Non-contact communication antenna optimization method, module, auxiliary antenna and equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a non-contact communication antenna optimization method, a module, an auxiliary antenna and equipment. The scheme comprises the optimization method for the non-contact communication antenna, and the method comprises the steps: obtaining the first field distribution information of a to-be-optimized non-contact communication antenna; according to the first field distribution information, determining a to-be-optimized area of which the signal intensity is smaller than a preset threshold value; determining a target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the to-be-optimized area according to the to-be-optimized area; and stacking the target auxiliary antenna and the non-contact communication antenna so as to improve the signal strength of the to-be-optimized area.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] One or more embodiments of the present specification relate to the technical field of non-contact communication, in particular to an optimization method of a non-contact communication antenna. One or more embodiments of the present specification also relate to a non-contact communication module, an auxiliary antenna and a computing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Non-contact communication technologies such as NFC (Near Field Communication), RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) have been widely used in identity authentication, mobile payment, access control, logistics tracking, asset management, intelligent manufacturing, smart home and other fields due to their non-contact, convenience and efficiency, which greatly improves the efficiency of information interaction and user experience.

[0003] Based on the working principle of non-contact communication, the magnetic field strength decreases cubically from the center to the periphery, which leads to high alignment requirements in business scenarios using non-contact communication and poor edge working effect.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a solution to improve the edge working effect. SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, one or more embodiments of the present specification provide an optimization method of a non-contact communication antenna, a non-contact communication module, an auxiliary antenna, a non-contact communication tag, a non-contact communication device and a computing device.

[0006] According to a first aspect of one or more embodiments of the present specification, an optimization method of a non-contact communication antenna is provided, comprising: obtaining first field distribution information of a non-contact communication antenna to be optimized; determining a to-be-optimized area with a signal strength less than a preset threshold according to the first field distribution information; determining a target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the to-be-optimized area according to the to-be-optimized area; the target auxiliary antenna comprises at least two sub-antennas; the resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna is consistent with the working frequency of the non-contact communication antenna; and stacking the target auxiliary antenna and the non-contact communication antenna to improve the signal strength of the to-be-optimized area.

[0007] According to a second aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a contactless communication module is provided, the communication module including a contactless communication antenna, a communication chip, and an auxiliary antenna; the contactless communication antenna is connected to the communication chip; the communication chip is used to acquire energy sensed by the contactless communication antenna and transmit information back; the auxiliary antenna is independent of the contactless communication antenna and is located on the side of the contactless communication antenna close to the communication device that performs contactless communication with the communication module; the auxiliary antenna includes at least two sub-antennas; the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna; under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the signal strength in the magnetic field formed by the contactless communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0008] According to a third aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, an auxiliary antenna is provided, the auxiliary antenna comprising at least two sub-antennas; the resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna; the contactless communication antenna is a communication antenna in a contactless communication device using the auxiliary antenna; the auxiliary antenna is disposed on the side of the contactless communication antenna close to the communication device that performs contactless communication with the contactless communication antenna; under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the signal strength in the magnetic field formed by the contactless communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a contactless communication tag is provided, the tag including the aforementioned contactless communication module or the tag including an auxiliary antenna for the aforementioned contactless communication.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a contactless communication device is provided, the device including the aforementioned contactless communication module or the device including the aforementioned auxiliary antenna.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a computing device is provided, including a memory, a processor, and computer instructions stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer instructions, implements the steps of the optimization method for the contactless communication antenna described above.

[0012] One embodiment of this specification can achieve at least the following beneficial effects: By selecting a matching auxiliary antenna in the weak signal area of ​​the field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna to be optimized, such as an auxiliary antenna capable of covering the weak signal area, and the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna being the same as the operating frequency of the communication antenna, the signal in the weak signal area of ​​the communication antenna can be enhanced by stacking the auxiliary antenna on the communication antenna. For example, the signal strength in the edge area can be improved by the auxiliary antenna, and the edge area can also communicate normally, thereby improving the stability of contactless communication and reducing alignment requirements. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0014] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an optimization method for a non-contact communication antenna provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the field distribution information of a non-contact communication antenna provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an optimization method for a non-contact communication antenna provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sub-antenna included in an auxiliary antenna according to one embodiment of this specification; Figure 5 This specification provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-contact communication antenna with an added auxiliary antenna, as one embodiment of the present specification. Figure 6 This specification provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a non-contact communication antenna with an added auxiliary antenna, as one embodiment of the present specification. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary antenna provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a computing device provided for one embodiment of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0016] This specification uses specific terms to describe embodiments thereof. Terms such as "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described herein, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0017] The terminology used in one or more embodiments of this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the one or more embodiments of this specification. The singular forms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and “the” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0018] The terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, product, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, product, or apparatus. Without further limitation, the presence of additional identical or equivalent elements in the process, method, product, or apparatus that includes said elements is not excluded.

[0019] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various information in one or more embodiments of this specification, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, "first" may also be referred to as "second," and similarly, "second" may also be referred to as "first," without departing from the scope of one or more embodiments of this specification. Ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily indicate order; often they are used to facilitate the distinction of objects. For example, "first server" and "second server" usually refer to two servers. To distinguish these two servers, they are described as "first server" and "second server." Of course, sometimes these two servers may be the same server.

[0020] The word “if” as used in one or more embodiments of this specification may be interpreted as “when”, “when”, or “in response to a determination”.

[0021] In this specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "receiving and sending data" does not necessarily mean direct receiving and sending; it can also mean indirect receiving and sending. For example, A receiving data sent by B can be understood as A directly receiving the data sent by B, or it can be understood as A indirectly receiving the data sent by B through other entities such as C. Similarly, B sending data to A can be understood as B sending the data directly to A, or it can be understood as B indirectly sending the data to A through other entities such as C. Here, C can be one entity, or it can be two or more entities.

[0022] In this specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the relationships between structures can be direct or indirect. For example, when describing "A is connected to B," unless it is explicitly stated that A and B are directly connected, it should be understood that A can be directly connected to B or indirectly connected to B. Similarly, when describing "A is on top of B," unless it is explicitly stated that A is directly above B (AB is adjacent and A is above B), it should be understood that A can be directly above B or indirectly above B (AB is separated by other elements, and A is above B). And so on.

[0023] The user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) involved in one or more embodiments of this specification are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties. The collection, use and processing of related data shall comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant regions, and corresponding operation entry points shall be provided for users to choose to authorize or refuse.

[0024] The following explains the terms and concepts used in one or more embodiments of this specification.

[0025] NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless communication technology with a typical operating distance of less than 10cm, used in scenarios such as mobile payments, access control cards, and public transport cards. In NFC, the device that actively transmits signals can be called the master device or the transmitting device, such as an NFC card reader or a device in card reader mode. The device that passively responds to the signals transmitted by the master device can be called the slave device or the target device, such as an NFC tag, a device in card emulation mode, or a device with an NFC tag.

[0026] RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a type of automatic identification technology that uses wireless radio frequency for non-contact, two-way data communication. It reads and writes data to a recording medium (electronic tag or RFID card) to achieve target identification and data exchange. Examples include anti-theft tags on supermarket goods and tracking tags on logistics packages, which can be identified without physical contact.

[0027] Passive systems: Devices without a built-in power supply that must rely on external devices (such as card readers) to provide power in order to operate.

[0028] Coupling coefficient: A parameter that measures the degree of magnetic field coupling between two coils. The value is between 0 and 1. The closer it is to 1, the better the magnetic field "matching" between the two coils is, and the higher the energy transfer efficiency is.

[0029] Resonant frequency: The frequency at which a circuit composed of a coil and a capacitor naturally vibrates. When the frequency of an external signal equals the resonant frequency, the circuit will produce the strongest response.

[0030] Forward propagation coefficient S21: In the field of radio frequency, this is an indicator of the efficiency of signal transmission from the transmitter to the receiver, measured in decibels (dB). The larger the S21 value (the closer it is to 0), the less signal attenuation and the higher the transmission efficiency.

