponders which is at least suitable for communication with a radio frequency identification transponder and which can provide radio frequency identification transponder functionality even during a power off state. Is in.

The object of the invention is achieved with a system comprising a reading device as defined in claim 1, a portable electronic device as defined in claim 14 and a portable electronic device and reading device as defined in claim 17. Various embodiments according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a reading device for radio frequency identification transponders comprising a radio frequency interface (also referred to as radio frequency front-end) and an antenna. The reader is adapted to communicate with at least the radio frequency identification transponders in a reader mode of operation, ie in a commonly known manner for reader operations with the radiofrequency transponders. The reader includes a transponder logic unit. The transponder logic is coupled to the radio frequency interface such that the reading device acts as a radio frequency transponder in the transponder mode of operation. In particular, the transponder logic enables communication with other readers for radiofrequency transponders.

It will be appreciated that the inclusion and integration of the transponder logic portion by the reader according to the embodiment of the invention is not limited to spatial integration since the given definition also includes the logical association and integration into the reader of the transponder logic portion. It means, on the one hand, that the reading device and the transponder logic part can be housed in a common housing and on the other hand the reading device and the transponder logic part are embodied in different housings or are implemented separately or connected to one another. It means to form a logical entity that will be an integration of both space and logic within the scope of. Thus, the transponder logic portion is connectable to the reading device and assigned to the reading device. Preferably it is connected and integrated.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the reading device additionally comprises a reader logic section which is connected to the radio frequency interface and which enables the reader operation mode.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the transponder mode of operation is operable independently of any power supply of the reading device. According to an embodiment of the invention, the reading device serves as a passive radiofrequency transponder in the transponder mode of operation. According to an embodiment of the invention, the reading device serves as a passive read-only RF identification transponder in the transponder mode of operation.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the transponder logic section includes a transponder memory. According to an embodiment of the invention, the transponder memory is a nonvolatile storage component. According to an embodiment of the invention, the transponder memory is a configurable storage component.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the transponder logic portion is coupled via a switch to a radio frequency interface. This switch is operable to select between the reader mode of operation and the transponder mode of operation.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reading device operates in a transponder mode of operation during periods when no electricity is supplied to the reading device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reading device automatically operates in the transponder mode of operation during periods when no power is supplied to the reading device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the radio frequency interface is adapted to provide the signals required for the operation of the reader in the reader mode of operation and the transponder mode of operation.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the reading device supports the near field communication (ECMA-340) standard. The reading device is operable in the passive communication mode and the active communication mode in the reader operation mode, and the reading device is operable in the show communication mode in the transponder operation mode.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the reading device is operable in the active mode of communication in the reader mode of operation.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a portable electronic device is provided that is connected to a reading device for radio frequency transponders. The reading device for radio frequency identification transponders includes a radio frequency interface (radio frequency front end) and an antenna. The reader device is adapted to communicate with at least radiofrequency transponders in the reader mode of operation. This reading device additionally includes a transponder logic section. The transponder logic is coupled to the radio frequency interface such that the reader operates in the transponder mode of operation as a radio frequency transponder. In particular, the transponder logic allows communication with other reading devices for radiofrequency transponders.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the reading device is a reading device according to any of the above-described embodiments of the reading device. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the portable electronic device may communicate via a public land mobile network (PLMN).

According to an aspect of the present invention, a system is provided having a reading device for radio frequency identification transponders connected to a portable electronic device and a portable electronic device. The reading device for radio frequency identification transponders includes a radio frequency interface (radio frequency front end) and an antenna. The reader is adapted to communicate with at least radiofrequency transponders in the reader mode of operation. This reading device additionally includes a transponder logic section. The transponder logic unit is connected to the radio frequency interface to allow the reader to act as a radio frequency identification transponder in the transponder mode of operation. In particular, the transponder logic enables communication with other readers for radiofrequency transponders.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the reading device is a reading device according to any of the above-described embodiments of the reading device. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the portable electronic device is enabled to communicate via a public land mobile communication network (PLMN).

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application. These drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention, together with a detailed description that serves to explain the principles of the invention. Among the drawings,

1 shows a block diagram illustrating RFID tag readers and state-of-the-art communication between RFID tags;

2 shows a block diagram illustrating functional units of an RFID tag reader according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3A shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an RFID tag reader according to the present invention; And

3B shows a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of an RFID tag reader in accordance with the present invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which will be described in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the description to refer to the same or similar parts as the drawings.

