Antenna devices, control methods and program products

Abstract

This technology relates to an antenna device, control method, and program, wherein the activation or deactivation of multiple antennas for IC cards can be controlled from a mobile terminal. The antenna device includes: a mobile terminal antenna for receiving radio waves output by a reader / writer installed in the mobile terminal; multiple IC card antennas for communicating with an IC card having an IC card IC chip, which performs contactless data reading / writing via commands sent by the reader / writer; and a control circuit that operates by using power generated in response to the reception of radio waves output by the reader / writer in the mobile terminal antenna, and controls the activation and deactivation of each IC card antenna in response to commands sent by the reader / writer. This technology is applicable to game pads used in card games using NFC-enabled smartphones and IC cards.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to an antenna device, control method, and program, and particularly to an antenna device, control method, and program for controlling the activation or deactivation of multiple IC card antennas using a mobile terminal. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, smartphones and other mobile terminals have commonly adopted Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. These smartphones can function as integrated circuit (IC) cards (contactless IC cards) or as readers / writers that read / write data to / from external IC cards in a contactless manner using an application.

[0003] Incidentally, in many cases, the reader / writer's antenna is located on the back of the smartphone. Therefore, in applications where the user places the IC card on the reader / writer's antenna while viewing the display, it can be difficult to know which part of the back of the phone the IC card should be placed on.

[0004] In view of this, various techniques for extending reader / writer antennas have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for electrically connecting an antenna coupled to a loop antenna of an IC card via electromagnetic induction and an antenna coupled to a terminal antenna arranged in a smartphone via electromagnetic induction.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-120936 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem solved by this invention

[0009] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the reader / writer antenna and the extended IC card antenna are in a one-to-one relationship, making it difficult to extend the reader / writer antenna relative to multiple IC card antennas.

[0010] This technology was developed in light of this situation, and its purpose is to control the activation or deactivation of multiple IC card antennas using a mobile terminal.

[0011] Solution to the problem

[0012] An antenna device according to a first aspect of the present technology includes: a mobile terminal antenna that receives radio waves output by a reader / writer disposed in the mobile terminal; a plurality of IC card antennas that communicate with an IC card, the IC card including an IC chip for the IC card, the IC chip reading / writing data in a contactless manner in response to a command sent by the reader / writer; and a control circuit that operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each of the IC card antennas in response to the command sent by the reader / writer.

[0013] According to the second aspect of this technology, a computer controlling a mobile terminal equipped with a reader / writer performs the following processing: sending a command from the reader / writer to an antenna device including a mobile terminal antenna, a plurality of IC card antennas, and control circuitry to control the activation or deactivation of the IC card antennas, wherein the mobile terminal antenna receives radio waves output by the reader / writer, the plurality of IC card antennas communicate with an IC card, the IC card including an IC chip for the IC card, the IC chip reading / writing data in a contactless manner in response to the command sent by the reader / writer, and the control circuitry operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each IC card antenna in response to the command sent by the reader / writer.

[0014] In a first aspect of this technology, the IC card antenna disposed in the antenna device is controlled to be enabled or disabled in response to a command sent by the reader / writer disposed in the mobile terminal.

[0015] In a second aspect of this technology, a command is sent from the reader / writer disposed in the mobile terminal to the antenna device to control the activation or deactivation of the IC card antennas. The antenna device includes: the mobile terminal antenna that receives radio waves output by the reader / writer; a plurality of IC card antennas that communicate with the IC card, the IC card including an IC chip that reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to the command sent by the reader / writer; and a control circuit that operates using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer and controls the activation or deactivation of each IC card antenna in response to the command sent by the reader / writer. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1An example configuration of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow performed by the antenna device and the smartphone.

[0018] Figure 3 The illustration shows an example of an antenna device with an extended antenna enabled.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the process flow of using the probe disable function.

[0020] Figure 5 Another configuration example of the antenna device is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 6 The illustration shows a combination of connection states between an extended antenna or NFC IC and a smartphone antenna.

[0022] Figure 7 The illustration shows eddy currents generated in a metal plate.

[0023] Figure 8 The illustration shows an example of a layered structure for an antenna device.

[0024] Figure 9 The illustration shows an example configuration of an antenna device including LEDs.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a top view illustrating an example of the appearance of an antenna device applied to a gaming pad.

[0026] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates how to use the antenna device.

[0027] Figure 12 The diagram illustrates the electrical configuration of the antenna device.

[0028] Figure 13 This is an illustration of the card game's flow.

[0029] Figure 14 This is an illustration of the card game's flow.

[0030] Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of calculating the total score.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a smartphone configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The modes used to implement this technology will be described below. The descriptions will be provided in the following order.

[0033] 1. Overview of Antenna Device

[0034] 2. Control of NFC IC response

[0035] 3. Reduce the influence of eddy currents

[0036] 4. Modify the example

[0037] 5. Application Examples

[0038] 6. Smartphone Configuration

[0039] 7. Other

[0040] <1. Overview of Antenna Device>

[0041] Figure 1 An example configuration of the antenna device 11 according to an embodiment of the present technology is illustrated.

