Nfc circuit, chip, electronic device, card detection method and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide an NFC circuit, a chip, an electronic device, a card detection method and a storage medium. The NFC circuit comprises a radio frequency module and a control module. The control module is configured to detect a duration of a card detection mode. If the duration of the card detection mode reaches a first preset time length, the control module controls the radio frequency module to enter a polling mode. In the embodiments of the present application, if the duration of the card detection mode reaches the first preset time length, the polling mode is entered, the communication distance is increased, and the card detection performance is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of NFC technology, and in particular to an NFC circuit, chip, electronic device, card detection method, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] When the RF module operates in polling mode, it requires relatively high power consumption. Therefore, during most periods when communication is not ongoing, the RF module operates in a low-power card detection mode, which effectively reduces power consumption and increases the battery life of the mobile device. Low-power card detection mode typically uses intermittently transmitted RF pulses and detects changes in a certain signal to determine if a card or card-like object is nearby. However, this mode's detection range is often shorter than that of polling mode, limiting the communication distance of normal polling and reducing card detection performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an NFC circuit, chip, electronic device, card detection method, and storage medium, which can improve card detection performance.

[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an NFC circuit is provided, comprising:

[0005] RF module;

[0006] The control module is used to detect the duration of the RF module in card detection mode. If the duration of the card detection mode reaches a first preset duration, the RF module is controlled to enter polling mode.

[0007] Optionally, the control module is further configured to:

[0008] In the polling mode, if no response signal is received from the card device in one or more polling sessions, the radio frequency module is controlled to re-enter the card detection mode, and the duration of the radio frequency module in the card detection mode is re-detected. Then, depending on whether the duration exceeds a first preset time, the switching from the card detection mode to the polling mode is repeated.

[0009] Optionally, controlling the radio frequency module to re-enter the card detection mode includes:

[0010] After a second preset delay, the radio frequency module is controlled to re-enter the card detection mode.

[0011] Optionally, the control module is further configured to, in the card detection mode, control the radio frequency module to enter the polling mode if a card device is detected to be nearby.

[0012] Optionally, the control module includes:

[0013] A timer is used to start timing when the first radio frequency pulse is transmitted in the card detection mode, and the timing duration of the timer is set to the first preset duration;

[0014] When the timer times out, the radio frequency module is controlled to enter the polling mode.

[0015] Optionally, the control module is further configured to:

[0016] If a card device is detected to be close during the timing process, the timer is reset and restarted when the radio frequency module enters the next card detection mode.

[0017] Optionally, the polling mode includes one or more communication modes;

[0018] A single polling session may include polling based on one or more communication modes.

[0019] Optionally, in the card detection mode, the radio frequency module periodically emits radio frequency pulses, and determines whether a card device is approaching based on the change in electrical signal related to the radio frequency pulses; if it is determined that a card device is approaching, the module enters the polling mode.

[0020] Optionally, in a single polling cycle, the radio frequency module sends a polling command and detects whether it receives a response signal from the card device to the polling command; if it receives a response signal from the card device to the polling command, it communicates with the card device.

[0021] Optionally, the card device is a passive card with passive load modulation, an active load modulation smart terminal with card functionality, or a device equipped with a medium capable of causing changes in the radio frequency field.

[0022] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a chip is provided, including the NFC circuit described above.

[0023] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, including a device body and a chip as described above disposed on the device body.

[0024] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a card detection method is provided, comprising:

[0025] The duration of the detection mode on the detection card;

[0026] If the duration of the card detection mode reaches the first preset duration, the polling mode is entered.

[0027] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions is provided, wherein the computer instructions are used to cause a computer to perform the methods described above.

[0028] This application provides an NFC circuit, chip, electronic device, card detection method, and storage medium. If the card detection mode lasts for a first preset duration, it indicates that the card detection mode has not detected a card device approaching, and the radio frequency module is controlled to enter polling mode. Through this application embodiment, combining the low power consumption of the card detection mode with the long communication distance of the polling mode, card detection performance is improved while maintaining low power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Further details, features, and advantages of this application are disclosed in the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the low-power card detection mode of the related technology is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of an NFC circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of an NFC circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an NFC circuit according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic flowchart of a card detection method according to an exemplary embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While some embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this application. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] It should be understood that the steps described in the method embodiments of this application may be performed in different orders and / or in parallel. Furthermore, the method embodiments may include additional steps and / or omit the steps shown. The scope of this application is not limited in this respect.