It should be noted that embodiments of the tag reader according to the present invention to be described below are tag readers attached to or embedded in a portable terminal as shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the portable terminal 1 may be a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, a mobile home appliance, and the like, which may be a radio such as a public land mobile communication network (PLMN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), or a Bluetooth communication network. It may be possible to communicate via data communications. A public land mobile network (PLMN) may be understood as any currently used cellular data network or any cellular data network to be used in the future. In particular, the Public Land Mobile Telecommunication Network (PLMN) is a global communications system (GSM) that merely lists the choices of mobile telecommunication standards currently in use, universal mobile telecommunication services terrestrial access network (UTRAN), and US individuals. It may be a United States personal communication system (US PCS), a personal digital cellular communication system (PDC), or the like.

It should be further noted that the description of the embodiments of the tag reader according to the invention will be described in light of the near field communication standard (ECMA-340) published in December 2002 by ECMA International of Geneva, Switzerland. In particular, this description will be described in terms of near field communication standards-interfaces and protocols (NFCIP-1).

2 shows a diagram of functional blocks that can realize an RFID tag reading apparatus 600 having RFID tag functionality according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated RFID tag reader 600 includes an RFID tag reader 300 that will represent the RFID tag reader functionality and an RFID tag unit 200 that will represent the RFID tag functionality. Both functional units, that is, the RFID tag reader 300 and the RFID tag unit 200, are adapted to a radio frequency (RF) interface (and a radio frequency (HF) interface, respectively) and radio frequency (RF) arranged for operation. Requires an antenna. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows a common RF interface 150 and a common antenna 160 used by both functional units. The radio frequency interface, such as interface 150 and the antenna, such as antenna 160, those presented in the present description in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be any suitable radio frequency used in the field of RFID tags and transponders respectively. It will be appreciated that it will be adapted to employ. In particular, at least the typical operating frequencies described above may be embodied in embodiments of the present invention.

For RFID tag reader functionality, antenna 160 is adapted to transmit one or more question signals and to receive one or more response signals to retrieve information from the RFID tag. In view of the near field communication standard (ECMA-340) described above, the antenna 160 is adapted to communicate in accordance with this standard. Depending on the capabilities of the RFID tag reader 200, the antenna is adapted to communicate with the RFID tag in passive communication mode and with other RFID tag reader 600 in the active communication mode.

In the case of RFID tag functionality, the antenna 160 is suitable for receiving one or more question signals and for transmitting one or more response signals carrying information retrieved from the RFID tag unit 200.

The antenna 160 is connected to the RF interface 150 via one or more signal connections 40, which supply RF / HF signals generated by the RF interface 150 to the antenna 160 and provide an antenna ( Receive the RF / HF signals received by 160).

The RF interface 150 may modulate and demodulate the signals transmitted and received by the antenna 160, respectively. Therefore, the RF interface 150 is coupled to the RFID tag reader 300 and the RFID tag unit 200, respectively. In particular, the RF interface 150 receives signals to be modulated and transmitted from the RFID tag reader 300 and transmits demodulated signals to the RFID tag reader 300. The RF interface 150 also transmits demodulated signals to the RFID tag unit 200 and receives signals to be modulated and transmitted from the RFID tag unit 200. More specifically, the RF interface provides additional signals necessary for the operation of the RFID tag unit 200, specifically, a power supply signal (voltage signal) and a clock signal. The power supply signal is obtained from the coupling with the interrogating electromagnetic field while the clock signal is obtained from the demodulator included in the RF interface. The power supply signal and the clock signal are essential for operating the RFID tag unit 200 as a passive RFID tag supplied with electricity by a question signal of the RFID tag reader.

The RFID tag reading device 600 shown in FIG. 2 includes a switch 100 that is operated to switch between RFID tag reader functionality and RFID tag functionality. The switch 100 is interposed between the RFID tag reader 300, the RFID tag 200, and the RF interface 150, and operates as a switching input through which a switching signal is provided through the switching line 110. Specifically, the signal connections 20 are at least generated by the RFID tag reader 300 and modulated by the RF interface 150 and received by the antenna 160 and signals to be transmitted by the antenna 160. And demodulated by the RF interface 150 to carry signals to be supplied to the RFID tag reader 300. The signal connections 20 are switched by the switch 100 to the RF interface 150 connected to the switch 100 via the signal connections 30.

