A non-contact communication method, a non-contact communication module and a device

Abstract

This specification discloses a contactless communication method, a contactless communication module, and a device. In this solution, the passive device, based on detection information of the external environment, can determine whether an active device is nearby. When an active device is nearby, the wake-up circuit in the passive device generates a wake-up signal to wake up the processor module within the passive device. After the processor module is woken up, it can control the signal generation circuit to generate a protocol signal, which is then sent by the passive device to the active device. The active device can then switch to normal card detection mode based on this protocol signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to one or more embodiments in the field of contactless communication technology, and particularly to a contactless communication method. This specification also relates to a contactless communication module and a contactless communication device. Background Technology

[0002] Near Field Communication (NFC), a short-range, high-frequency wireless communication technology, offers the core advantage of enabling fast and secure data exchange between two electronic devices when they are in close proximity. Evolved from contactless Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), this technology, with its short-range transmission characteristics (within a few centimeters) and convenient, efficient data transmission capabilities, is widely used in various smart scenarios. Currently, NFC technology covers multiple fields, including mobile payment, access control verification, smart tag recognition, product traceability authentication, and short-range interconnection between Internet of Things (IoT) terminal devices.

[0003] In practical applications, mobile terminals such as smartphones and smartwatches typically act as active devices for contactless communication, establishing communication connections with passive devices to achieve data interaction. Considering the battery life requirements of mobile terminals, and to minimize power consumption, active devices usually operate in a low-power mode. In this mode, the operating power of the active device's radio frequency sensing module is significantly reduced. This directly leads to a significant decrease in the active device's sensitivity to surrounding passive devices, resulting in a lower success rate in sensing passive devices. This causes identification failures and sensing delays, impacting the user experience and ultimately limiting the widespread application of NFC or RFID technologies in low-power scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, how to improve the success rate of active devices in detecting passive devices while operating with low power consumption has become an urgent technical problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, one or more embodiments of this specification provide a contactless communication method, a contactless communication module and device, to improve the success rate of card detection by active devices to passive devices.

[0006] According to a first aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a contactless communication method is provided, comprising: Obtain detection information regarding the external environment; Based on the detection information, it is determined whether there is a nearby active device, and a first determination result is obtained; If the first judgment result indicates that there is a nearby active device, a protocol signal is sent. The protocol signal is a signal that has been pre-negotiated between the passive device and the active device and can trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode.

[0007] According to a second aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a contactless communication module is provided for use in a passive device, including a processor module, a wake-up circuit, and a signal generation circuit; The input terminal of the processor module is connected to the wake-up circuit, and the output terminal of the processor module is connected to the signal generation circuit. The wake-up circuit is used to determine whether there is an approaching active device based on the detection information of the external environment. If there is an approaching active device, the wake-up circuit sends a wake-up signal to the processor module. The processor module controls the signal generation circuit to generate and send a protocol signal based on the wake-up signal; the protocol signal is a signal pre-negotiated between the passive device and the active device, which can trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode.

[0008] According to a third aspect of one or more embodiments of this specification, a contactless communication device is provided, the contactless communication device being capable of performing the contactless communication method described above, or the contactless communication device including an upper contactless communication module.

[0009] One or more embodiments of this specification can achieve at least the following beneficial effects: When the active device approaches the passive device, the wake-up circuit in the passive device can generate a wake-up signal to wake up the processor module within the passive device. After the processor module is woken up, it can control the signal generation circuit to generate a protocol signal, which is then sent by the passive device to the active device. The active device can switch to normal card detection mode according to the protocol signal, thereby ensuring that the active device can automatically switch to normal card detection mode when it approaches the passive device, improving the speed at which the active device switches to normal card detection mode, thus increasing the success rate of establishing a contactless communication connection between the active and passive devices and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0010] 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.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a contactless communication method provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a contactless communication method provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 4-1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the waveform structure of a protocol signal provided in one embodiment of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The word "if" used in one or more embodiments of this specification may be interpreted as "when", "when", or "in response to a determination".

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The following explains the terms and concepts used in one or more embodiments of this specification.

[0022] 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 cards, and public transport cards. In NFC, the device that actively transmits signals is called the active device, such as an NFC card reader or a device in card reader mode, acting as the card reader end of the NFC communication. The device that passively responds to the signals transmitted by the active device is called the passive device, such as an NFC tag, a device in card emulation mode, or a device with an NFC tag, acting as the tag end of the NFC communication.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Non-contact communication refers to a communication method in which the tag and the reader achieve wireless energy transmission and data interaction through magnetic field coupling, and identification and reading / writing operations can be completed without physical contact.

[0025] NFC technology mainly includes three communication modes: Reader / Writer Mode, Card Emulation Mode, and Peer-to-Peer Mode.