[0031] The energy transfer efficiency of traditional passive NFC or RFID systems is highly dependent on spatial alignment accuracy. For 13.56MHz high-frequency systems, the near-field magnetic field strength decreases cubically with distance, resulting in an effective detection area projection radius of less than 10cm in the xy-plane (assuming the plane where the NFC or RFID tag is located). While 860-960MHz ultra-high-frequency systems have a longer radiation distance, the antenna directivity causes a sharp drop in field strength at the outer edge of the main beam, often resulting in an effective coverage diameter of less than 1.2m at a distance of 1m from the antenna. More seriously, signal attenuation at the edge of the detection plane can reach over 8dB, causing the tag reading success rate to plummet to below 35% in the central area, creating a substantial spatial blind zone. To address the shortcomings of these technologies, one embodiment of this specification provides an optimization method for a contactless communication antenna. By employing an auxiliary antenna that enhances the signal, the signal strength in the edge area can be increased, improving communication stability.

[0032] The technical solutions provided in the various embodiments of this specification are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an optimization method for a non-contact communication antenna according to one embodiment of this specification. From a programming perspective, the entity executing the process can be a program mounted on an application server, application terminal, or platform. It is understood that this method can be executed by any device, equipment, platform, or cluster of devices with computing and processing capabilities.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the method may include: Step 102: Obtain the first field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna to be optimized.

[0035] In this context, "contactless communication antenna" can refer to the antenna used for contactless communication in a contactless communication device, such as the NFC antenna in an NFC tag, the RFID antenna in an RFID device, and so on. The field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna can represent the field distribution information of the contactless communication device equipped with that antenna.

[0036] The contactless communication device with this contactless communication antenna can be a passive device, such as an NFC tag or an RFID tag. Alternatively, the contactless communication device can also be an active device, such as an electronic device used as an NFC tag, an electronic device in card emulation mode, or a card reader device.

[0037] Non-contact communication antennas can be used to receive or transmit radio frequency signals. They can be in the form of metal coils or in the form of metal sheets arranged in a coil.

[0038] The field distribution information of a non-contact communication antenna can be obtained through actual measurements near the antenna. Alternatively, it can be obtained by simulating the antenna using a simulation system. Another approach is to combine measurement and simulation. For example, signal strength data at several points can be measured, and the antenna's field distribution can be simulated. The simulated signal strength data corresponding to each measured point can then be determined from the simulated data. A mapping coefficient between the actual and simulated signal strengths can be established, and the simulated field distribution information can be adjusted based on this coefficient to obtain the actual field distribution information. This method allows for obtaining the actual field distribution information without requiring extensive actual measurements at numerous points.

[0039] The first field distribution information can represent the field distribution of a non-contact communication antenna when no target-assisted antenna is used, and can represent the magnetic field strength in different areas. The field distribution information can include signal strength information for each area or location point, and can also include location information for each area or location point. In practical applications, the field distribution information can also be represented by the forward propagation coefficient S21. The larger the value of S21, the closer it is to 0, the less signal attenuation and the higher the transmission efficiency; it can also indicate a higher signal strength on the surface of the non-contact communication antenna.

[0040] The field distribution of contactless communication antennas typically shows a strong signal intensity in the central region, gradually weakening as the signal spreads outwards. This severely limits the effective identification range, and the magnetic field strength attenuates cubically from the center outwards, resulting in high alignment requirements and poor edge performance.

[0041] Step 104: Based on the first field distribution information, determine the region to be optimized where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold.

[0042] The preset threshold represents the signal strength required for contactless communication. The preset threshold can be a specific value or a range of values. The specific value of the preset threshold can be determined based on the communication protocol used by the contactless communication antenna, the success rate of business transactions conducted through the contactless communication antenna, or expert experience. The preset threshold may differ in different application scenarios or for contactless antennas in different scenarios. No specific value is specified here.

[0043] The area to be optimized can include regions in the contactless communication antenna where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold, such as the area near the edge of the contactless communication antenna. Alternatively, the area to be optimized can be the entire region where the contactless communication antenna is located.

[0044] If the forward propagation coefficient S21 is used to represent the signal strength, the region where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold can be represented by the region where S21 is less than the preset threshold. For example, S21 is generally a negative number, such as between -30 and -1. The preset threshold can be -10, and the region where the signal strength is less than the preset threshold can be the region where S21 is less than -10, such as the region where S21 is between -30 and -10.

[0045] Step 106: Based on the area to be optimized, determine the target auxiliary antenna that can cover the area to be optimized.

[0046] The target auxiliary antenna may include at least two sub-antennas; the resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna.

[0047] The target auxiliary antenna includes individual sub-antennas or at least some of them, which can be independent of each other. The individual sub-antennas or at least some of them do not need to be connected to each other and are independent of each other. For example, the individual sub-antennas or at least some of them do not need to be connected in parallel or in series by wires or cables.

[0048] The aforementioned determination of a target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the area to be optimized can refer to antenna parameters of the target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the area to be optimized, such as shape, size, number of coil layers, number of coil turns, coil density, etc., or may also include power-related parameters such as capacitance and inductance. Alternatively, the aforementioned determination of a target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the area to be optimized can refer to a matching auxiliary antenna selected from candidate auxiliary antennas.

[0049] Step 108: Stack the target auxiliary antenna and the contactless communication antenna to improve the signal strength of the area to be optimized.

[0050] In the embodiments of this specification, the target auxiliary antenna may include at least two sub-antennas, and the resonant frequency of each sub-antenna may be consistent with the operating frequency of the non-contact communication antenna. By stacking the target auxiliary antenna and the non-contact communication antenna, each sub-antenna and the non-contact communication antenna can generate magnetic resonant coupling. Each sub-antenna can redistribute the magnetic field energy formed by the non-contact communication antenna, thereby improving the signal strength in areas with weak signals.

[0051] The target auxiliary antenna can cover the area to be optimized, or it can cover the area where the contactless communication antenna is located. The area covered by the target auxiliary antenna must include at least the area to be optimized. The resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna can be equal to or near the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna. For example, the difference between the resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna and the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna can be less than or equal to a preset difference. For example, in an NFC near-field communication scenario, if the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna is 13.56MHz, the resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna can be 13.56MHz or close to 13.56MHz, for example, a frequency within the range of 13.56±0.7MHz.

[0052] In practical applications, target auxiliary antennas and non-contact communication antennas can contain spirally wound metal wires with certain gaps between them. The area where the target auxiliary antenna is located can refer to the outer contour of the target auxiliary antenna or the area surrounded by its edges. The area where the non-contact communication antenna is located can refer to the outer contour of the non-contact communication antenna or the area surrounded by its edges, which includes not only the area containing metal wires but also the gap area between the wires.

[0053] The target auxiliary antenna can be stacked on the outer side of the contactless communication antenna, which can be the side of the contactless communication antenna that is close to other devices that communicate contactlessly with it. The target auxiliary antenna can be in contact with the contactless communication antenna, or there can be a small gap between the target auxiliary antenna and the contactless communication antenna.

[0054] At least a portion of the projection of the auxiliary antenna can be located within the area of ​​the contactless communication antenna. The projection can be orthographic, and the projection of the auxiliary antenna can represent the projection of the area where the auxiliary antenna is located, or the projection of the area encompassed by the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary antenna can include a helical coil structure, with a certain spacing between the coils. The projection of the auxiliary antenna can include a portion of the spacing between the coils. For example, in contactless communication, the area above the communication antenna in the communication module is the communication area. The interacting device can approach the area above the communication antenna to communicate with the communication module. In this case, the auxiliary antenna can be attached or placed above the communication antenna. The auxiliary antenna can cover the entire communication antenna or a portion of the communication antenna.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the field distribution information of a non-contact communication antenna provided in one embodiment of this specification. The forward propagation coefficient S21 is used as an example to represent the field distribution information. Figure 2As shown, the left side is a schematic diagram of the field distribution after adding a target auxiliary antenna to the NFC tag antenna. The right side is a schematic diagram of the field distribution of the NFC tag antenna without the added target auxiliary antenna. Different colors represent different values ​​of S21, i.e., different signal strengths. The closer the S21 value is to 0, the stronger the red color, indicating a higher signal strength. This diagram defines a coordinate system based on the area where the contactless and communication antennas are located; the horizontal and vertical axes represent various location information. Figure 2 It is evident that adding a target auxiliary antenna can effectively enhance the signal strength in the edge region, ensuring that the field strength in the area where the NFC tag antenna is located meets the communication requirements, enabling contactless communication even in the edge region.