Similarly, signal connections 50 are received by at least antenna 160 and demodulated by RF interface 150 to be supplied to RFID tag portion 200 and generated by RFID tag portion 200 and RF. Modulated by interface 150 carries signals to be transmitted by antenna 160. The signal connections 50 are switched by the switch 100 to the RF interface 150 connected to the switch 100 via the signal connections 30. The above-described power supply signal and clock signal are supplied from the RF interface 150 to the RFID tag unit 200 through the switch 100, and the signals transmitted through the signal connections 30 and the signal connections 50 are received. It may be part.

Depending on the switching state or position of the switch 100, the RFID tag reader 300 is coupled to the RF interface 150 or the RFID tag portion 200 is coupled to the RF interface 150. The RFID tag reader functionality is available for the former while the RFID tag functionality is available for the latter.

The RFID tag reader 600 is thus provided with an RFID tag reader 300 with an interface indicated by the communication connections 10 to operate in a portable terminal 700 that is compatible with the portable terminals 1 or 2. The application 400 is in communication with the RFID tag reader 600 and in particular the RFID tag reader 300. The interface that interfaces between the RFID tag reader 600 and the application is established by suitable hardware and software interfaces that allow the application 400 to access the RFID tag reader 600.

Referring again to the near field communication standard (ECMA-340), the proposed RFID tag reader functionality and the RFID tag functionality as described above in connection with the embodiment illustrated by the functional units shown in FIG. 2 are standardized passive and active communications. Additional communication modes can be established in addition to the modes.

As described in detail above, the field communication standard (ECMA-340) regulates the operation of RFID tag readers and preferably provides an active communication mode used for communication with one or more RFID tags. In addition, the Field Communication Standard (ECMA-340) provides a passive communication mode intended for communication with other RFID tag readers. Both active and passive communication modes necessarily require the electricity supply of the RFID tag reader for communication via the power supply. In the case of the active communication mode, the necessity of the power supply unit is obvious because communication using one or more passive RFID tags requires supplying electricity to the passive RFID tags through one or more question signals of the RFID tag reader for communication. In case of passive communication mode

In addition, the active and passive communication modes cause the read functionality and the write functionality of the RFID tag reader. That means that an RFID tag reader with read functionality is adapted to retrieve information stored in one or more RFID tags. This reading functionality is at least the basic functionality of the RFID tag reading device. An RFID tag reading device having a recording function is adapted to add to RFID tags to store information and / or to change information stored in the RFID tags. It should be noted that the addition and / or modification of the information stored in the RFID tags depends on the capabilities of the RFID tags and / or the authorization of the RFID tag reader. This recording functionality is an improved functionality of the RFID tag reading device.

RFID tag functionality as described in detail above in connection with the embodiment illustrated by the functional units shown in FIG. 2 may be employed to establish a new communication mode to be displayed as the visible communication mode. In the visible communication mode, the RFID tag functionality is switched while the RFID tag reader functionality is not active. The communication mode is distinguished from known communication modes in that it provides the physical advantages of a passive RFID tag that the RFID tag functionality does not require any internal power supply. This is in stark contrast to the passive communication mode, which can be regarded as the functionality of simulating RFID tags. This intrinsic advantage is further pointed out in terms of the use cases presented below. In addition, the advantages of addressing the implementation of RFID tag functionality will become apparent from the standpoint of RFID tag readers in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

As described above, the information stored in the RFID tag portion 200, which can be retrieved by the RFID tag reading apparatus 600, is stored in a suitable storage component. The storage part may be a read-only storage part or a configurable storage part. In the case of configurable storage components a number of storage technologies are applicable, in particular non-volatile configurable storage technologies are of interest.