[0042] When an NFC device, such as a smartphone 12 or an IC card 13, is brought close to the antenna device 11, the antenna device 11 performs near-field communication (NFC wireless communication) with such an NFC device.

[0043] Both the smartphone 12 and the IC card 13 are devices with predetermined standard NFC communication functions. For example, the smartphone 12 is equipped with an NFC reader / writer 51, which functions as a reader / writer for NFC communication. Furthermore, the IC card 13 is equipped with an IC chip that performs NFC communication with external readers / writers, etc., and reads / writes data in response to commands sent by the readers / writers.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the antenna device 11 is configured by connecting the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antennas 23-1 and 23-2 to the control circuit 21.

[0045] The smartphone 12 is held above the smartphone antenna 22 by the user.

[0046] Simultaneously, the user holds the IC card 13 above either the extended antenna 23-1 or 23-2. Extended antennas 23-1 and 23-2 are antennas used for the IC card 13. Figure 1 In the example, IC card 13 is held above extended antenna 23-1. IC card 13 can be held above extended antenna 23-2, or two IC cards 13 can be held above extended antennas 23-1 and 23-2 respectively.

[0047] As described above, the antenna device 11 has a single antenna for the smartphone 12 and multiple antennas for the IC card 13.

[0048] The control circuit 21 includes a rectifier circuit 31, a reset IC 32, a power supply IC 33, an NFC IC 34, a microcontroller unit (MCU) 35, a switch control circuit 36, and switches 37-1 and 37-2. The smartphone antenna 22 is connected to the rectifier circuit 31 and the NFC IC 34. Furthermore, the smartphone antenna 22 is connected to the extension antenna 23-1 via switch 37-1 and to the extension antenna 23-2 via switch 37-2.

[0049] When the smartphone antenna 22 receives radio waves output by the NFC reader / writer 51 located in the smartphone 12, the rectifier circuit 31 generates a direct current voltage (VDC). The VDC generated by the rectifier circuit 31 is supplied to the reset IC 32 and the power supply IC 33.

[0050] Reset IC 32 monitors VDC. When VDC reaches the predetermined reset release voltage, reset IC 32 activates power supply IC 33.

[0051] The power IC 33 provides VDD, generated based on VDC, to the NFC IC 34 and also provides VDD to the MCU 35.

[0052] NFC IC 34 is an IC chip disposed in antenna device 11. NFC IC 34 may be, for example, an IC chip compatible with the FeliCa (registered trademark) standard. NFC IC 34 is an IC chip capable of performing NFC communication using the same standard as the IC chip disposed in IC card 13.

[0053] While VDD is supplied from power IC 33 to NFC IC 34, power and command signals corresponding to a 13.56 MHz carrier are supplied from smartphone antenna 22 to NFC IC 34. MCU 35 is activated in response to the supply of VDD and operates in response to commands supplied from smartphone antenna 22.

[0054] For example, a write command is sent from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 as a command to enable or disable the extended antenna. Upon receiving the write command, the smartphone antenna 22 writes the write command to its memory and provides it to the MCU 35 via the I2C bus. The NFC IC 34 functions as an IC chip in the antenna device 11, controlling the operation of the MCU 35 in response to the write command.

[0055] Note that enabling the extended antenna means turning on the switch between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna, creating a short circuit (electrical connection) between them. With the extended antenna enabled, signals transmitted from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 and received by the smartphone antenna 22 are provided to the extended antenna. Simultaneously, signals transmitted from the IC card 13 and received by the extended antenna are also provided to the smartphone antenna 22.

[0056] Furthermore, disabling the extended antenna means that the switch between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna is disconnected, making the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna in an on state (electrically disconnected state).

[0057] The MCU 35 controls general purpose input / output (GPIO) based on the write commands provided by the NFC IC 34. Figure 1 In this circuit, MCU 35 uses two GPIOs to enable switch control circuit 36 ​​to control both switches 37-1 and 37-2. MCU 35 is a controller that turns each of switches 37-1 and 37-2 on / off in response to a write command to control the activation or deactivation of the extended antenna.

[0058] The switch control circuit 36, under the control of the MCU 35, turns each of switches 37-1 and 37-2 on / off. The on / off settings of the switches can also be configured with time intervals. For example, switch 37-1 can be set to be on for one second, and switch 37-2 can be set to be on for five seconds.

[0059] Switch 37-1 is positioned between smartphone antenna 22 and extended antenna 23-1.

[0060] Switch 37-2 is positioned between smartphone antenna 22 and extended antenna 23-2.

[0061] Hereinafter, without needing to distinguish between switches 37-1 and 37-2, these switches will be collectively referred to as "switch 37". Other configurations provided in pairs will be described together in a similar manner.