[0056] In practical applications, multiple spare auxiliary sub-antennas of different specifications can be pre-set. Then, a combination of auxiliary sub-antennas that can cover the area to be optimized can be selected from these spare auxiliary sub-antennas based on the size of the area to be optimized, and this combination will serve as the target auxiliary antenna. Alternatively, a combination of auxiliary sub-antennas that can cover the contactless communication antenna can be selected based on its size, and this auxiliary antenna will also be able to cover the area to be optimized. The backup auxiliary sub-antennas can include auxiliary antennas of different sizes. Based on the size of the area to be optimized or the size of the contactless communication antenna, a preset matching algorithm prioritizes the selection of antenna combinations consisting of a smaller number of auxiliary sub-antennas. This combination can be stacked on top of the contactless communication antenna as an auxiliary antenna. The distribution of the magnetic field under their interaction is then detected to determine if there are still areas with signal strength below a preset threshold. If not, this auxiliary antenna can be used as the target auxiliary antenna. If areas with signal strength below the preset threshold still exist, multiple auxiliary sub-antennas can be selected to form an auxiliary antenna, and the field distribution detection and judgment process is repeated until no signal with signal strength below the preset threshold exists in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located. The auxiliary antenna that achieves this effect is then designated as the target auxiliary antenna for the contactless communication antenna. The resonant frequency of each backup auxiliary sub-antenna can be the same as, or partially the same as, and partially different from, the resonant frequency of the contactless communication antenna to suit different contactless communication scenarios.

[0057] As another implementation, one or more auxiliary sub-antennas of different specifications with adjustable parameters can be pre-set. These auxiliary sub-antennas may include metal coils with fewer turns or loops, resulting in a relatively simple structure. The parameters of these auxiliary sub-antennas can be adjusted according to actual needs, such as increasing the length of the wound metal wire, adjusting the coil spacing, etc. By adjusting these parameters, a target auxiliary antenna that can match the contactless communication antenna can be obtained. Optionally, in one embodiment of this specification, the determination of the target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the area to be optimized may specifically include: Based on the size information of the area to be optimized, an initial auxiliary antenna capable of covering the area to be optimized is determined; the initial auxiliary antenna includes at least two auxiliary sub-antennas, each of the auxiliary sub-antennas including at least two layers of helically wound metal coils, and each layer including at least one turn of metal coil; Obtain the second field distribution information after the initial auxiliary antenna is stacked on top of the non-contact communication antenna; Determine whether there are regions in the second field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold; If it does not exist, then the initial auxiliary antenna is determined as the target auxiliary antenna.

[0058] The initial auxiliary antenna may include two or more auxiliary sub-antennas, and the specifications of each auxiliary sub-antenna may be the same or different. For example, the shape, size, number of coils, number of turns, and spacing of each auxiliary sub-antenna may be the same or different. Each auxiliary sub-antenna can be independent of each other and not connected. For example, it is not necessary to connect the auxiliary sub-antennas in series or in parallel with wires.

[0059] The second field distribution information can be the magnetic field distribution in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located after an initial auxiliary antenna is added to the contactless communication antenna, such as the magnetic field distribution within the projection area of ​​the contactless communication antenna. The area range corresponding to the second field distribution information can be the same as that of the first field distribution information mentioned above.

[0060] If the initial auxiliary antenna cannot ensure that the signal strength in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the parameters of the auxiliary antenna can be adjusted to obtain a target auxiliary antenna that meets the requirements. Optionally, the method in one embodiment of this specification may further include: If there is a region in the second field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold, then the antenna parameters of the initial auxiliary antenna are adjusted to obtain the adjusted auxiliary antenna; the antenna parameters include at least one of the following: number of coil turns, coil distance, coil density, and inner coil position, to obtain the adjusted auxiliary antenna; After the adjusted auxiliary antenna is stacked onto the non-contact communication antenna, the third field distribution information of the non-contact communication antenna is collected. If there is no region in the third field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold, then the adjusted auxiliary antenna is determined as the target auxiliary antenna.

[0061] If the signal strength in a certain area is weak, the number of coil turns of the auxiliary antenna in that area can be increased, such as by continuing to wind a preset length of metal wire around the inner or outer coil; or the coil density in that area can be increased, for example, by shortening the distance between two adjacent layers of metal coils; or the inner coil can be moved closer to the area with weak signal, and so on. One or more parameters can be adjusted until the requirements are met.

[0062] Adjusting the parameters of the outer coil of the auxiliary antenna has a greater impact on the field distribution than adjusting the parameters of the inner coil. If the difference between the signal strength and the preset threshold in the region where the signal is less than the preset threshold is small (e.g., less than the preset difference), the parameters of the inner coil of the auxiliary antenna can be adjusted. If the difference between the signal strength and the preset threshold in the region where the signal is less than the preset threshold is large (e.g., greater than or equal to the preset difference), the parameters of the outer coil of the auxiliary antenna can be adjusted.

[0063] The third field distribution information can be the magnetic field distribution in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located after adding an adjusted auxiliary antenna to the contactless communication antenna, such as the magnetic field distribution within the projection area of ​​the contactless communication antenna. The area range corresponding to the third field distribution information can be the same as that corresponding to the second field distribution information and the first field distribution information.

[0064] If there are still regions in the third field distribution information where the signal strength is less than the threshold, adjustments can be made according to similar logic until the signal strength in each region of the contactless communication antenna is greater than the preset threshold.

[0065] To improve the tuning and accuracy, the parameters of the auxiliary antenna can also be adjusted by adjusting the capacitance value of the auxiliary antenna, thereby determining the target auxiliary antenna. Optionally, in one embodiment of this specification, the initial auxiliary antenna may further include a capacitor connected in series with the metal coil; the antenna parameters also include the capacitance value of the capacitor.

[0066] The two ends of the spirally wound metal coil in the initial auxiliary antenna can be connected to the two ends of a capacitor, respectively. Connecting them in series can form an independent circuit that may not include a power supply component. The capacitor can be either a variable capacitor or a fixed capacitor. With a variable capacitor, the capacitance value of the initial auxiliary antenna can be adjusted; with a fixed capacitor, the capacitance value can be replaced with a capacitor of a different value.

[0067] If the resonant frequency of the initial auxiliary antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna, increasing the length of the metal wire of the initial auxiliary antenna is equivalent to increasing the inductance. To ensure that the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna remains consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna after adjustment, the capacitance value can be reduced. Increasing the length of the metal wire helps improve signal strength, and adjusting the capacitance can also ensure that the resonant frequency meets the requirements. In one embodiment of this specification, the initial auxiliary antenna may include at least two sub-antennas. Adjusting the antenna parameters of the initial auxiliary antenna may include adjusting the antenna parameters of at least one of the sub-auxiliary antennas.

[0068] The parameter adjustment of the initial auxiliary antenna can be done by adjusting one of the sub-antennas or by adjusting multiple sub-antennas.

[0069] Alternatively, the sub-antenna that needs adjustment can be determined based on the location of the region in the field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold. For example, if the signal strength in the lower right corner of the field distribution information is less than a preset threshold, the sub-antenna in the lower right corner of the initial auxiliary antenna can be adjusted.

[0070] After each adjustment of the auxiliary antenna parameters, the field distribution information can be measured or simulated again, and then the latest field distribution information can be used to determine whether to continue adjusting. If the initial auxiliary antenna has been adjusted a preset number of times, such as 5, 8, or 10 times, or if the number of turns of the adjusted auxiliary antenna coil has reached the turns threshold, such as 10 or 20 turns, but there are still areas in the field distribution information using the adjusted auxiliary antenna where the signal strength is less than the preset threshold, the initial auxiliary antenna can be replaced and the above steps can be repeated.