Similar to FIG. 1, it may be assumed that an RFID tag reading device 600 as implemented in FIG. 2 is attached to or embedded in a portable terminal 700 such as the portable terminals 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 1. . Conventionally, the RFID tag reader 600 is provided with an interface such as a serial interface for interfacing data exchanged between the RFID tag reader 600 and the portable terminal 700, so that applications executed in the portable terminal 700 The functionality provided by the RFID tag reader 600 can be used. The application program interface (API) layer may support communication between applications such as applications 400 and 410 and the RFID tag reader 600.

As long as the operation of the RFID tag reading apparatus 600 according to the embodiment is described by the functional units, FIGS. 3A and 3B show the RFID tag reading apparatus implemented in more detail.

3A shows a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an RFID tag reading apparatus according to the present invention.

Tag reader 600 includes reader logic 310, optional reader memory 320, RF interface 150, and antenna 160. These components constitute a complete conventional tag reader. With respect to the present invention, the illustrated tag reader 600 further includes a matrix switch 100, tag logic 210 and tag memory 250. The tag reader 600 is coupled to the terminal 700 via a suitable interface such that the application 400 can communicate with the tag reader 600. The example tag reader 600 corresponds its design to the configuration of the functional units described with reference to FIG.

Antenna 160 and RF interface 150 are common parts used for RFID tag reader operation and for RFID tag operation. The matrix switch 110 is controlled through a switch line 110 to which a switching signal is supplied by the terminal 700. Alternatively, without departing from the scope of the invention, the switching state of the switch 100 can be controlled by the RFID tag reading apparatus 600 itself, which can ensure higher functionality. In the visible communication mode, as defined above, antenna 160 and RF interface 150 are coupled to tag logic 210 via switch 100, while antenna 160 and RF in all other communication modes. Interface 150 is coupled to reader logic 310 via switch 100. The RFID tag functionality corresponds to a passive RFID tag whose external visible physical properties correspond to a passive RFID tag, so that the RF interface additionally provides at least power supply and clock signals via switch 100 (not shown) or directly without switch (not shown). May be provided to the tag logic 210.

In the visible communication mode, i.e., performing RFID tag functionality, the RF interface 150 forms an interface between the analog radio frequency transmission channel from the requesting RFID tag reader to the RFID tag and the tag logic 210 of the RFID tag. . The modulated RF (HF) signal from the desired RFID tag reader is reconstructed by demodulation at RF interface 150 to create a digital serial data stream for processing again in tag logic. Tag logic 210 is preferably implemented as digital logic that serves as address and / or security logic. The clock pulse generation circuit in the RF interface 150 generates a system clock for the data carrier from the carrier frequency of the RF (HF) field supplied by the requesting RFID tag reader. The RF interface 150 further incorporates a load modulator or backscatter modulator (or any alternative procedure, such as a divider) controlled by digital data to be transmitted, thereby providing the required RFID tag reader. Returns data Moreover, RF interface 150 is rectified to obtain current from antenna 160 that is supplied as a stabilization supply voltage to tag logic 210.

The tag logic 210 may support a passive read only RFID tag implementation and a rewritable RFID tag implementation. As soon as the passive read-only RFID tag enters the interrogation zone of the RFID tag reader, it continues to transmit information stored in the tag memory 250 associated with the tag logic 210. In principle, the tag memory 250 illustrated as a separate component may be included in the tag logic 210. The stored information may include tag identification numbers relating to the original purpose of the RFID tags. However, the stored information is not limited to it. Depending on the realization and complexity of the tag logic 210, it is possible to perform complex tasks on stored information that can be dictated, for example, by instructions sent in addition to the interrogation signal. Typically, communication between passive read-only RFID tags and RFID tag readers is unidirectional, and the RFID tag continues to transmit its stored information to the RFID tag reader. However, data can be transmitted from the RFID tag reader to the RFID tag. A rewritable RFID tag implementation in which data can be recorded by the RFID tag reader can be realized with varying memory capacities that depend only on the implementation of the tag memory 250. Typical write and read access to a rewritable RFID tag is in blocks, which can often be read or written after collecting a predetermined number of bytes.

Tag logic 210 may be realized in a simple implementation such as a state machine.

In active and / or passive communication modes, ie when operating RFID tag reader functionality, RF interface 150 forms a transmitter and a receiver.