[0037] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to". The term "based on" means "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first", "second", etc., mentioned in this application are used only to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not intended to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0038] It should be noted that the terms "a" and "a plurality of" used in this application are illustrative rather than restrictive, and those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0039] The names of the messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates a low-power card detection mode in related technologies. The radio frequency (RF) module periodically transmits RF pulses, typically unmodulated carrier pulses of short duration. In this mode, the RF module consumes less power. In low-power card detection mode, if a card is detected approaching, a polling mode is entered. Polling mode requires higher power consumption than low-power card detection mode because the former requires transmitting an RF field for a longer period compared to the latter. The detection range of low-power card detection mode in related technologies is shorter than that of polling mode, limiting the communication distance of normal polling and reducing card detection performance.

[0041] To address the issue that low-power card detection modes in related technologies limit the communication distance of polling, this application provides an exemplary embodiment of an NFC circuit 1100, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes an RF module 1101 and a control module 1102.

[0042] The radio frequency module 1101 can operate in card detection mode or polling mode. The control module 1102 is used to detect the duration of the radio frequency module in card detection mode. If the duration of card detection mode reaches a first preset duration, the control module 1101 is controlled to enter polling mode.

[0043] In this embodiment, if the duration of the card detection mode reaches the first preset duration, it indicates that no card device is detected to be close in the card detection mode during this period, and the radio frequency module 1101 is controlled to enter the polling mode. Through the embodiments of the present application, by combining the low power consumption characteristics of the card detection mode and the large communication distance characteristics of the polling mode, the card detection performance is improved and the power consumption is kept low.

[0044] Set the detection distance of the card detection mode as d1, and the detection distance of the polling mode as d2, where d1 is less than d2.

[0045] If the technical solution of the low power consumption card detection mode of the related technology as Figure 1 shown is adopted, the card device can be detected only when the distance between the card device and the radio frequency module is less than or equal to d1, and then it jumps to the polling mode to communicate with the card device. Therefore, Figure 1 the communication distance of the low power consumption card detection mode of the related technology as

[0046] shown is d1. In this embodiment, within the first preset duration, the detection distance of the radio frequency module 1101 is d1. When the duration of the card detection mode reaches the first preset duration, the radio frequency module 1101 enters the polling mode. At this time, the detection distance is d2. If there is a card device with a distance of m (d1 < m ≤ d2) from the radio frequency module 1101 approaching at this time, the card device can be detected and communicate with the card device at a distance of m. Therefore, compared with Figure 1 the technical solution of the low power consumption card detection mode of the related technology as

[0047] shown, this embodiment effectively increases the communication distance and improves the card detection performance. And compared with the technical solution that always works in the polling mode, this embodiment reduces the power consumption and increases the battery service life of the mobile device.

[0048] In some embodiments, in the polling mode, if no response signal from the card device is received in one or more polls, the radio frequency module 1101 is controlled to re-enter the card detection mode, and the duration of the radio frequency module in the card detection mode is re-detected, and then according to whether this duration exceeds the first preset duration, the switching between the card detection mode and the polling mode is repeated.

[0049] In some embodiments, controlling the radio frequency module 1101 to re-enter the card detection mode includes:

[0050] After a second preset delay, the control radio frequency module 1101 re-enters the card detection mode.

[0051] The second preset duration can be set according to actual needs.

[0052] In this embodiment, if no response signal is received from the card device in one or more polls, the system can directly enter the card detection mode, i.e., the second preset time is zero, to increase the card detection frequency within a certain period of time; alternatively, the system can re-enter the card detection mode after a second preset time delay to further reduce power consumption.

[0053] In other embodiments, the control module 1102 is also used to control the radio frequency module 1101 to enter a polling mode if a card device is detected to be nearby in the card detection mode.

[0054] Specifically, when the change in electrical signal related to the radio frequency pulse emitted in the card detection mode exceeds a set threshold, it is determined to be close. This threshold can be obtained based on empirical values, experimental data, or historical values; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on it.

[0055] In some other embodiments, the control module 1102 includes a timer that starts timing when the first radio frequency pulse is transmitted in card detection mode, and the timing duration of the timer is set to a first preset duration.

[0056] When the timer expires, the control radio frequency module 1101 enters polling mode. The timer can count forward or count down, and the first preset duration can be set as needed.