[0071] As one implementation method, auxiliary sub-antennas of different sizes can be set, and a smaller number of sub-antennas can be preferred to form the auxiliary antenna. For example, assuming the contactless communication antenna is an approximately square antenna with a relatively uniform coil distribution, two rectangular auxiliary sub-antennas of the same specifications can be used as the initial auxiliary antenna. The longer side of the auxiliary sub-antenna can be the same as or slightly larger than the side length of the contactless communication antenna; the shorter side of the auxiliary sub-antenna can be half or slightly larger than half the side length of the contactless communication antenna. If, after 5 adjustments, the signal strength in the area of ​​the contactless communication antenna is still not greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the initial auxiliary antenna can be replaced with three rectangular sub-antennas. The longer side of these sub-antennas can be the same as or slightly larger than the side length of the contactless communication antenna; the shorter side of these sub-antennas can be one-third or slightly larger than one-third of the side length of the contactless communication antenna. If adjusting the initial auxiliary antennas of the three sub-antennas still fails to meet the requirements, the initial auxiliary antennas can be replaced with four sub-antennas. For example, these four sub-antennas can be four square sub-antennas of the same or similar specifications, with a side length that is half the side length of the contactless communication antenna, or slightly larger than half the side length of the contactless communication antenna. This process can be repeated to determine the target auxiliary antenna suitable for the contactless communication antenna.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating an optimization method for a non-contact communication antenna according to one embodiment of this specification. The optimization of the entire magnetic field distribution of the non-contact communication antenna is used as an example for explanation. Figure 3 As shown, the method may include the following steps.

[0073] Step 302: Obtain the first field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna to be optimized.

[0074] The first field distribution information can be the field distribution information of the magnetic field generated by the non-contact communication antenna under the action of electromagnetic induction. It can be determined by measuring the surface of the non-contact communication antenna or by simulation. The first field distribution information can also be the field distribution information generated when no auxiliary antenna is added to the non-contact communication antenna.

[0075] For example, the contactless communication antenna is the antenna in the NFC tag. Under the action of the card reader device, the NFC tag antenna can generate electromagnetic induction with the card reader device. The first field distribution information can be the magnetic field distribution information on the surface of the NFC tag under the action of the card reader device. For example, if the NFC tag uses the card reader device to transmit energy feedback information through electromagnetic induction to the card reader device, the first field distribution information can be the magnetic field distribution information generated by the NFC tag during the feedback process through the NFC tag antenna.

[0076] For example, the contactless communication antenna can be a communication antenna in an electronic device that serves as an NFC tag. This antenna can be used to transmit an excitation signal to facilitate the reader device to wake up NFC. The first field distribution information can be the field distribution information of the magnetic field generated during the transmission of the excitation signal by the contactless communication antenna.

[0077] Step 304: Determine whether there are regions in the first field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold.

[0078] The preset threshold can be set according to actual needs and can represent the signal strength that enables normal contactless communication.

[0079] If there are no regions in the first field distribution information where the signal strength is less than the preset threshold, it can be said that the current contactless communication antenna can meet the actual needs and no optimization is required. Step 306 can then be executed: End the process.

[0080] If the execution entity in the embodiments of this specification, such as the platform, device, or equipment used for optimization, has a display screen, and if there is no area where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold, it can also display a prompt indicating that the current contactless communication antenna can meet the actual needs and no optimization is required. Alternatively, if the execution entity can communicate with a host computer such as a mobile phone or computer of the staff, the prompt information can also be displayed through the host computer such as a mobile phone or computer.

[0081] If there are areas in the first field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold, it indicates that the current contactless communication antenna needs to be optimized, and step 308 can be executed: determine the auxiliary antenna that can cover the contactless communication antenna.

[0082] The auxiliary antenna can refer to the initial auxiliary antenna, the adjusted auxiliary antenna, or the target auxiliary antenna described above. The auxiliary antenna may include two or more sub-antennas and can cover the area where the contactless communication antenna is located. The projection of the contactless communication antenna can be within the projection range of the auxiliary antenna.

[0083] Then, the auxiliary antenna can be stacked with the contactless communication antenna through actual operation or simulation. For example, if the surface above the contactless communication antenna is the surface for contactless communication with other devices, the auxiliary antenna can be placed above the contactless communication antenna, positioned between the contactless antenna and the communication path of other devices. Then, the field distribution of the contactless communication antenna with the added auxiliary antenna can be measured or simulated. Here, the field strength of the upper surface area of ​​the auxiliary antenna can be measured or simulated to obtain new field distribution information. After step 308, step 310 can be executed: obtaining the second field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna after adding the auxiliary antenna.

[0084] To ensure the compatibility between the auxiliary antenna and the contactless communication antenna, further judgment can be made by executing step 312: whether there is a region in the second field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold.

[0085] If there is no region in the second field distribution information where the signal strength is less than the preset threshold, it can be indicated that the current auxiliary antenna is matched with the non-contact communication antenna, and the signal strength in each region of the non-contact communication antenna meets the communication requirements. Step 314 can then be executed: the auxiliary antenna is determined to be the auxiliary antenna matched with the non-contact communication antenna.

[0086] The parameters of the auxiliary antenna can also be recorded, or the correspondence between the auxiliary antenna and the contactless communication antenna can be recorded so that the auxiliary antenna can be used for contactless communication antennas of the same specification in the future.

[0087] If there are regions in the second field distribution information where the signal strength is less than the preset threshold, it indicates that the current auxiliary antenna and the contactless communication antenna are not well matched. Step 316 can be executed: adjust the parameters of the auxiliary antenna or replace the auxiliary communication antenna.

[0088] As mentioned above, the parameters of the auxiliary antenna, such as the number of coil turns, capacitance value, and line spacing, can be adjusted, or an auxiliary antenna of other specifications can be replaced. Afterwards, the adjusted or new auxiliary antenna can be added above the contactless communication antenna to collect new field distribution information under the action of the auxiliary antenna, as described in step 310 above. This process is repeated until an auxiliary antenna matching the contactless communication antenna is determined.

[0089] In practical applications, the initial auxiliary antenna can be simulated using a simulation system, as well as the antenna parameters can be adjusted. The adjusted antenna can also be simulated to determine the target auxiliary antenna. Alternatively, the actual initial auxiliary antenna can be adjusted according to preset adjustment rules using an operating system or platform to obtain the actual adjusted auxiliary antenna. Furthermore, the second and / or third field distribution information can be determined through the methods described above, including actual measurement, simulation, and a combination of measurement and simulation.

[0090] While one or more embodiments of this specification provide method steps as described in the embodiments or flowcharts, it is understood that the order of steps listed in the embodiments or flowcharts is merely one possible execution order among many steps and does not represent the only execution order. The order of some steps can be adjusted according to actual needs, or some steps can be omitted. When the claims involve method steps, adjustments to the order of such steps, or parallel execution between steps, are also within the scope of protection of the claims. For example, if the contactless communication antenna is a traditional antenna for contactless communication such as NFC or RFID, and the field distribution follows the conventional attenuation pattern from the center to the surrounding areas, steps 302 to 304 can be omitted, and the auxiliary antenna can be directly determined based on the size information of the contactless communication antenna. Or as described above. Figure 1 Steps 102 and 104 shown can also be omitted, and the region to be optimized can be determined according to the rules of conventional field distribution.