The RF interface 150 will perform the following functions when operated in conjunction with the RFID tag reader functionality. The RF interface 150 generates a radio frequency / high frequency (RF / HF) transmission power that is used as a question signal and is suitable for activating RFID tags with power and supporting RFID tags. In addition, the RF interface 150 modulates the transmission signals at the carrier frequency to transmit data and / or instructions to the interrogated RFID tags and to receive and demodulate the response signals returned by the interrogated RFID tags. It becomes suitable to the following.

The reader logic 310 may be realized as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) module, a microcontroller (μC), a microprocessor (μP), or the like. In order to enable communication with the terminal 700 in which the RFID tag reader 600 is built or the RFID tag reader 600 is attached, the reader logic 310 also uses the RFID tag reader 600 (slave) and the terminal ( It provides a data communication interface, such as a serial interface (eg, an RS232 interface) that performs data exchange between an external application 400 (master) running on 700.

Reader logic 310 may be associated with optional reader memory 320. In the past, individual reader memory 320 was not needed for RFID tag reader functionality, but reader memory 320 could be used as a buffer storage for communication with RFID tags or other RFID tag readers as well as terminal 700. .

In view of the present invention, the tag memory 250 may be configurable. That is, the information stored in the tag memory can be changed, added, processed and / or deleted. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of information stored in the configurable tag memory 250 may not be limited to the terminal 700 and the applications executed thereon. Furthermore, access to configurable tag memory 250 may be limited to one or more specific applications running on terminal 700 to ensure data integrity, which may be required or needed, respectively, depending on the type of information stored. have.

Access to the tag memory 250 for organizing the stored information may be established through a dedicated interface (not shown) connecting the terminal 700 and each of the one or more applications executed thereon to the tag memory 250. . Alternatively, access to tag memory 250 for organizing stored information may include data between reader logic 310 and RFID tag reader 600 and terminal 700 and each of one or more applications executed thereon. An interface for interfacing communication may be established (coordinated) via each of a microprocessor (μP) / microcontroller (μC) provided.

When the configuration of the information stored in the tag memory 250 is limited to, for example, a particular application running on the terminal 700, the RFID tag characteristics of the external visibility may be compatible with the read-only RFID tag. That means that when the RFID tag reader 600 is switched to RFID tag functionality, other communication RFID tag readers recognize the RFID tag reader 600 as a read-only RFID tag. In particular, another communication RFID tag reader recognizes the RFID tag reader 600 as a passive read-only RFID tag when the RFID tag reader 600 is switched to RFID tag functionality.

The configurable tag memory 250, on the one hand, exhibits read-only characteristics for other communication RFID tag readers while the information stored in the tag memory 250 is changeable under the circumstances described above. It can be understood as. In principle, the storage capacity of the tag memory 250 is not limited so that this capacity can be adapted to the range of applications for which information stored in the tag memory 250 is dedicated. In particular, this storage capacity can be adapted to such quantities for largely passive read-only small RFID tags. Due to the fact that the field energy of the interrogation signal emitted by the RFID tag reader is used to supply electricity to the passive RFID tag, the distance between the passive read only RFID tag and the RFID tag reader for communication with the tag is limited. This is true even if one of the communication devices (RFID tag and RFID tag reader respectively) is moved, as long as the passive read-only RFID tag and the RFID tag reader which retrieves the information stored in the passive RFID tag are separated by a suitable distance. This means that the information stored in the tag should be sent. The smaller the storage capacity and the amount of information communication of the RFID tag and the RFID tag reader, the higher the probability of reliable transmission. A typical passive read only RFID tag and therefore tag memory 250 may also be provided with a storage capacity of 100 bytes to 150 bytes, although the invention is not to be understood as limited thereto.

Alternatively, security logic that may be implemented in tag logic 210 may provide configurability of tag memory 250 similar to a rewritable type of RFID tag, particularly similar to a passive rewritable RFID tag. . In this case, security logic ensures information integrity and / or authorization access.

It can be realized as a configurable tag memory nonvolatile storage component. For example, a programmable read only memory (PROM) or an electrically erasable read only memory (EEPROM) may be employed. However, prospective nonvolatile configurable storage technologies such as magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferrite random access memory (FRAM) or nonvolatile random access memory based on polymer materials may be employed. Additional non-volatile configurable storage technologies may be used, without being limited to those listed. One of the advantages of the present invention is that non-volatile configurable storage technologies are dealt with first because the visible communication mode (corresponding to the described RFID tag functionality of the RFID tag reader 600) is independent of any power supply.