[0062] exist Figure 1 In the example, two extended antennas are provided, but three or more antennas can also be provided as extended antennas for IC card 13. In this case, the same number of switches as the number of extended antennas are provided between smartphone antenna 22 and extended antennas.

[0063] Here, the processing performed between the antenna device 11 with the above configuration and the smartphone 12 will be described.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a sequence diagram showing the processing flow performed by the antenna device 11 and the smartphone 12.

[0065] For example, when the smartphone 12 is held above the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 and the smartphone antenna 22 receives radio waves output by the NFC reader / writer 51, reference begins. Figure 2 The described process. Each unit of the antenna device 11 is activated when power generated in response to the smartphone antenna 22 receiving radio waves output from the NFC reader / writer 51 is supplied to each unit of the antenna device 11.

[0066] In step S1, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends a write command. Here, the scenarios of enabling and disabling the extended antenna 23-1 will be described. The IC card 13 remains above the extended antenna 23-1.

[0067] In step S11, the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 receives a write command sent from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12.

[0068] In step S12, the NFC IC 34 of the antenna device 11 writes the write command into the memory in the NFC IC 34 and provides the write command to the MCU 35.

[0069] In step S13, the MCU 35 of the antenna device 11 responds to the write command by causing the switch control circuit 36 ​​to control the switch 37. For example, upon receiving the write command, the switch control circuit 36 ​​turns on switch 37-1 and turns off switch 37-2.

[0070] In step S2, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends a polling command as a command for making a query.

[0071] In step S14, the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 receives an inquiry command sent from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12. The inquiry command received by the smartphone antenna 22 is provided to the extended antenna 23-1 via switch 37-1.

[0072] In step S15, the extended antenna 23-1 of the antenna device 11 sends a query command to the IC card 13 held above the extended antenna 23-1.

[0073] In step S16, the extended antenna 23-1 of the antenna device 11 receives a response from the IC card 13. The response to the interrogation command includes IDm, which is the identification information of the IC card 13. IDm is the identification information of the IC chip set in the antenna device 11 or the IC card 13. Note that other IDs can be used as identification information. The response received by the extended antenna 23-1 is provided to the smartphone antenna 22 via switch 37-1.

[0074] In step S17, the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 sends the response from the IC card 13 to the smartphone 12.

[0075] In step S3, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 receives a response from the antenna device 11, which is a response to an inquiry command. The smartphone 12 realizes that only the extended antenna 23-1 is enabled, and therefore the smartphone 12 can realize that the IC card 13 is held above the extended antenna 23-1, and can also realize the IDm of the IC card 13 held above the extended antenna 23-1.

[0076] As described above, the antenna device 11 can extend the antenna of the NFC reader / writer 51 located in the smartphone 12 to multiple extended antennas. Furthermore, the antenna device 11 can perform operations related to switching between enabling or disabling the multiple extended antennas without receiving power from an external source.

[0077] The smartphone 12 can enable or disable the extended antenna 23 using commands compatible with the IC chip in the IC card 13 or the NFC IC 34 as an internal IC chip. The IC chip in the IC card 13 is an IC chip for IC cards that reads / writes data contactlessly in response to commands sent by the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12. The internal IC chip is an IC chip that controls the operation of the MCU 35 in response to commands and reads / writes data contactlessly in response to commands.

[0078] <2. Control of NFC IC Response>

[0079] In this technology, after the smartphone 12 selects and enables a specific extended antenna 23, it is expected that NFC communication will only be performed between the IC card 13 and the smartphone 12 that are held above the enabled extended antenna 23.

[0080] For example, in such Figure 3 When the extended antenna 23-1 is enabled, commands sent from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 are expected to be provided only to the IC card 13 held above the extended antenna 23-1, and responses from the IC card 13 held above the extended antenna 23-1 are expected to be returned to the smartphone 12.

[0081] Because the control circuit 21 of the antenna device 11 is equipped with an NFC IC 34 capable of NFC communication, the NFC IC 34 can respond to commands sent by the smartphone 12.

[0082] There are two methods to restrict the NFC IC 34 from responding: using a polling disable function; and using a switch connected to the NFC IC 34.

[0083] - Methods for using the probe deactivation function

[0084] Even if a probe command is sent from the NFC reader / writer 51, the probe disable function prevents the IC chip from responding. The probe disable function is enabled in response to the receipt of a probe disable command.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a sequence diagram showing the process flow of using the probe disable function.

[0086] For example, reference also begins when the smartphone 12 is held above the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 and the smartphone antenna 22 receives radio waves output by the NFC reader / writer 51. Figure 4 The described processing. Extended antennas 23-1 and 23-2 are on as by default.

[0087] In step S51, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends an inquiry command.

[0088] In step S71, the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 receives an inquiry command sent from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12.