[0026] Reader / Writer Mode is a common operating mode, similar to barcode or QR code scanning. In this mode, NFC devices can read or write information to NFC tags or devices containing NFC tags. For example, in payment scenarios, a mobile phone can be in Reader / Writer Mode to obtain payment information from the payment device for payment. A device in this mode can be called a card reader device.

[0027] In Card Emulation Mode, an NFC device can emulate a smart card, allowing it to be used as a payment card, access card, or other type of card. The device can interact with existing contactless infrastructure, such as POS machines or access control systems. For example, a mobile phone can be used as a bank card for payments in stores; as an access card in offices or residences; or as a transit card for public transportation. Devices in this mode can be referred to as slave devices.

[0028] In Peer-to-Peer Mode, two NFC-enabled devices can exchange data. Both devices must be active and capable of sending and receiving data. This mode is primarily used for file transfer, social networking, and interactive games. Examples include quickly pairing Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections via NFC to transfer files or photos; exchanging business cards, contact information, or social media links by tapping two phones together; and swapping characters or sharing items in multiplayer games.

[0029] LPCD (Low Power Card Detection) mode: also known as low-power card detection mode or low-power card search mode. LPCD is a technology used in radio frequency (RF) for the efficient detection of nearby contactless smart cards or tags, primarily to reduce the power consumption of card readers while waiting for a smart card or tag to approach. LPCD mode is particularly important in portable devices such as mobile phones, its main advantage being its low power consumption. Mobile phones typically require long standby times, and frequent activation of functions such as NFC (Near Field Communication) can significantly drain the battery. LPCD mode allows the phone to continuously detect NFC signals in the background while maintaining a low power consumption level. Once a card is detected, the phone can quickly switch from a low-power state to a full-function state to perform transactions or data exchange.

[0030] Standard Card Detection Mode: Also known as normal card detection mode or normal card search mode. To improve the speed and success rate of contactless communication, the card reader device can typically operate in full-function mode during communication, i.e., standard card detection mode. In practical applications, in both LPCD mode and standard card detection mode, the card reader device (e.g., mobile terminal devices such as mobile phones) emits signals at a preset frequency. For example, in NFC near-field communication scenarios, the card reader device can emit a 13.56MHz sine wave in both LPCD mode and standard card detection mode. The difference lies in the transmission time and amplitude of the sine wave between LPCD mode and standard card detection mode. For example, in LPCD mode, the pulse width is typically in the microsecond range, while in standard card detection mode, the pulse width is typically in the tens of milliseconds range.

[0031] In related technologies, contactless communication devices are designed with a dual-state load adjustment circuit. When the LPCD signal from the card reader is detected, the communication chip within the device controls the load adjustment circuit to switch between two states, causing a significant change in the device's load impedance. This, in turn, causes a large change in the amplitude of the feedback signal received by the card reader, triggering the card reader to switch from LPCD mode to normal card detection mode. This method relies on the card reader's ability to recognize changes in reflection amplitude. Different manufacturers and models of card readers have significantly different LPCD detection thresholds, which can easily lead to compatibility issues where some devices can recognize the signal while others cannot.

[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 schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of a contactless communication method provided in one embodiment of this specification.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the application scenario includes an active device 101 and a passive device 102.

[0035] In the embodiments of this specification, the active device 101 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following terminals with NFC functionality: smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart interactive devices, wearable devices, and in-vehicle smart terminals. Wearable devices may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following terminals: smart bracelets, smartwatches, and smart glasses. The passive device 102 may include, but is not limited to, cards with NFC functionality such as bank cards, public transport cards, access cards, shopping cards, discount cards, membership cards, tag cards, and smart cards; or the passive device may include any one of the following smart devices with NFC functionality.

[0036] When the active device 101 in low-power card detection LPCD mode approaches the passive device 102, the passive device 102 can send a protocol signal to the active device 101. Based on this protocol signal, the active device 101 in low-power card detection LPCD mode will switch to normal card detection mode.

[0037] In normal card detection mode, active device 101 and passive device 102 can establish a communication connection through Near Field Communication (NFC). During this communication connection, active device 101 can be the initiator of NFC communication, also known as the master device, which actively sends NFC radio frequency signals and can be responsible for generating the radio frequency field and initiating the NFC communication process. Passive device 102 can be a passively responding device that relies on the radio frequency field generated by active device 101 for power supply. Alternatively, passive device 102 can also be an active device that communicates with active device 101 based on its own energy.

[0038] In at least one embodiment of this application, a contactless communication method is provided. This application also relates to a contactless communication module and a contactless communication device, which will be described in detail in the following embodiments.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a contactless communication method according to one embodiment of this specification. From a hardware perspective, the entity executing this process can be a passive device in contactless communication; or, from a software perspective, the entity executing this process can be an application program mounted on the passive device in contactless communication.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps.