3B shows a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the RFID tag reading apparatus according to the present invention. The RFID tag reader embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3B is comparable in several respects to the RFID tag reader embodiment shown in FIG. 3A. The common RF interface 150 and the common antenna 160 serve for RFID tag reader functionality and RFID tag functionality. The reader logic 310 is realized as a microcontroller (μC) 310 and a microprocessor (μP) 310, each providing a data communication interface for each of the terminal 700 and the application 400 running thereon. In order to communicate with RFID tags (passive communication mode), especially when supporting active communication mode, the interface and protocol framework are operated for communication with RFID tag reading devices. Optional reader memory 320 is associated with microcontroller (μC) 310 and microprocessor (μP) 310, respectively.

The switch / logic component 610 is interposed between the RF interface 150 and the reader logic 310 to switch between the RFID tag reader functionality and the RFID tag functionality as described above. The switch / logic component 610 implements the tag logic needed to provide RFID tag functionality. Correspondingly, tag memory 250 is coupled to switch / logic component 610.

The common RF interface 150 provides the switch / logic component 610 with the signals needed for the operation of the RFID tag reader functionality and the RFID tag functionality, and in this embodiment the switch / logic component 610 is a microprocessor (μP). Pass the signals required by the < RTI ID = 0.0 > 310 < / RTI > Passing signals depends on the switching state of the switch / logic component 610. Alternatively, switch / logic component 610 and microprocessor (μP) 310 may be implemented with a common logic component (not shown), which may be a microprocessor (μP) as well as the functions of switch / logic component 610. It is adapted to operate the functions of (310).

As mentioned above, the switching states of the switch / logic component 610 and the switch 100 define the functionality of the RFID tag reading device 600, respectively. The switching state and hence the switching operation is important to ensure proper operation of the RFID tag reader 600 described. According to an embodiment, the switching state of switch / logic component 610 and switch 100 is controlled by a switching signal supplied thereto via switch line 110. This switching signal is generated by the terminal 700 to which the RFID tag reading device 600 is connected. The control of the switching state by a particular application running on terminal 700 is important and less reliable, in which case the switching state is undefined or the switching state is not defined in the event of a sudden or unexpected loss of power to terminal 700. This is because the RFID tag functionality may not be switched because it remains in the previous switching state. This situation may not be satisfactory.

In a more reliable embodiment of the RFID tag reading apparatus 600 according to the present invention, the selection of the switching state may be semi-automatic or automatic (corresponding to the semi-automatic operation mode and the automatic operation mode, respectively). The semi-automatic mode of operation always selects the RFID tag functionality in case of sudden or unexpected power loss or when the RFID tag reader 600 has no power supply and the switching state is adapted accordingly. Similarly, RFID tag reader 600 may operate with RFID tag reader functionality when terminal 700 and one or more applications executing thereon each indicate a selection / switch for RFID tag reader functionality. Thus, if no explicit indication to select the RFID tag reader functionality is presented, the RFID tag reader 600 operates by default as the RFID tag functionality.

In the automatic mode of operation, the switch, ie, switch 100 and switch / logic component 610, each includes switching logic that automatically selects and switches between RFID tag functionality and RFID tag reader functionality.

It should be noted that the RFID tag reader functionality may support passive and active communication modes in accordance with Near Field Communication Standard (ECMA-340) and the RFID tag functionality may support the visible communication functionality defined and described above.

Examples of use

In the following an overview of example use cases will be given in the sense that the advantages of the invention will be evident.

(a) access keys

A typical range of applications of RFID tags is controlled access / restricted / restricted access to replace existing keys and access control to areas of use of RFID tags. RFID tags can be used to open doors, start up vehicles, access computers, and so on. Such RFID tags can be embedded in the keys of modern cars, for example, to prevent intrusion or to replace the key that opens the door with the key that opens the office. For access control, the RFID tag reader of the access control system retrieves information from an RFID tag, which is a conventional passive read-only RFID tag. This information is checked by the access control system to determine if access is granted.