[0089] In step S72, the NFC IC 34 of the antenna device 11 provides a response to the interrogation command to the smartphone antenna 22. The smartphone antenna 22 sends the response provided by the NFC IC 34 to the smartphone 12. The response from the NFC IC 34 includes IDm, which serves as identification information for the NFC IC 34.

[0090] In step S52, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 receives a response from the NFC IC 34.

[0091] In step S53, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends a write command to enable the extended antenna 23-1.

[0092] The process of steps S73 to S75 in antenna device 11 and Figure 2The process of steps S11 to S13 is similar. That is, in response to the write command, switch 37-1 is turned on and switch 37-2 is turned off.

[0093] In step S54, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends a probe deactivation command while specifying the NFC IC 34 based on the IDm of the NFC IC 34 included in the response received in step S52.

[0094] In step S76, the smartphone antenna 22 of the antenna device 11 receives a probe disable command sent from the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12. The NFC IC 34 stops responding to probe commands in response to the provision of the probe disable command. Note that the probe disable is automatically canceled when the NFC IC 34 is reset.

[0095] In step S55, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends an inquiry command.

[0096] The processing of steps S77 to S80 in antenna device 11 and Figure 2 Steps S14 to S17 are processed similarly. That is, an interrogation command is sent from the extended antenna 23-1 to the IC card 13, and the response from the IC card 13 is received by the extended antenna 23-1. The response from the IC card 13 received by the extended antenna 23-1 is sent from the smartphone antenna 22 to the smartphone 12.

[0097] Note that because the probe disable function is enabled, the NFC IC 34 will not respond even if a probe command is provided.

[0098] In step S56, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 receives a response from the IC card 13. Subsequently, while the smartphone 12 is conducting NFC communication with the IC card 13 held above the extended antenna 23-1, the smartphone 12 sends a command while specifying the IDm of the IC card 13 included in the response.

[0099] As described above, under the control of the smartphone 12, the antenna device 11 can restrict the operation of the NFC IC 34 so that the NFC IC 34 does not respond when a specific extended antenna 23 is enabled.

[0100] - Using a switch connected to an NFC IC

[0101] Figure 5 Another configuration example of antenna device 11 is illustrated.

[0102] exist Figure 5 In, with Figure 1The same components of antenna assembly 11 are labeled with the same markings. Redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate. This also applies to the descriptions that follow. Figure 9 .

[0103] Figure 5 Configuration and reference of control circuit 21 Figure 1 The difference in the described configuration is that a switch 41 is placed between the smartphone antenna 22 and the NFC IC 34. Switch 41 is connected to the switch control circuit 36.

[0104] That is, the MCU 35 enables the switch control circuit 36 ​​to control not only switches 37-1 and 37-2, which are used as switches for extending the antenna, but also switch 41, which is used as a switch for the NFC IC 34.

[0105] The switch control circuit 36, under the control of the MCU 35, controls the on / off state of switch 41 and switches 37-1 and 37-2. For example, the states of switch 37 and switch 41 are controlled exclusively.

[0106] Figure 6 The combination of connection states between the extended antenna 23 or the NFC IC 34 and the smartphone antenna 22 is shown.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown in the second line, the default state is that the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the NFC IC 34 is short-circuited and the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antennas 23-1 and 23-2 is open-circuited.

[0108] At the same time, such as Figure 6 As shown in the third line, when the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna 23-1 is short-circuited and the extended antenna 23-1 is enabled, the connection between the smartphone 22 and the NFC IC 34 is open. Furthermore, the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna 23-2 is also open.

[0109] At the same time, such as Figure 6 As shown in the fourth line, when the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna 23-2 is short-circuited and the extended antenna 23-2 is enabled, the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the NFC IC 34 is open. Furthermore, the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the extended antenna 23-1 is also open.

[0110] That is, when either of the extended antennas 23 is enabled, the connection between the smartphone antenna 22 and the NFC IC 34 is open. In this case, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 cannot communicate with the NFC IC 34 via NFC.

[0111] Note that when the radio wave output of the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 stops, each connection state returns to the default state, and the smartphone antenna 22 and NFC IC 34 are short-circuited.

[0112] As described above, the antenna device 11 can control the operation of the NFC IC 34 so that the NFC IC 34 does not respond by turning the switch 41 on / off, which acts as a switch for the NFC IC 34.

[0113] <3. Reduce the influence of eddy currents>

[0114] Typically, in such Figure 7 When an NFC device is placed near a metal plate, such as a table with a metal top, communication performance is reduced because eddy currents are generated in the metal plate. To reduce the impact of eddy current generation, a magnetic sheet and a metal plate can be provided on the bottom side of the antenna device 11.

[0115] Figure 8 An example of the layered structure of antenna device 11 is illustrated.

[0116] like Figure 8 As shown, the antenna device 11 has a layered structure including an antenna layer 101, a magnetic layer 102 and a metal layer 103.