[0041] Step 202: Obtain detection information for the external environment.

[0042] In one or more embodiments of this specification, a passive device refers to a contactless communication slave device that does not actively and continuously transmit radio frequency carriers, such as an NFC / RFID tag, an NFC / RFID card, an NFC / RFID tap-to-connect device, or an NFC / RFID slave device module.

[0043] The external environment can include the electromagnetic field, light, distance from other devices, or physical states that can be perceived, such as being blocked by other objects, within the physical space surrounding the passive device.

[0044] The detection information may include electrical signals or data collected by the passive device through the detection unit to reflect changes in the external environment, such as radio frequency field strength information, light intensity change information, or proximity sensing information.

[0045] In practical applications, passive devices can collect relevant data from the external environment through their own sensors, radio frequency receiving units, or sensing circuits, and obtain detection information from that data.

[0046] Step 204: Based on the detection information, determine whether there is an approaching active device to obtain a first judgment result.

[0047] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the active device may include a device that actively emits a radio frequency field and has card detection functionality, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or access control host acting as an NFC / RFID card reader. The presence of a nearby active device can refer to a physical distance between the active device and the passive device being less than or equal to a preset distance. The specific value of this preset distance can be 0-10 centimeters, or it can be other values.

[0048] Step 206: If the first judgment result indicates that there is a nearby active device, then send a protocol signal.

[0049] The protocol signal is a signal pre-negotiated between the passive device and the active device, which can trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode.

[0050] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the protocol signal can be a communication command pre-agreed upon by the passive device and the active device. Pre-agreed means that parameters such as the frequency, duration, interval, or encoding method of the protocol signal are agreed upon through design, configuration, or handshake before communication occurs, and are not negotiated in real time by the active and passive devices.

[0051] Normal card detection mode refers to the active device exiting the low-power card detection LPCD mode and entering the normal card detection communication mode.

[0052] In practical applications, when the first judgment result indicates the presence of a nearby active device, the passive device can send a protocol signal in a pre-agreed format, such as multiple sets of 13.56MHz carrier sequences with preset durations; then, it transmits the protocol signal outward through its built-in antenna so that the active device can receive and parse the signal; after the passive device receives the normal card detection signal sent by the active device, the passive device can establish a contactless communication connection with the active device.

[0053] 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 possible execution order. The order of some steps may be adjusted according to actual needs, or some steps may be omitted. When the claims involve method steps, changes in the order of such steps, or parallel execution between steps, are also within the scope of protection of the claims.

[0054] Figure 2 The method described involves the passive device sending a pre-negotiated protocol signal to the active device when the active device approaches it. This allows the active device to switch to normal card detection mode based on the pre-negotiated signal, ensuring automatic switching and improving the success rate of establishing a contactless communication connection between the two devices, thus enhancing the user experience. Furthermore, because the protocol signal is pre-negotiated, its reception by the active device increases the success rate of identification, further improving the overall success rate of establishing a contactless communication connection.

[0055] based on Figure 2 In addition to the method described herein, this specification also provides some specific implementation methods of the method, which will be described below.

[0056] In practical applications, the detection information can be analyzed, and the presence of an active device can be determined by judging whether there is a radio frequency signal that meets the preset requirements in the detection information.

[0057] Optionally, determining whether an active device is nearby based on the detection information may include: determining whether a radio frequency signal is present in the detection information to obtain a second determination result; if the second determination result indicates that a radio frequency signal is present in the detection information, then it is determined that an active device is nearby.

[0058] In one or more embodiments of this specification, radio frequency (RF) signals refer to electromagnetic wave signals or alternating electrical signals with radio frequency bands, typically used to achieve wireless power transfer and contactless data interaction between devices. In practical applications, RF signals can be any of the following: a 13.56MHz carrier signal emitted by an NFC card reader, an RF carrier signal emitted by a high-frequency (HF) or ultra-high-frequency (UHF) card reader, an RF query signal periodically emitted by an active device during card detection, or near-field electromagnetic waves radiated by an active device.

[0059] In one or more embodiments of this specification, after the passive device identifies the radio frequency signal from the detection signal, it can determine that there is an active device nearby, thereby improving the sensitivity of determining the presence of an active device nearby.

[0060] To reduce the probability of passive devices misjudging the proximity of active devices, the passive device can further analyze and process the radio frequency (RF) signal after detecting it. Optionally, it can determine whether the signal strength of the RF signal meets a preset requirement. If the signal strength meets the preset requirement, it is determined that an active device is approaching.