The requirement of the power supply to operate the RFID tag reader in the passive communication mode is a serious disadvantage when an RFID tag reader supporting a passive communication mode as described above is used for such an application. As soon as the power supply runs out of energy, the RFID tag reader is no longer operable and access is denied due to a malfunction of the RFID tag reader that is adapted to simulate the RFID tag in a passive communication mode.

Shown with respect to embodiments of the present invention Each implementation of communication mode and RFID tag functionality ensures that the information required for access is always available for retrieval, regardless of any power supply.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprising a configurable tag memory, also referred to as a dynamic tag memory, a configurable tag memory may include storing access information, changing stored access information, deleting stored access information, and / or Or add new access information to the tag memory. Such a configurable tag memory is useful, for example in conjunction with temporal access information, and may be employed, for example, to open the door of a hotel room, to start a rented car or to prevent an employee from accessing the office after dismissal.

(b) presence indication / control

Presence identification and presence control relate to an application well known as electronic commodity monitoring, for example operating as anti-theft commerce. In addition, presence identification can be used within the scope of applications in which attendances are maintained, such as employee attendance control, student attendance control at school, and the like. Such presence identification and presence control can be operated similarly to electronic merchandise monitoring and are preferably installed at the entrances of buildings in the questionnaire. Each person who passes through the questionnaire and intends to indicate his or her presence carries an RFID tag that stores corresponding identification information relating to that person.

When an RFID tag reader supporting passive communication mode as described above is used for such an existence identification / presence control application, the power supply requirement for operating the RFID tag reader in passive communication mode is a serious disadvantage. It is similar to the first use example described above. As soon as the power supply runs out of energy, the RFID tag reader is no longer operable and presence identification / existence control is not possible in either mode due to the malfunction of the RFID tag reader in the passive communication mode.

With respect to embodiments of the present invention, each implementation of the visible communication mode and RFID tag functionality ensures that the information required for presence identification / existence control is always available for retrieval, regardless of any power supply.

(c) e-tickets, payments, loyalty cards, business card / vacrd information, ...

The description of use case "access key" and use case "presence display / presence control" apply in a similar manner to a further similar range of applications. Common to all uses, it is provided that information is retrieved by an RFID tag reader regardless of the power application of the device implementing the RFID tag reader of the type described above. This information includes information about e-tickets, electronic payments, loyalty cards, business cards, V cards, and the like. Enumerating useful information provided for retrieval is not limited and so the enumerated information set is exemplary only.

The RFID tag reading apparatus improved according to the embodiment of the present invention is always applicable in an advantageous manner in the case where the provided information becomes completely reliably searchable regardless of any power supply. In particular, the power supply of a portable electronic device, which is sometimes used to power an RFID tag reader, is not always reliable, and the user may forget to charge an accumulator that supplies power to the portable electronic device or replace used batteries. You can forget about installing new batteries.

The advantage of a configurable tag memory is evident in connection with the use cases described above.

(d) Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is essential in today's production environment, where individual products are tracked separately. For tracking purposes in supply chain management, RFID tags attached to each product automatically allow the identification and location of each product provided with an RFID tag containing the corresponding information required for tracking.

During the manufacture of electronics, especially portable electronics, they are powered off and do not have a power supply for operation.

In this case, even the RFID tag reading device operable in the passive communication mode is not applicable for the tracking purpose of supply chain management, because the passive mode communication requires the electricity supply of the RFID tag reading device. In contrast to this, the RFID tag reading apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is useful for providing information required for tracking. In an RFID tag reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, information required for tracking and stored in a tag memory can be provided, and the RFID tag reading apparatus has a passive RFID tag whose RFID tag functionality (show communication mode) is functional. Because of the fact that it corresponds to the stored tracking information can be provided. Moreover, if the tag memory is configurably embedded, the tracking information is stored in the tap memory for tracking during manufacturing and then erased so that the RFID tag functionality can be used for any range of applications as described above.

(e) Pairing Information (Bluetooth)

According to an embodiment of the present invention, an improved RFID tag reading apparatus may provide a data communication connection between a device connected to an improved RFID tag reading device and a device connected to an RFID tag reading device that retrieves organization information from the improved RFID tag reading device. It may be employed to provide the organization information required to establish. This organization information may include, for example, configuration data for setting up a Bluetooth-based wireless communication link. Therefore, the configuration data may include information specific to the device related to the wireless communication connection.