[0117] Antenna layer 101 is a layer on which smartphone antenna 22 and extended antenna 23 are disposed. For example, a substrate on which control circuitry 21 and the like are disposed is also disposed on antenna layer 101.

[0118] like Figure 8 As shown, antenna layer 101 is disposed on the surface side of antenna device 11. In addition to each of the above-described configurations such as smartphone antenna 22 and extended antenna 23, antenna layer 101 is made of materials such as rubber, polyurethane or leather.

[0119] A magnetic layer 102 is disposed on the bottom side of the antenna layer 101 and between the antenna layer 101 and the metal layer 103. The magnetic layer 102 is made of a magnetic material such as ferrite.

[0120] A metal layer 103 is disposed on the bottom surface of the antenna device 11. The metal layer 103 is made of a thin-film metal material such as aluminum foil.

[0121] Because the magnetic layer 102 and the metal layer 103 are disposed on the bottom side of the antenna layer 101, the direction of the magnetic field emitted from the smartphone antenna 22, the extended antenna 23, etc. can be controlled and the generation of eddy currents can be reduced.

[0122] By adjusting the RF performance according to this hierarchical structure, the antenna device 11 can have less variation in communication performance, that is, it can maintain stable communication performance.

[0123] Note that with each layer made of flexible material, the user can roll up and carry the antenna device 11.

[0124] <4. Modification Example>

[0125] A light-emitting diode (LED) can be installed in the antenna device 11.

[0126] Figure 9 The illustration shows a configuration example of an antenna device 11 including LEDs.

[0127] Figure 9 Configuration and reference of control circuit 21 Figure 1 The difference in the described configuration is that LED111 is set. LED111 is connected to MCU 35.

[0128] The MCU 35 responds to commands provided by the NFC IC 34 to control the LED 111 to light up, blink, or turn off.

[0129] LED 111 is a light-emitting device that performs operations such as lighting, blinking, and turning off under the control of MCU 35.

[0130] As described above, the antenna device 11 can emit light from LED 111 and the like in response to commands output by the smartphone 12, without receiving an external power source. Multiple LEDs can be provided in the antenna device 11; for example, the same number of LEDs as the number of extended antennas 23 can be provided. The activation or deactivation of the extended antennas 23 can be indicated to the user by emitting light from the LEDs.

[0131] <5. Application Examples>

[0132] The following describes an application example of the antenna device 11. The antenna device 11 is used, for example, as a game mat in the field of competitive card games. The game is played by placing IC cards 13, on which symbols and the like are printed, on the game mat.

[0133] Figure 10 This is a top view showing an example of the appearance of the antenna device 11 applied to the game pad.

[0134] like Figure 10 As shown, on the surface of the antenna device 11, segment O is formed at approximately the center, and segments A to D are formed at the top, bottom, left, and right corners. Each segment is formed, for example, by printing a rectangular segment on the surface of the antenna device 11.

[0135] Section O is the section used to house the smartphone 12. The control circuit 21 and the smartphone antenna 22 are located on the back side of section O.

[0136] Sections A to D are for placing IC card 13. Extended antennas 23-1 to 23-4 are arranged on the back side of each section A to D. Here, four extended antennas 23 are arranged in antenna device 11. The activation or deactivation of the four extended antennas 23 is controlled by control circuit 21.

[0137] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates how to use antenna device 11.

[0138] like Figure 11 As shown, a smartphone 12 with a card game application installed is placed in section O of the antenna device 11.

[0139] In addition, IC cards 13-1 to 13-4, which are four IC cards 13, are placed in sections A to D respectively. Each card is marked with spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. Although in Figure 11 Four IC cards 13 were used, but any number of IC cards 13 can be used in card games.

[0140] Figure 12 The diagram shows the electrical structure of antenna device 11.

[0141] like Figure 12 As shown, control circuitry 21 and smartphone antenna 22 are formed on substrate 151. Substrate 151 is located at a position corresponding to segment O. Components such as sheets on which extended antennas 23-1 to 23-4 are arranged are located at positions corresponding to segments A to D.

[0142] Here, we will refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 Describe the flow of the card game.

[0143] For example, the card game begins after the user activates the card game application. Figure 13 As shown at the top, the user places their smartphone 12, in which the card game application is already activated, on section O.

[0144] A button TB with the words "Scan All" is displayed in the center of the smartphone 12's display. Additionally, areas for displaying information about the IC card 13 placed in sections A through D are displayed at the four corners of the smartphone 12's display.

[0145] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown in the lower part, the user places IC cards 13-1 to 13-4 on sections A to D respectively.

[0146] After placing IC cards 13-1 to 13-4 on sections A to D, the user touches... Figure 14 The button TB is shown at the top. Figure 14 In the text, the colored button TB indicates that button TB has been touched.

[0147] When the TB button is touched, each device performs the following operations.

[0148] First, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends an inquiry command.

[0149] The interrogation command received by the smartphone antenna 22 is provided to the NFC IC 34.