[0057] After the RF module 1101 enters card detection mode, the timer starts counting when the first RF pulse is transmitted. During the counting process, if a card device is detected approaching, the RF module 1101 is immediately controlled to enter polling mode. If no card device is detected approaching during the counting process, the RF module 1101 is controlled to enter polling mode when the timer expires.

[0058] In some other embodiments, the control module 1102 is also used for:

[0059] If a card device is detected to be close during the timing process, the timer is reset and restarted when the RF module enters the next card detection mode.

[0060] In some other embodiments, the control module 1102 is also used for:

[0061] When the timer expires, the control resets the timer and restarts the timer when the RF module enters the next card detection mode.

[0062] In this embodiment, after the RF module 1101 enters the card detection mode, the timer starts counting when the first RF pulse is emitted. During the counting process, if a card device is detected approaching, the RF module 1101 is immediately controlled to enter the polling mode, and the timer is reset. If no card device is detected approaching during the counting process, the RF module 1101 is controlled to enter the polling mode when the timer expires, and the timer is reset. In the polling mode, if no response signal is received from the card device after one or more polls, the RF module 1101 is controlled to re-enter the card detection mode. At this time, the counting restarts when the RF module 1101 emits the first RF pulse.

[0063] In some other implementations, the polling mode includes one or more communication modes.

[0064] The communication modes include those based on Type A technology, Type B technology, Type F technology, and Type V technology, and the polling mode includes one or more of the above four communication modes.

[0065] A single polling session includes polling based on one or more communication patterns.

[0066] As one implementation, a single polling includes polling based on one of the four communication modes described above.

[0067] As another implementation, a single polling includes a single polling based on two or more of the four communication modes described above.

[0068] As an example, a poll is performed sequentially based on the communication modes of Type A, Type B, Type F, and Type V technologies.

[0069] The duration and order of each communication mode can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here. In this embodiment, by setting two or more communication modes for polling, the card detection performance can be further improved.

[0070] Each poll in a multi-polling process includes the polling based on one or more communication modes described above. These will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0071] In some other implementations, in the card detection mode, the radio frequency module 1101 periodically sends radio frequency pulses and determines whether a card device is approaching based on the change in electrical signal related to the radio frequency pulses; if a card device is determined to be approaching, it enters the polling mode.

[0072] The duration, transmission period, and pulse height (corresponding to the transmission voltage) of the radio frequency pulse can all be adjusted as needed, either fixedly or dynamically. The time interval between the start times of two adjacent radio frequency pulses can also be adjusted as needed; the longer the time interval between two adjacent radio frequency pulses and the shorter the duration of the radio frequency pulse, the lower the power consumption.

[0073] In some other embodiments, during a single polling cycle, the control radio frequency module 1101 sends a polling command and checks whether a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received. If a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received, communication is established with the card device.

[0074] In this embodiment, after the RF module 1101 enters the card detection mode, the timer starts counting when the first RF pulse is transmitted. During the counting process, if a card device is detected approaching, the RF module 1101 is immediately controlled to enter the polling mode, and the timer is reset. If no card device is detected approaching during the counting process, the RF module 1101 is controlled to enter the polling mode when the timer expires, and the timer is reset. In one polling cycle, the RF module 1101 sends a polling command and checks whether a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received. If a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received, communication with the card device is established.

[0075] In some other embodiments, the card device is a passive card with passive load modulation, a smart terminal with card functionality with active load modulation, or a device equipped with a medium capable of causing changes in the radio frequency field. The medium capable of causing changes in the radio frequency field includes metallic media, magnetic media, etc.

[0076] As an example, such as Figure 3As shown, in card detection mode, timer t1 starts counting down from the start time of the first RF pulse emitted by RF module 1101, and the duration of the counting down is T1. In this embodiment, by setting an appropriate T1, several transmission pulse cycles can be included. If no card device is detected approaching during the entire duration of T1, one or more polling cycles are actively performed when the timer reaches T1 (or counts down from T1 to 0), i.e., at time t3. The number of polling cycles and the technology used can be set as needed. If no response signal is received from the card device during the polling process, it is assumed that no valid card device is nearby, and after a delay of T2, the system re-enters low-power card detection mode and restarts the counting down when the first RF pulse is emitted. This time T2 can be set as needed. If a response signal is received from the card device during the polling process, the normal communication process begins. It is expected that, given the duration of the RF pulse, the transmission cycle, and the pulse height (corresponding to the transmission voltage), the power consumption can be easily adjusted by adjusting T1; the larger T1 is, the lower the power consumption. Correspondingly, the lower the frequency of actively transmitting polling commands, the lower the power consumption. T1 can be fixed or dynamically adjusted as needed. For example, in applications with low power consumption requirements but high performance requirements, T1 can be configured to be smaller, while in applications with high power consumption requirements but low performance requirements, T1 can be configured to be larger. This embodiment can effectively increase the communication distance, enhance card detection performance, and also flexibly and conveniently configure the polling frequency, thereby controlling power consumption and card detection performance.