The configurable tag memory can provide useful organization information even in cases where configuration data has to be changed or replaced because of changes to the interface with which the organization information is associated.

It should be noted that the present invention has been described with respect to an RFID tag reading apparatus supporting RFID tag reader-RFID tag communication and RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader communication. In view of the description provided, it will be appreciated that the support of RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader communication is an optional feature and not mandatory for an RFID tag reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. The RFID tag functionality of an RFID tag reader according to an embodiment of the present invention, also referred to as a visible communication mode, may enable replacing RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader communication in any range of applications. Use Example Referring to "combination information", it can be appreciated that in this case the support of a fairly complex complete RFID tag reader-RFID tag reader communication is insensitive to economic considerations.

It should be further noted from an economic point of view that common use of the RF interface and antenna can provide economically sensitive and valuable RFID tag readers.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that as the technology evolves, the concept of the present invention can be implemented in a large number of ways. Accordingly, the invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims (19)

A reading device for radio frequency identification transponders, A radio frequency interface 150 and an antenna 160 adapted to make the reader 600 suitable for communicating with the radio frequency identification transponders 700 in a reader operating mode, The transponder logic unit 200, 210, 510 can be connected to the radio frequency interface 150, and the transponder logic unit 200, 210, 510 can be connected to the radio frequency identification transponder. A reading device, operable in a transponder mode of operation, serving as 700. 2. The reading device of claim 1, wherein the reading device comprises a reader logic section (300, 310) coupled to said radio frequency interface (150) and operable in said reader operating mode. The reading apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transponder operation mode is operable independently of any power supply. 4. A reading device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein said reading device (600) is adapted to operate as a passive radiofrequency identification transponder (700) in said transponder mode of operation. 4. A reading device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the reading device (600) serves as a passive read only radiofrequency identification transponder (700) in the transponder mode of operation. 6. A reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transponder logic section (200) comprises a transponder memory (250). 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the transponder memory (250) is nonvolatile. 8. The apparatus of claim 6 or 7, wherein said transponder memory (250) is configurable. The method of claim 1, wherein the transponder logic unit 200 is coupled to the radio frequency interface 150 through switch units 100 and 610, and the switch unit 100 and 610. Is operable to select between the reader mode of operation and the transponder mode of operation. 10. A reading device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said reading device (600) operates automatically in said transponder mode of operation during periods when no electricity is supplied to said reading device (600). 11. The radio frequency interface 150 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radio frequency interface 150 is adapted to provide signals necessary for the operation of the reader 600 in the reader mode of operation and the transponder mode of operation. Reading device. 12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the reading device supports the near field communication (ECMA-340) standard, and the reading device 600 is operable in a passive communication mode in the reader operating mode, The reading device (600) is operable in a visible communication mode in the transponder operation mode. 13. The reading device of claim 12, wherein said reading device (600) is operable in an active communication mode in said reader operating mode. In a portable electronic device connected to a reading device 600 for radio frequency identification transponders, the reading device 600 A radio frequency interface 150 and an antenna 160 such that the read device 600 is adapted to communicate with at least the radio frequency identification transponders 700 in a reader mode of operation, The transponder logic unit 200, 210, 510 can be connected to the radio frequency interface 150, and the transponder logic unit 200, 210, 510 can be connected to the radio frequency identification transponder. Portable electronic device operable in a transponder mode of operation serving as 700. The portable electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the reading device is a reading device (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The portable electronic device of claim 14 or 15, wherein the portable electronic device is capable of communicating through a public land mobile communication network. In a system having a reading device 600 for a portable electronic device and radio frequency identification transponders connected to the portable electronic device, the reading device 600 is A radio frequency interface 150 and an antenna 160 such that the read device 600 is adapted to communicate with at least the radio frequency identification transponders 700 in a reader mode of operation, Transponder logic unit (200, 210, 510) can be connected to the radio frequency interface 150, the transponder logic unit (200, 210, 510) is the reader 600 is a radio frequency identification transponder ( And operable in a transponder mode of operation, which acts as 700). 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the reading device is a reading device (600) according to any one of the preceding claims. 19. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the portable electronic device is capable of communicating via a public land mobile communication network.

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