[0150] The NFC IC 34 provides a response, including IDm which serves as the identification information of the NFC IC 34, to the smartphone antenna 22. The response, including IDm of the NFC IC 34, is then sent to the smartphone 12.

[0151] Upon receiving a response from the NFC IC 34, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 selects one of the extended antennas 23 and sends a write command to enable the selected extended antenna 23. For example, the extended antennas are enabled sequentially starting from extended antenna 23-1.

[0152] The write command received by the smartphone antenna 22 is provided to the MCU 35. In response to the write command, the MCU 35 causes the switch control circuit 36 ​​to control the switch 37 to turn on / off. Thus, the specific extended antenna 23 is enabled.

[0153] The NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends a probe disable command while specifying the IDm of the NFC IC 34. As described above, the NFC IC 34 stops responding to the probe command because the probe disable command has already been sent.

[0154] Then, the NFC reader / writer 51 of the smartphone 12 sends an inquiry command.

[0155] The interrogation command received by the smartphone antenna 22 is provided to the enabled extended antenna 23.

[0156] The activated extended antenna 23 sends an interrogation command to the IC card 13 placed on the extended antenna 23 and receives a response including IDm, which serves as the identification information of the IC card 13. The response from the IC card 13 is then sent to the smartphone 12.

[0157] Upon receiving a response from IC card 13, smartphone 12 detects that IC card 13 is placed on the enabled extended antenna 23 and records its IDm.

[0158] Next, the smartphone 12 reselects the extended antenna 23. That is, the smartphone 12 resets the NFC IC 34, cancels the probe disable, then sends a write command to enable another extended antenna 23, and then sends a probe command. Upon receiving a response to the probe command, the smartphone 12 records the IDm of the IC card 13 placed on the reselected and enabled extended antenna 23.

[0159] Repeatedly select the extended antenna 23, send the interrogation command, and record IDm. The smartphone 12 can sequentially perform NFC communication with the IC cards 13-1 to 13-4 placed on the extended antennas 23-1 to 23-4 (segments A to D) and obtain the IDm of each IC card.

[0160] After obtaining the IDM of IC card 13-1 to 13-4, as follows Figure 14 As shown in the lower part, the smartphone 12 displays the detected IC card 13 information on the display based on IDm. Figure 14 In the example below, images of IC cards 13-1 to 13-4 will be displayed in the various display areas on the monitor.

[0161] Note that the IC chip of IC card 13 not only records the IDm of IC card 13, but also other information, such as the points used for game progress.

[0162] The smartphone 12 can read the points recorded on each of the IC cards 13-1 to 13-4 using a read command. Furthermore, the smartphone 12 can increase or decrease the points recorded on each of the IC cards 13-1 to 13-4 using a write command. The smartphone 12 can also read and display the points recorded on each of the IC cards 13-1 to 13-4, and can increase or decrease the amount recorded on each of the IC cards 13-1 to 13-4.

[0163] The smartphone 12 can also identify the antenna device 11 as a gaming pad based on the IDm, which serves as the identification information of the NFC IC 34. The IDm of the NFC IC 34 is used as the pad ID. Note that the gaming pad may include a storage device such as memory, and the pad ID may be stored therein.

[0164] The total points that increase or decrease as the game progresses can be calculated by selecting a button displayed on the smartphone 12's screen.

[0165] Figure 15 The illustration shows an example of calculating the total number of points.

[0166] like Figure 15As shown, when the IC card 13 is placed on the section of the antenna device 11 and a button such as "+1", "+5" or "+10" is selected on the display of the smartphone 12, the points corresponding to the selected button are added to the points stored in the IC card 13.

[0167] In addition, different points are added to the points stored in the IC card 13 placed on other sections of the antenna device 11.

[0168] If the button with the word "Check" is selected and displayed on the display of smartphone 12, the total number of points is displayed on the display of smartphone 12.

[0169] <6. Smartphone Configuration>

[0170] Figure 16 This is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of smartphone 12.

[0171] like Figure 16 As shown, the smartphone 12 includes not only an NFC reader / writer 51, but also a control unit 301, a communication unit 302, a memory 303, an operation unit 304, a camera 305, and a display 306.

[0172] The control unit 301 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The control unit 301 controls the overall operation of the smartphone 12 by executing a predetermined program.

[0173] The control unit 301 implements the application execution unit 301A. The application execution unit 301A executes various programs, such as a card game application that has the function of controlling the antenna device 11.

[0174] Communication unit 302 is a communication module used for mobile communications such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). Communication unit 302 communicates with external devices.

[0175] The memory 303 includes flash memory, etc. The memory 303 stores various information such as the IDm of the IC card 13 and the IDm of the NFC IC 34 transmitted from the antenna device 11, as well as programs to be executed by the control unit 301.

[0176] The operation unit 304 includes various buttons and a touch screen disposed on the display 306. The operation unit 304 outputs signals to the control unit 301 instructing the user on what to do.