[0091] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sub-antenna included in an auxiliary antenna according to one embodiment of this specification. Figure 4 As shown, the sub-antenna may include a metal coil 402 and a capacitor element 404. The capacitor element 404 is connected in series within the metal coil 402. The metal coil 402 can be obtained by spirally winding one or more metal wires connected together according to a preset rule. The metal coil 402 has two connection ends: one end can be connected to one end (e.g., the positive terminal) of the capacitor element 404, and the other end can be connected to the other end (e.g., the negative terminal) of the capacitor element 404, thus forming a closed-loop structure with the metal coil and the capacitor element. The capacitor element 404 can be a fixed capacitor element or an adjustable capacitor element.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the sub-antenna has two coil layers. From the inside out, the first layer has two turns and the second layer has three turns. The distance between each layer can represent the coil spacing. The distance between each turn in a coil layer can represent the line spacing. The width of a coil layer can represent the coil width, which can be related to factors such as the number of coil turns, line spacing, and line radius.

[0093] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a non-contact communication antenna with an added auxiliary antenna, provided as an embodiment of this specification. For ease of distinction, the non-contact communication antenna is represented by a solid line, and the auxiliary antenna by a dashed line. The non-contact communication antenna can represent an existing non-contact communication antenna, which may have a helically wound metal wire and may also have components such as capacitors, resistors, and communication chips connected to the metal wire (e.g.,...). Figure 5 (Schematic diagram of the triangular component). The auxiliary antenna includes two sub-antennas, as described above. Figure 4 The sub-antenna shown is an example. Since the non-contact communication antenna has a symmetrical square antenna structure, the magnetic field it forms is approximately symmetrical. As shown in Figure 5, the two sub-antennas can be sub-antennas of the same specifications.

[0094] Optionally, the outer contour of the target auxiliary antenna described in the embodiments of this specification may be greater than or equal to the outer contour of the contactless communication antenna. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the outer edge of the auxiliary antenna, which consists of two sub-antennas, can be slightly larger than the outer contour of the contactless communication antenna, and the auxiliary antenna can cover the entire area where the contactless communication antenna is located.

[0095] In practical applications, if the area with signal strength less than a preset threshold in the field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna is near the edge of the antenna, an auxiliary antenna matching that area can be set up. For example, for the aforementioned... Figure 5 The contactless communication antenna shown can be adjusted by placing an auxiliary antenna at the edge if only the signal strength near the edge is needed. For example, eight square sub-antennas can be arranged in a 3x3 grid, with no antenna placed in the second row and second column, creating a hollow, U-shaped auxiliary antenna. This allows for optimized adjustment of the contactless communication antenna. In this way, the auxiliary antenna may not cover the entire area where the contactless communication antenna is located.

[0096] In practical applications, non-contact communication antennas are typically planar. To better couple with the communication antenna, the sub-antennas in the auxiliary antenna can also be located on the same plane. Optionally, the target auxiliary antenna includes multiple sub-antennas located on the same plane. If the non-contact communication antenna is a loop or has a certain degree of curvature, the target auxiliary antenna can also match the shape of the non-contact communication antenna, being a loop or having a certain degree of curvature.

[0097] The field distribution of the sub-antennas in the auxiliary antenna also follows conventional field distribution rules, with the signal strength in the central region typically being greater than that at the edges. To enable the contactless communication antenna to provide a more uniform magnetic field distribution, optionally, in one embodiment of this specification, the two adjacent edges of the two sub-antennas in the target auxiliary antenna are attached to each other or at least partially overlap. This causes the magnetic fields generated by adjacent sub-antennas to superimpose in adjacent regions, enhancing the field strength in those regions and resulting in a more uniform field distribution in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located.

[0098] To achieve a more uniform field distribution in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located, the coil density of the outermost layer of the auxiliary antenna can be set higher, allowing for a uniform magnetic field to be generated in the edge regions. Optionally, for any sub-antenna in the target auxiliary antenna, the coil density in the region near the center of the sub-antenna is lower than the coil density in the region farther from the center.

[0099] This specification also provides an auxiliary antenna in one embodiment that can extend the detection range of a non-contact communication antenna. Optionally, the outer contour of the target auxiliary antenna may extend beyond the outer contour of the communication antenna in a preset direction, wherein the preset direction is the direction in which the non-contact communication antenna needs to expand its detection range.

[0100] Suppose it is necessary to extend the detection range of a non-contact communication antenna to the left or right so that interactive devices that need to interact with the non-contact communication antenna can successfully interact with it even when the antenna is positioned to the left or right, thus reducing alignment requirements.

[0101] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a non-contact communication antenna with an added auxiliary antenna, provided as an embodiment of this specification. For ease of distinction, the non-contact communication antenna is represented by a solid line, and the auxiliary antenna by a dashed line. The outer contour of the auxiliary antenna is larger than that of the non-contact communication antenna, thus extending the original magnetic field range of the non-contact communication antenna.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the auxiliary antenna may include four sub-antennas, with the projections of the left and right sub-antennas extending beyond the projection area of ​​the contactless communication antenna. The adjacent edges of the sub-antennas may be closely fitted together or overlapped.

[0103] In practical applications, other numbers of sub-antennas can also be used, as long as the outer edge of the auxiliary antenna can extend beyond the outer edge of the non-contact communication antenna. There are no restrictions on the number, shape, or other specifications of the sub-antennas.

[0104] In one embodiment of this specification, by introducing a coupling coil, i.e., a target auxiliary antenna, onto the surface of a contactless communication antenna such as NFC or RFID, the stability of contactless communication can be improved. Furthermore, alignment requirements can be reduced, and the detection plane of the coil can be flexibly expanded.

[0105] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides a contactless communication module including an auxiliary antenna in the embodiments. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 7 As shown, the communication module may include a contactless communication antenna 702, a communication chip 704, and an auxiliary antenna 706. The contactless communication antenna 702 is connected to the communication chip 704; the communication chip 704 is used to acquire the energy sensed by the contactless communication antenna and transmit the information back.

[0106] The communication chip 704 can be an NFC communication chip, RFID communication chip, or other chip capable of processing radio frequency signals sensed by the contactless communication antenna 702. For example, the communication chip may have communication functions and a certain computing capability, or it may include encryption logic circuits and encryption or decryption modules to enhance data transmission security. The communication chip may include power supply circuits, power conversion circuits, communication interface circuits, oscillation circuits, etc., to realize contactless communication.

[0107] The contactless communication antenna 702 can be an antenna for receiving or transmitting radio frequency signals, and can be in the form of a metal coil or a coiled structure in the form of a metal sheet.

[0108] In practical applications, contactless communication antennas and communication chips can serve as the main components of contactless communication devices. These antennas and chips work together to enable contactless communication. Examples include NFC tags, NFC cards, NFC tag devices, and NFC card readers, all of which incorporate contactless communication antennas and chips.

[0109] The auxiliary antenna 706 can serve as an auxiliary communication unit, operating independently of the contactless communication antenna 702 and not necessarily connected to the communication chip 704. The auxiliary antenna 706 can exist independently. If the contactless communication module includes this auxiliary antenna, the signal strength in the area where the contactless communication antenna 702 is located can be more uniform. Even at the edges, the signal strength can meet communication requirements, expanding the detection range and reducing alignment requirements. If the contactless communication module does not have this auxiliary antenna, communication can still be achieved, but the signal strength at the edges of the area where the contactless communication antenna 702 is located will be weaker. The interactive device may not be able to detect the signal at the edges and needs to align with the central area to complete communication. The auxiliary antenna 706 can be a passive antenna, capable of magnetic coupling with the contactless communication antenna, redistributing the energy of the contactless communication antenna to make the field distribution in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located as uniform as possible.

[0110] The auxiliary antenna 706 can be located on the side of the contactless communication antenna 702 close to the communication device that performs contactless communication with the communication module. For example, during contactless communication, the area above the communication antenna in the communication module is the communication area. The device interacting can communicate with the communication module by being close to the area above the communication antenna. In this case, the auxiliary communication antenna can be attached or placed above the communication antenna. The auxiliary communication antenna can cover the entire communication antenna or a portion of the communication antenna. At least a portion of the projection of the auxiliary antenna can be located in the area where the communication antenna is located. The projection can represent an orthographic projection, and the projection of the auxiliary antenna can represent the projection of the area where the auxiliary antenna is located, or it can represent the projection of the area encompassed by the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary antenna can include a helical coil structure, and there can be a certain spacing between the coils. The projection of the auxiliary antenna can include the portion of the spacing between the coils.