[0077] In some implementation trials, methods for detecting the presence of a card-carrying device include:

[0078] During the time window of transmitting the radio frequency pulse, the change in the electrical signal in the NFC circuit 1100 is detected. If the change is greater than a preset threshold, it is determined that a device with a card is approaching; otherwise, it is determined that a device without a card is approaching.

[0079] The preset threshold can be set as needed. In this embodiment, the radio frequency module includes a transmitting module and a receiving module. Detecting changes in the electrical signals in the NFC circuit 1100 includes detecting changes in the electrical signals of one or more modules among the transmitting module, receiving module, and control module.

[0080] As one implementation method, the electrical signal includes one or more of voltage signals, current signals, and electrical power signals.

[0081] To better illustrate the working principle of this embodiment, the following example is provided:

[0082] like Figure 4As shown, after the RF module 1101 enters the card detection mode, at the start time t1 of transmitting the first RF pulse, the timer starts counting down for a duration of T1. During the time window of transmitting the first RF pulse, it checks whether the change in the electrical signal in the NFC circuit 1100 is greater than a preset threshold. If it is greater than the preset threshold, the RF module 1101 is controlled to directly enter the polling mode, and the timer is reset. If it is less than or equal to the preset threshold, it checks whether the timer has counted to T1 or counted down from T1 to 0. If not, the next pulse is transmitted, and within the time window of transmitting the next RF pulse, it checks whether the change in the electrical signal in the NFC circuit 1100 is greater than the preset threshold. If it is greater than the preset threshold, the RF module 1101 is controlled to enter the polling mode. If it is less than or equal to the preset threshold, it checks whether the timer has counted to T1 or counted down from T1 to 0. If not, the next pulse is transmitted. This cycle continues until the timer counts to T1 or counts down from T1 to 0. When the timer reaches T1 or counts down from T1 to 0, the control radio frequency module 1101 directly enters the polling mode and controls the timer to reset.

[0083] After entering polling mode, the RF module 1101 actively performs one or more polling operations. In one polling operation, the RF module 1101 sends a polling command and checks whether it receives a response signal from the card device, i.e., whether it receives a reply from the card device. If a response signal from the card device is received, communication with the card device is established, and the normal communication process begins. If no response signal from the card device is received in one or more polling operations, the RF module 1101 is controlled to re-enter card detection mode after a delay of T2.

[0084] This embodiment also provides a chip, which includes the aforementioned NFC circuit 1100. The chip, also known as an integrated circuit (IC), can be, but is not limited to, a System-on-Chip (SoC) chip or a System-in-Package (SIP) chip. In this chip, alternating between card detection mode and polling mode increases the communication distance and improves card detection performance.

[0085] This embodiment also provides an electronic device, which includes a device body and a chip as described above disposed within the device body. The electronic device may be a card reader, such as a card reader. The electronic device may include an NFC chip, a matching circuit, and a coil.

[0086] In some implementations, methods for detecting the proximity of a card device include:

[0087] During the time window of transmitting the radio frequency pulse, the change in the electrical signal in the matching circuit and / or coil is detected. If the change is greater than a preset threshold, it is determined that a card-carrying device is approaching; otherwise, it is determined that a cardless device is approaching.

[0088] As one implementation method, the electrical signal includes one or more of voltage signals, current signals, and electrical power signals.

[0089] In this electronic device, alternating between card detection mode and polling mode increases the communication distance and improves card detection performance.

[0090] This embodiment also provides a card detection method, such as Figure 5 As shown, the steps include:

[0091] S1, the duration of the detection mode of the detection card;

[0092] S2, if the card detection mode lasts for a first preset duration, enter polling mode.

[0093] In some implementations, the method further includes:

[0094] In polling mode, if no response signal is received from the card device in one or more polling sessions, the system re-enters card detection mode and re-detects the duration of card detection mode. Then, depending on whether the duration exceeds a first preset time, the system repeatedly switches from card detection mode to polling mode.