[0177] Camera 305 responds to user input to capture images (moving images, still images).

[0178] Display 306 includes organic EL displays, LCDs, etc. Various screens are displayed on display 306, such as card game screens.

[0179] <7. Other>

[0180] The smartphone 12 is used as a mobile terminal for external control operation of the antenna device 11, but various devices equipped with NFC readers / writers, such as tablet terminals, wearable devices and PCs, can also be used as mobile terminals.

[0181] The above series of processes can be performed by hardware or software. In the case where the processes are performed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer, general-purpose personal computer, or similar device that includes dedicated hardware.

[0182] The program to be installed is provided on a removable medium, including optical discs (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) and semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program can be provided via wired or wireless transmission media such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting. The program can be pre-installed in ROM or a storage unit.

[0183] Note that a program executed by a computer may be a program that performs processing sequentially in the order described in this specification, or it may be a program that performs processing in parallel or at necessary time intervals (e.g., when called).

[0184] The effects described in this specification are illustrative and not limiting. Additional effects may also be achieved.

[0185] The embodiments of this technology are not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this technology.

[0186] Configuration combination examples

[0187] This technology can also have the following configurations. (1)

[0189] An antenna device, comprising:

[0190] A mobile terminal antenna that receives radio waves output by a reader / writer located in the mobile terminal;

[0191] Multiple IC card antennas communicating with an IC card, the IC card including an IC chip for the IC card, the IC chip responding to commands sent by the reader / writer to read / write data in a contactless manner; and

[0192] The control circuit operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each IC card antenna in the IC card antenna in response to the command sent by the reader / writer. (2)

[0194] According to the antenna device in (1), where

[0195] The control circuit includes:

[0196] A switch that connects to each IC card antenna in the IC card antenna system and toggles the IC card antenna on or off.

[0197] Controller, which controls the switch; and

[0198] An internal IC chip controls the operation of the controller in response to the command, and reads / writes data in a non-contact manner in response to the command. (3)

[0200] According to the antenna device in (2), where

[0201] When the IC card antenna is enabled, the IC card antenna will send the command provided by the switch to the IC card and receive a response from the IC card including the identification information of the IC chip for the IC card. (4)

[0203] According to the antenna device in (3), where

[0204] The mobile terminal antenna sends the response received by the IC card antenna to the mobile terminal. (5)

[0206] According to the antenna arrangement in (4), where:

[0207] In response to the provision of the command, the internal IC chip provides the mobile terminal antenna with additional responses including the identification information of the internal IC chip; and

[0208] The mobile terminal antenna will send the other responses provided by the internal IC chip to the mobile terminal. (6)

[0210] According to the antenna device in (5), where

[0211] The internal IC chip, in response to the provision of a deactivation command as the command, stops responding to the other responses. (7)

[0213] According to the antenna arrangement in (5), wherein:

[0214] The controller also controls other switches disposed between the mobile terminal antenna and the internal IC chip; and

[0215] In response to the activation of one of the IC card antennas, the internal IC chip controls the operation of the controller to turn off the other switches. (8)

[0217] According to any of the antenna devices in (2) to (7), where

[0218] The controller controls the light emission of the light-emitting element. (9)

[0220] According to any of the antenna devices in (5) to (8), wherein

[0221] The identification information included in the other responses is used in the mobile terminal as information for identifying the antenna device. (10)

[0223] According to any of the antenna devices in (1) to (9), where

[0224] The antenna device has a layered structure, the layered structure including:

[0225] The antenna layer, on which the IC card antenna and the mobile terminal antenna are mounted,

[0226] A magnetic layer, made of magnetic material and disposed on the bottom side of the antenna layer, and

[0227] A metal layer, which is made of a metallic material and is disposed on the bottom side of the magnetic layer. (11)

[0229] According to any of the antenna devices in (1) to (10), wherein:

[0230] A section for placing the mobile terminal is provided on the surface of the antenna device corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal antenna; and

[0231] A section for placing the IC card is provided on the surface of the antenna device corresponding to the position of each of the plurality of IC card antennas. (12)

[0233] A control method, wherein

[0234] Antenna device includes

[0235] A mobile terminal antenna that receives radio waves output by a reader / writer located within the mobile terminal.

[0236] Multiple IC card antennas communicate with an IC card, the IC card including an IC chip for the IC card, the IC chip responding to commands sent by the reader / writer to read / write data in a contactless manner.

[0237] The control circuit operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer.

[0238] The antenna device responds to the command sent by the reader / writer to control the activation or deactivation of each IC card antenna in the IC card antenna. (13)

[0240] A program for causing a computer controlling a mobile terminal equipped with a reader / writer to perform the following processes:

[0241] The reader / writer sends commands to an antenna device, including a mobile terminal antenna, multiple IC card antennas, and control circuitry, to control the activation or deactivation of the IC card antennas.