[0111] The auxiliary antenna includes at least two sub-antennas. The resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna is the same as the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna. Under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the signal strength in the magnetic field formed by the contactless communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. Alternatively, under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the difference in signal strength between different regions in the magnetic field formed by the contactless communication antenna can be less than a preset difference, making the field distribution in the area where the contactless communication antenna is located tend to be uniform.

[0112] The auxiliary antenna can be determined according to the method described in the above embodiments. Alternatively, the auxiliary antenna can be determined in other ways, such as based on expert experience or model calculations.

[0113] In one implementation, each or at least one sub-antenna in the auxiliary antenna can be a simple metal coil or a ring-shaped metal sheet. For example, it can be a spiral metal coil, and the two ends of the metal coil can be connected to each other to form a closed-loop coil.

[0114] In practical applications, the number of coil turns is positively correlated with inductance and negatively correlated with resonant frequency; the more turns a coil antenna has, the greater its inductance and the lower its resonant frequency. The coil spacing is positively correlated with resonant frequency; the greater the coil spacing, the higher the resonant frequency. The coil width is negatively correlated with inductance and positively correlated with resonant frequency; the greater the coil width, the smaller the inductance and the higher the resonant frequency. By adjusting the number of coil turns, coil width, coil spacing, and coil length, an auxiliary antenna matching the communication antenna can be obtained. If the auxiliary antenna includes a capacitor, the capacitance value is negatively correlated with the resonant frequency; therefore, by adjusting or selecting a suitable capacitance value, an auxiliary antenna matching the communication antenna can also be obtained.

[0115] In another embodiment, at least one of the sub-antennas may include a metal coil and a capacitor element, wherein the capacitor element is connected in series with the metal coil; the capacitor element may be an adjustable capacitor element or a fixed capacitor element.

[0116] As mentioned above Figure 4 As shown, the metal coil in the sub-antenna can be connected in series with the capacitor element.

[0117] The auxiliary antenna may include two sub-antennas or multiple rows and columns of sub-antennas. Optionally, the communication antenna may include an antenna array consisting of m×n sub-antennas; m and n are positive integers. Each of the sub-antennas is independent of the others, and adjacent sides of any two adjacent sub-antennas are in contact with each other.

[0118] The specifications of each sub-antenna, such as the number of coil turns, line spacing, line width, and dimensions, can be the same. For example, after determining the specifications of one sub-antenna, multiple sub-antennas of that specification can be selected to construct an auxiliary antenna. Alternatively, the specifications of each sub-antenna can be different, or at least partially different. For example, the specifications of a row or column near the edge may differ from those of the sub-antennas near the center. There are no strict rules for the individual sub-antennas, as long as the requirements are met.

[0119] The adjacent sides of two adjacent sub-antennas can be attached together, overlapped, or intersected. Two adjacent sub-antennas can have overlapping parts.

[0120] In one embodiment of this specification, the size of the sub-antenna can also be determined based on the number of sub-antennas included in the communication antenna and auxiliary antenna. Optionally, if the lateral side length of the outer contour of the non-contact communication antenna is a and the longitudinal side length is b, the lateral side length of the outer contour of any sub-antenna in the antenna matrix is ​​a / n+k1, and the lateral side length of the outer contour is b / m+k2; where k1 and k2 are constants.

[0121] Where k1 and k2 are numbers greater than 0, with k1 less than a / n and k2 less than b / m. k1 and k2 can represent the length of overlap required between two adjacent sub-antennas. For example, they can be values ​​greater than or equal to the radius of the metal wire, or values ​​greater than the width of the outermost coil, and so on. The specific values ​​can be set according to actual needs, as long as the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna is greater than the outer contour of the contactless communication antenna.

[0122] In practical applications, communication antennas are usually planar antennas. Optionally, the individual sub-antennas can be located in the same plane or in different planes.

[0123] To facilitate matching with communication antennas of different specifications, at least one of the sub-antennas can be detachably fixed to the base plate. This allows for the selection of an appropriate number of sub-antennas to assemble an auxiliary communication antenna that matches the specifications of the communication antenna, such as its size. The base plate of the auxiliary communication antenna can be made of a thinner material to reduce its impact on the signal, or the communication antenna can be used as the ground plane for the auxiliary communication antenna, with the auxiliary communication antenna directly fixed above the communication antenna.

[0124] In order to enable the auxiliary antenna to function more effectively as the communication antenna, as one implementation method, the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna can match the outer contour of the communication antenna.

[0125] For example, the overall shape of the auxiliary antenna can be roughly the same as the overall shape of the communication antenna, and the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna can coincide with the outer contour of the communication antenna; or, the auxiliary antenna can be slightly larger or smaller than the communication antenna, and the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna is outside or inside the outer contour of the communication antenna.

[0126] In one implementation, the coverage of the auxiliary antenna over the contactless communication antenna can be greater than or equal to a preset threshold. For example, the auxiliary antenna can completely cover the contactless communication antenna, or it can cover a portion of the contactless communication antenna.

[0127] If optimization is required for a portion of the communication antenna, the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna may not match the outer contour of the communication antenna. Instead, the auxiliary antenna may overlap with the projection of a portion of the non-contact communication antenna.

[0128] As one implementation method, the auxiliary antenna may include a metal with a conductivity greater than or equal to 100 Siemens per meter. For example, a communication antenna can be obtained by processing a metal wire or sheet with a conductivity greater than or equal to 100 Siemens per meter according to certain rules.

[0129] In practical applications, the metal coil of an auxiliary antenna can be obtained by winding a metal wire in a planar spiral shape. The metal coil of the auxiliary antenna includes a planar spiral metal wire. Specifically, a sub-antenna may include a planar spiral metal wire.

[0130] For example, the metal coil of the sub-antenna can be obtained by winding the metal coil in an upward spiral. The metal coil of the auxiliary antenna can be a coil with a certain height, and the coils of each turn can be located in the same plane or not in the same plane.

[0131] In practical applications, the auxiliary antenna can be an internal component of the communication module. Both the auxiliary and main communication antennas can be located within the communication module. For example, if the contactless communication module is the communication module within an NFC tag, the NFC tag internally encapsulates a communication antenna, a communication chip, and an auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary antenna can be located above the main communication antenna, closer to the side of the NFC tag that is being touched. Similarly, for electronic devices with a contactless communication module, the electronic device can internally contain a communication antenna, a communication chip, and an auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary antenna can also be located above the main communication antenna, closer to the side of the electronic device that is being touched.

[0132] Alternatively, the auxiliary antenna can be a separate component, which can be glued or otherwise fixed to the outer surface of the communication module. For example, if the contactless communication module is the communication module in an NFC tag, the NFC tag can have a communication antenna and a communication chip inside, and an auxiliary antenna can be fixed to the outer surface of the NFC tag. Similarly, for an electronic device with a contactless communication module, the electronic device can have a communication antenna and a communication chip inside, and an auxiliary antenna can be fixed to the communication area of ​​the electronic device on its outer surface.

[0133] For existing or already-in-use contactless communication tags, devices, and electronic devices with communication antennas and chips, if the auxiliary antenna provided in one embodiment of this specification is an independent component, it can be used to improve the communication performance of existing or already-in-use tags, devices, and electronic devices. This eliminates the need to modify the original tags, devices, and electronic devices; a matching auxiliary antenna can be attached to or otherwise fixed to the outer surface of the original tag, device, or electronic device, making it more practical.

[0134] As one implementation method, to facilitate the combination into an auxiliary antenna suitable for use with various communication antennas, the outer contour of the sub-antenna can be polygonal, such as a square, rectangle, triangle, trapezoid, etc. This allows the auxiliary antenna, mainly composed of individual sub-antennas, to cover the area of ​​the communication antenna or a designated area, facilitating flexible configuration.

[0135] In practical applications, the shape of the sub-antenna can also be selected according to the shape of the communication antenna. For example, if the communication antenna is square, the sub-antenna can also be square, or the sub-antenna can be a rectangle, triangle, etc. that can be combined to form a square.