[0095] In some implementations, controlling the radio frequency module to re-enter card detection mode includes:

[0096] After a second preset delay, the control radio frequency module re-enters the card detection mode.

[0097] In other embodiments, the method further includes:

[0098] In card detection mode, if a card device is detected to be close, the control radio frequency module enters polling mode.

[0099] In some other implementations, when the first radio frequency pulse is transmitted in card detection mode, a timer is started, and the timer duration is set to a first preset duration. When the timer times out, the control radio frequency module enters polling mode.

[0100] In some other embodiments, the method further includes:

[0101] If a card device is detected to be close during the timing process, the timer is reset and restarted when the RF module enters the next card detection mode.

[0102] In some other implementations, the polling pattern includes one or more communication patterns;

[0103] Multiple polling includes multiple polling based on one communication mode or multiple polling based on multiple communication modes.

[0104] In some other implementations, in the card detection mode, the radio frequency module periodically emits radio frequency pulses and determines whether a card device is approaching based on the change in electrical signal related to the radio frequency pulses; if a card device is determined to be approaching, the module enters a polling mode.

[0105] In some other implementations, during a single polling session, the radio frequency module sends a polling command and checks whether it receives a response signal from the card device to the polling command. If a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received, the module communicates with the card device.

[0106] In some other embodiments, the card device is a passive card with passive load modulation, or a smart terminal with card functionality with active load modulation, or a device having a medium capable of causing changes in the radio frequency field.

[0107] An exemplary embodiment of this application also provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a computer's processor, is used to cause the computer to perform a card detection method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0108] An exemplary embodiment of this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program, wherein, when executed by a computer's processor, the computer program is used to cause the computer to perform a method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0109] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application in any way. Although this application has disclosed preferred embodiments as above, it is not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this application without departing from the scope of the technical solution of this application shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this application.

Claims

1. An NFC circuit, characterized in that, include: The radio frequency (RF) module operates in either card detection mode or polling mode. In card detection mode, the RF module periodically emits RF pulses and determines whether a card device is approaching based on changes in electrical signals related to the RF pulses. In polling mode, the RF module sends polling commands and detects whether a response signal from a card device to the polling command is received. The polling commands include polling commands based on at least two communication modes of Type A, Type B, Type F, and Type V. The control module is configured to detect the duration of the radio frequency module in the card detection mode; if the duration reaches a first preset duration, control the radio frequency module to enter the polling mode; in the polling mode, if no response signal is received from the card device after multiple polls, after a second preset duration, control the radio frequency module to re-enter the card detection mode and re-detect the duration of the radio frequency module in the card detection mode; and in the card detection mode, if a card device is detected to be approaching, control the radio frequency module to enter the polling mode.

2. The NFC circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes: A timer is used to start timing when the first radio frequency pulse is transmitted in the card detection mode, and the timing duration of the timer is set to the first preset duration; When the timer times out, the radio frequency module is controlled to enter the polling mode.

3. The NFC circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control module is also used for: If a card device is detected to be close during the timing process, the timer is reset and restarted when the radio frequency module enters the next card detection mode.

4. The NFC circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, During a polling cycle, if a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received, communication is established with the card device.

5. The NFC circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The card device is a passive card with passive load modulation, an intelligent terminal with card functionality with active load modulation, or a device equipped with a medium that can cause changes in the radio frequency field.

6. A chip, characterized in that, The NFC circuit includes any one of claims 1 to 5 above.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a device body and a chip as described in claim 6 disposed on the device body.

8. A card detection method, characterized in that, include: In card detection mode, radio frequency pulses are periodically emitted, and the presence of a card device is determined based on the change in electrical signal related to the radio frequency pulses. The duration of the card detection mode is detected; If the duration of the card detection mode reaches a first preset time, the polling mode is entered. In the polling mode, a polling command is sent and it is detected whether a response signal from the card device to the polling command is received. The polling command includes a polling command based on at least two of the communication protocols of Type A, Type B, Type F, and Type V. If no response signal is received from the card device after multiple polling cycles, the card detection mode is re-entered after a second preset time delay, and the duration of the card detection mode is re-detected. In the card detection mode, if a card device is detected to be close, the system enters the polling mode.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, characterized in that, in, The computer instructions are used to cause the computer to perform the method according to claim 8.

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