[0242] The mobile terminal antenna receives radio waves output by the reader / writer.

[0243] The plurality of IC card antennas communicate with the IC card, which includes an IC chip for the IC card. The IC chip reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to the command sent by the reader / writer.

[0244] The control circuit operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each IC card antenna in the IC card antenna in response to the command sent by the reader / writer.

[0245] List of reference numerals

[0246] 11 antenna devices

[0247] 12 smartphones

[0248] 13 IC cards

[0249] 21 Control Circuit

[0250] 22 smartphone antennas

[0251] 23-1 and 23-2 Extended Antennas

[0252] 31 Rectifier Circuit

[0253] 32 Reset IC

[0254] 33 power IC

[0255] 34 NFC IC

[0256] 35 MCU

[0257] 36 Switch Control Circuit

[0258] Switches 37-1 and 37-2

[0259] 41 switches

[0260] 51 NFC Reader / Writer

[0261] 101 antenna layers

[0262] 102 magnetic layers

[0263] 103 metal layer

[0264] 111 LED

[0265] 301 Control Unit

[0266] 301A Application Execution Unit

Claims

1. An antenna device, comprising: A mobile terminal antenna that receives radio waves output by a reader / writer located in the mobile terminal; Multiple IC card antennas communicate with an IC card, the IC card including an IC chip for the IC card, the IC chip responding to commands sent by the reader / writer to read / write data in a contactless manner; and The control circuit operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each of the plurality of IC card antennas in response to the commands sent by the reader / writer. The control circuit further includes: a switch connected to each of the plurality of IC card antennas and toggling the activation or deactivation of the IC card antenna; a controller that controls the switch; and an internal IC chip that controls the operation of the controller in response to the command and reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to the command.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein... When the IC card antenna is enabled, the IC card antenna will send the command provided by the switch to the IC card and receive a response from the IC card including the identification information of the IC chip for the IC card.

3. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein... The mobile terminal antenna sends the response received by the IC card antenna to the mobile terminal.

4. The antenna device according to claim 3, wherein: In response to the provision of the command, the internal IC chip provides the mobile terminal antenna with other responses including the identification information of the internal IC chip; and The mobile terminal antenna will send the other responses provided by the internal IC chip to the mobile terminal.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein... The internal IC chip, in response to the provision of a deactivation command as the command, stops responding to the other responses.

6. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein: The controller also controls other switches disposed between the mobile terminal antenna and the internal IC chip; and In response to the activation of one of the plurality of IC card antennas, the internal IC chip controls the operation of the controller to turn off the other switches.

7. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein... The controller controls the light emission of the light-emitting element.

8. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein The identification information included in the other responses is used in the mobile terminal as information for identifying the antenna device.

9. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein... The antenna device has a layered structure, the layered structure including: An antenna layer, on which the plurality of IC card antennas and the mobile terminal antenna are disposed. A magnetic layer, made of magnetic material and disposed on the bottom side of the antenna layer, and A metal layer, which is made of a metallic material and is disposed on the bottom side of the magnetic layer.

10. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein: A section for placing the mobile terminal is provided on the surface of the antenna device corresponding to the position of the mobile terminal antenna; and A section for placing the IC card is provided on the surface of the antenna device corresponding to the position of each of the plurality of IC card antennas.

11. A control method, comprising: The reader / writer installed in the mobile terminal sends commands to an antenna device, which includes the mobile terminal antenna, multiple IC card antennas, and control circuitry, to control the activation or deactivation of the IC card antennas. The mobile terminal antenna receives radio waves output by the reader / writer. The plurality of IC card antennas communicate with the IC card, which includes an IC chip for the IC card. The IC chip reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to commands sent by the reader / writer. The control circuit operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each of the plurality of IC card antennas in response to the commands sent by the reader / writer. The control circuit further includes: a switch connected to each of the plurality of IC card antennas and toggling the activation or deactivation of the IC card antenna; a controller that controls the switch; and an internal IC chip that controls the operation of the controller in response to the command and reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to the command.

12. A program product for causing a computer controlling a mobile terminal equipped with a reader / writer to perform the following processes: The reader / writer sends commands to an antenna device, including a mobile terminal antenna, multiple IC card antennas, and control circuitry, to control the activation or deactivation of the IC card antennas. The mobile terminal antenna receives radio waves output by the reader / writer. The plurality of IC card antennas communicate with the IC card, which includes an IC chip for the IC card. The IC chip reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to the command sent by the reader / writer. The control circuit operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio waves output by the reader / writer, and controls the activation or deactivation of each of the plurality of IC card antennas in response to the commands sent by the reader / writer. The control circuit further includes: a switch connected to each of the plurality of IC card antennas and toggling the activation or deactivation of the IC card antenna; a controller that controls the switch; and an internal IC chip that controls the operation of the controller in response to the command and reads / writes data in a contactless manner in response to the command.

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