[0136] In order to make the field distribution in the area where the non-contact communication antenna is located more uniform, optionally, the coil density in the central region of at least one sub-antenna of the auxiliary antenna can be less than the coil density in the region far from the central region.

[0137] As shown in sub-antenna 4 above, the density of the inner coil can be less than that of the outer coil, which can make the magnetic field that traditionally decays from the center to the surroundings more uniform.

[0138] In practical applications, the coil density can also be set according to the actual field distribution. For example, if the original field distribution of the non-contact communication antenna is relatively right-biased, the right side of the area where the non-contact communication antenna is located is stronger and the left side is weaker, then the coil density of the left sub-antenna in the auxiliary antenna can be greater than the coil density of the right sub-antenna.

[0139] In one embodiment, if the auxiliary antenna includes at least two layers of spirally wound metal coils, the length ratio of the outer metal coil to the inner metal coil can be 7:4, and the width ratio can be 5:4.

[0140] As mentioned above Figure 5 As shown, if the auxiliary antenna includes multiple sub-antennas along the longitudinal direction, the length ratio of the outer metal coil to the inner metal coil of one of the sub-antennas can be 7:4, and the width ratio can be 5:4.

[0141] Length can represent the length of the longer side, and width can represent the length of the shorter side. In practice, the length or width can be the length of the outermost turn in the coil layer, or the length of the innermost turn in the coil layer, or the length of any turn in the coil layer, or the average length of all turns in the coil layer, etc. Specific measurement standards are not limited here. In one embodiment of this specification, the auxiliary antenna can also be used to extend the detection range of the contactless communication antenna and reduce alignment requirements. Optionally, the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna extends beyond the outer contour of the communication antenna in a preset direction, where the preset direction is the direction in which the detection range of the communication antenna needs to be expanded.

[0142] As mentioned above Figure 6 As illustrated, the auxiliary antenna can extend to the left and right sides of the contactless communication antenna. In practical applications, the auxiliary antenna can extend to other areas of the contactless communication antenna, such as above or below. It can extend from one direction or from multiple directions.

[0143] In practical applications, the aforementioned communication module can be a passive device for contactless communication, such as an NFC tag, an RFID tag, or a device in card emulation mode. Alternatively, the aforementioned communication module can also be an active device for contactless communication, such as a card reader device; this is not a limitation.

[0144] While this specification provides module structures as illustrated in the embodiments or diagrams, it is understood that the structures listed in the embodiments or diagrams are merely one of many structures and do not represent the only structural composition. The positions or components of some structures may be adjusted according to actual needs, or some components may be omitted.

[0145] The various technical features in the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, as long as there is no conflict or contradiction between the combinations of features. However, due to space limitations, they have not been described one by one. Therefore, the arbitrary combination of various technical features in the above embodiments is also within the scope of this specification.

[0146] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides an auxiliary antenna in its embodiments. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an auxiliary antenna provided as an embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 The auxiliary antenna 800 may include at least two sub-antennas 802.

[0147] Wherein, the resonant frequency of the target antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the non-contact communication antenna; the non-contact communication antenna is a communication antenna in a non-contact communication device that uses the auxiliary antenna; the auxiliary antenna can be set on the side of the non-contact communication antenna close to the communication device that communicates non-contactly with the non-contact communication antenna; under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the signal strength in the magnetic field formed by the non-contact communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0148] The auxiliary antenna can be the auxiliary antenna described in the above embodiments. For related descriptions of sub-antennas and contactless communication antennas, please refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0149] Optionally, the auxiliary antenna may also include a capacitor element, which may be connected in series with a metal coil.

[0150] For ease of use, the auxiliary antenna can be encapsulated, for example, by using a plastic or other material film or housing to encapsulate the auxiliary antenna, resulting in a self-usable component containing the auxiliary antenna.

[0151] For ease of use, at least one surface of the component may have an area that can be pasted or fixed by means of clips or the like, so as to fix the component to the outer surface of the contactless communication device.

[0152] Some specific structures or control methods can be described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0153] It is understood that the modules mentioned above can be hardware modules, or they can refer to computer programs or program segments, used to perform one or more specific functions. Furthermore, the distinction between these modules does not mean that the actual program code must also be separate.

[0154] For ease of description, the above modules are described separately according to their functions, divided into various modules or units. Of course, when implementing one or more of this specification, the functions of each module or unit can be implemented in the same or different software and / or hardware, or a module that performs the same function can be implemented by a combination of multiple sub-modules or sub-units, etc. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of units is only a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0155] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides a contactless communication tag, which may include the above-mentioned contactless communication module or the above-mentioned auxiliary antenna.

[0156] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides a contactless communication device, which may include the above-mentioned contactless communication module, or the device may include the above-mentioned auxiliary antenna.

[0157] In practical applications, this contactless communication device may also include components such as memory and processor.

[0158] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides devices corresponding to the above methods in its embodiments.

[0159] Figure 9 A structural block diagram of a computing device 900 provided according to an embodiment of this specification is shown.

[0160] The computing device 900 includes: Memory 910 and processor 920; The memory 910 is used to store computer programs / instructions, and the processor 920 is used to execute the computer programs / instructions. When the computer programs / instructions are executed by the processor 920, they implement the steps of the above-described optimization method for non-contact communication antennas.

[0161] Specifically, the components of the computing device 900 include, but are not limited to, a memory 910 and a processor 920. The processor 920 is connected to the memory 910 via a bus 930, and a database 950 is used to store data.

[0162] The computing device 900 also includes an access device 940, which enables the computing device 900 to communicate via one or more networks 960. Examples of these networks include Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), or combinations of communication networks such as the Internet. The access device 940 may include one or more of any type of wired or wireless network interface (e.g., a network interface card (NIC)), such as an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) wireless interface, a Wi-MAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) interface, an Ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a cellular network interface, a Bluetooth interface, a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, and so on.

[0163] In one embodiment of this specification, the above-described components of the computing device 900 and Figure 9 Other components, not shown, can also be connected to each other, for example, via a bus. It should be understood that... Figure 9 The block diagram of the computing device shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art can add or replace other components as needed.

[0164] The computing device 900 can be any type of stationary or mobile computing device, including mobile computers or mobile computing devices (e.g., tablet computers, personal digital assistants, laptop computers, notebook computers, netbooks, etc.), mobile phones (e.g., smartphones), wearable computing devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, etc.) or other types of mobile devices, or stationary computing devices such as desktop computers or personal computers (PCs). The computing device 900 can also be a mobile or stationary server.

[0165] The processor 920 executes the computer instructions to implement the steps of the above-mentioned optimization method for the contactless communication antenna.

[0166] An embodiment of this specification also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the aforementioned optimization method for a contactless communication antenna.

[0167] An embodiment of this specification also provides a computer program product, including a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the optimization method for the aforementioned contactless communication antenna.

[0168] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0169] The foregoing has described specific embodiments of this specification. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps recited in the claims may be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and may still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are possible or may be advantageous.

[0170] In the 1990s, improvements to a technology could be clearly distinguished as either hardware improvements (e.g., improvements to the circuit structure of diodes, transistors, switches, etc.) or software improvements (improvements to methodology). However, with technological advancements, many methodological improvements today can be considered direct improvements to hardware circuit structures. Designers almost always obtain the corresponding hardware circuit structure by programming the improved methodology into the hardware circuit. Therefore, it cannot be said that a methodological improvement cannot be implemented using hardware physical modules. For example, a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) (such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) is such an integrated circuit whose logic function is determined by the user programming the device. Designers can program a digital system themselves to "integrate" it onto a PLD, without needing chip manufacturers to design and manufacture dedicated integrated circuit chips. Furthermore, nowadays, instead of manually manufacturing integrated circuit chips, this programming is mostly implemented using "logic compiler" software. Similar to the software compiler used in program development, the original code before compilation must also be written in a specific programming language, called a Hardware Description Language (HDL). There are many HDLs, such as ABEL (Advanced Boolean Expression Language), AHDL (Altera Hardware Description Language), Confluence, CUPL (Cornell University Programming Language), HDCal, JHDL (Java Hardware Description Language), Lava, Lola, MyHDL, PALASM, and RHDL (Ruby Hardware Description Language). Currently, the most commonly used are VHDL (Very-High-Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language) and Verilog. Those skilled in the art should also understand that by simply performing some logic programming on the method flow using one of these hardware description languages ​​and programming it into an integrated circuit, the hardware circuit implementing the logical method flow can be easily obtained.

[0171] The controller can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, it can take the form of a microprocessor or processor and a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable program code (e.g., software or firmware) executable by the (micro)processor, logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to, the following microcontrollers: ARC 625D, Atmel AT91SAM, Microchip PIC18F26K20, and Silicon Labs C8051F320. A memory controller can also be implemented as part of the control logic of the memory. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that, in addition to implementing the controller in purely computer-readable program code form, the same functionality can be achieved by logically programming the method steps to make the controller take the form of logic gates, switches, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic controllers, and embedded microcontrollers. Therefore, such a controller can be considered a hardware component, and the means included therein for implementing various functions can also be considered as structures within the hardware component. Alternatively, the means for implementing various functions can be considered as both software modules implementing the method and structures within the hardware component.

[0172] The systems, devices, modules, or units described in the above embodiments can be implemented by computer chips or entities, or by products with certain functions. A typical implementation device is a computer. Specifically, a computer can be, for example, a personal computer, laptop computer, cellular phone, camera phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant, media player, navigation device, email device, game console, tablet computer, wearable device, or any combination of these devices.

[0173] For ease of description, the above devices are described separately by function as various units. Of course, in implementing this application, the functions of each unit can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware.

[0174] Those skilled in the art will understand that one or more embodiments of this specification can be provided as a method, system, or computer program product. Therefore, the invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0175] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0176] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0177] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0178] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPUs), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory. Memory may include non-persistent storage in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0179] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital character versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0180] This application can be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, that are executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. This application can also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices connected via a communication network. In distributed computing environments, program modules can reside in local and remote computer storage media, including storage devices.

[0181] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An optimization method for a non-contact communication antenna, comprising: Obtain the first field distribution information of the contactless communication antenna to be optimized; Based on the first field distribution information, the region to be optimized where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold is determined; Based on the area to be optimized, determine the target auxiliary antenna that can cover the area to be optimized; The target auxiliary antenna includes at least two sub-antennas; the resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna. The target auxiliary antenna is stacked with the contactless communication antenna to improve the signal strength of the area to be optimized.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining the target auxiliary antenna capable of covering the region to be optimized specifically includes: Based on the size information of the area to be optimized, an initial auxiliary antenna capable of covering the area to be optimized is determined; The initial auxiliary antenna includes at least two auxiliary sub-antennas, each of which includes at least two turns of helically wound metal coil, and each turn includes at least one turn of metal coil; Obtain the second field distribution information of the non-contact communication antenna after the initial auxiliary antenna is stacked onto the non-contact communication antenna; Determine whether there are regions in the second field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold; If it does not exist, then the initial auxiliary antenna is determined as the target auxiliary antenna.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: If it exists, adjust the antenna parameters of the initial auxiliary antenna to obtain the adjusted auxiliary antenna; The antenna parameters include at least one of the following: number of coil turns, coil distance, coil density, and inner coil position, to obtain the adjusted auxiliary antenna; After the adjusted auxiliary antenna is stacked onto the non-contact communication antenna, the third field distribution information of the non-contact communication antenna is collected. If there is no region in the third field distribution information where the signal strength is less than a preset threshold, then the adjusted auxiliary antenna is determined as the target auxiliary antenna.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the initial auxiliary antenna further includes a capacitor connected in series with the metal coil; the antenna parameters further include the capacitance value of the capacitor.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein adjusting the antenna parameters of the initial auxiliary antenna comprises: Adjust the antenna parameters of at least one of the said sub-antennas.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer contour of the target auxiliary antenna is greater than or equal to the outer contour of the non-contact communication antenna; Alternatively, the target auxiliary antenna may include multiple sub-antennas located in the same plane; Alternatively, the two adjacent sides of the two sub-antennas in the target auxiliary antenna are touching each other or the two sides at least partially overlap. Alternatively, for any sub-antenna in the target auxiliary antenna, the coil density of the sub-antenna near the center region is less than the coil density away from the center region.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer contour of the target auxiliary antenna extends beyond the outer contour of the communication antenna in a preset direction, and the preset direction is the direction in which the non-contact communication antenna needs to expand its detection range.

8. A contactless communication module, the communication module comprising a contactless communication antenna, a communication chip, and an auxiliary antenna; The contactless communication antenna is connected to the communication chip; the communication chip is used to acquire the energy sensed by the contactless communication antenna and transmit the information back. The auxiliary antenna is located on the side of the non-contact communication antenna that is close to the communication device that communicates non-contactly with the communication module. The auxiliary antenna includes at least two sub-antennas; the resonant frequency of the auxiliary antenna is consistent with the operating frequency of the contactless communication antenna. Under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the signal strength of the magnetic field formed by the non-contact communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

9. The communication module according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the sub-antennas includes a metal coil and a capacitor element, the capacitor element being connected in series with the metal coil; the capacitor element includes an adjustable capacitor element or a fixed capacitor element.

10. The communication module according to claim 8, wherein the communication antenna comprises an antenna array consisting of m×n sub-antennas; m and n are positive integers; Each of the sub-antennas is independent of the others, and the two adjacent sides of two adjacent sub-antennas are in contact with each other.

11. The communication module according to claim 10, wherein the lateral side length of the outer contour of the non-contact communication antenna is a and the longitudinal side length is b, the lateral side length of the outer contour of any sub-antenna in the antenna matrix is ​​a / n+k1, and the lateral side length of the outer contour is b / m+k2; wherein k1 and k2 are constants.

12. The communication module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna matches the outer contour of the communication antenna; Alternatively, the coverage of the auxiliary antenna relative to the contactless communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. Alternatively, the target auxiliary antenna comprises a metal with a conductivity greater than or equal to 100 Siemens per meter; Alternatively, the metal coil of the target auxiliary antenna may comprise a planar helical metal wire; Alternatively, at least one of the said sub-antennas may be detachably fixed to the base plate; Alternatively, at least some of the said sub-antennas are located in the same plane; Alternatively, the coil density in the central region of at least one sub-antenna in the auxiliary antenna is less than the coil density in the region far from the central region.

13. The communication module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the communication antenna is located inside the communication module; or, the target auxiliary antenna is fixed to the outer surface of the communication module.

14. The communication module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the auxiliary antenna comprises at least two layers of helically wound metal coils, wherein, The length ratio of the outer metal coil to the inner metal coil is 7:4, and the width ratio is 5:

4.

15. The communication module according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the outer contour of the auxiliary antenna extends beyond the outer contour of the communication antenna in a preset direction, the preset direction being the direction in which the communication antenna needs to expand its detection range.

16. An auxiliary antenna, said auxiliary antenna comprising at least two sub-antennas; The resonant frequency of the target auxiliary antenna is the same as the operating frequency of the non-contact communication antenna; the non-contact communication antenna is the communication antenna in a non-contact communication device that uses the auxiliary antenna. The auxiliary antenna is used to be disposed on the side of the non-contact communication antenna close to the communication device that communicates non-contactly with the non-contact communication antenna. Under the action of the auxiliary antenna, the signal strength in the magnetic field formed by the non-contact communication antenna is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

17. A contactless communication tag, the tag comprising the contactless communication module according to any one of claims 8 to 15, or the tag comprising the auxiliary antenna according to claim 16.

18. A contactless communication device, the device comprising the contactless communication module according to any one of claims 8 to 15, or the device comprising the auxiliary antenna according to claim 16.

19. A computing device, comprising: Memory and processor; The memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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