[0061] In one or more embodiments of this specification, signal strength refers to the amplitude, voltage, or current of the radio frequency signal contained in the detection information, and is a major indicator for measuring the strength of the radio frequency signal.

[0062] Preset requirements refer to the signal strength thresholds that passive devices pre-set to determine the validity of radio frequency (RF) signals. These thresholds can be adjusted according to actual application scenarios, such as communication distance or environmental interference intensity. RF signals that meet the preset requirements can be used by active devices to detect LPCD signals transmitted by low-power cards.

[0063] In practical applications, passive devices can filter data related to radio frequency signals from the detection information, such as radio frequency signal strength or frequency band identification. Then, they compare the filtered radio frequency signal strength with a preset threshold that meets the preset requirements. If the radio frequency signal strength is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it means that there is a radio frequency signal whose signal strength meets the preset requirements; if the radio frequency signal strength is less than the preset threshold, it means that there is no radio frequency signal whose signal strength meets the preset requirements.

[0064] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the presence of an active device is determined by judging whether there is a radio frequency signal with a signal strength greater than or equal to a signal strength threshold in the detection information. Based on this signal strength threshold, the passive device can respond only to valid radio frequency signals that meet the strength requirements, thereby filtering out the influence of weak interference signals, which can reduce the probability of false triggering of the passive device and thus reduce unnecessary wake-up power consumption of the processor module.

[0065] In practical applications, after determining that an active device is nearby, the passive device can send a protocol signal to the active device based on the radio frequency signal in the detection information. Optionally, if the first determination result indicates that an active device is nearby, sending the protocol signal may include: generating a pulse signal based on the radio frequency signal, wherein the pulse signal is a voltage change signal consisting of alternating high and low levels; and sending the protocol signal to the active device based on the pulse signal.

[0066] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the specific value of the first voltage can be 3.3V, or it can be any other voltage value. The specific value of the second voltage can be 0V, or it can be any other voltage value. Alternating configuration refers to the high and low voltage levels appearing sequentially in a certain time sequence, rapidly switching between them to form a pulse waveform with a sudden change edge. A voltage sudden change signal refers to a signal in which the voltage does not change slowly and gradually, but jumps from a low level to a high level or from a high level to a low level in a very short time, with a distinct voltage rising edge or voltage falling edge.

[0067] In practical applications, the passive device can rectify, filter, and perform level conversion on the detected radio frequency signal to generate a pulse signal consisting of alternating high and low levels. The high level corresponds to a first voltage value, and the low level corresponds to a second voltage value, with the first voltage value being greater than the second voltage value. This pulse signal can activate the processor within the passive device, which can generate a protocol signal with identification characteristics according to a pre-agreed format with the active device. The passive device then transmits the generated protocol signal outward through its own radio frequency antenna so that nearby active devices can receive the protocol signal.

[0068] In practical applications, changes in the ambient light intensity around passive devices can also be used to determine whether there are any active devices nearby.

[0069] Optionally, determining whether an active device is nearby based on the detection information may include: determining whether the change in the light intensity of the external environment within a preset time period is greater than or equal to a preset threshold based on the detection information, and obtaining a third determination result; if the third determination result indicates that the change in the light intensity of the external environment within a preset time period is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, then it is determined that an active device is nearby.

[0070] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the external environment can refer to the physical space surrounding the passive device that can be sensed by the light sensor, specifically including the area covered by light sources such as natural light and ambient light. Light intensity can refer to a physical quantity representing the brightness of the external environment, collected by the photosensor of the passive device and converted into an electrical signal, which can be used to reflect whether any object is blocking the light shining on the passive device. The preset time period refers to a pre-configured time interval within the passive device, which can be a continuous sampling period used to observe the dynamic changes in light intensity. The change amplitude can refer to the difference between the maximum and minimum light intensity values ​​within the preset time period, or the ratio of the current light intensity value to a reference light intensity value, used to quantify the degree of sudden changes in light intensity.

[0071] In practical applications, passive devices can extract multiple consecutive frames of light intensity data within a preset time period from the detection information. Then, they can calculate the light change amplitude within the preset time period based on the multiple frames of light intensity data. The calculated light change amplitude is then compared with a preset threshold. If the light change amplitude is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it is determined that there is an active device nearby. If the light change amplitude is less than the preset threshold, it is determined that there is no active device nearby.

[0072] In practical applications, after determining that there is a radio frequency signal in the detection information whose signal strength meets the preset requirements, it is further possible to determine whether the change in the ambient light intensity within a preset time period is greater than or equal to a preset threshold. If the change in ambient light intensity within the preset time period is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, then it is determined that an approaching active device is present. By judging the change in light intensity within a preset time period, the occlusion behavior caused by the approach of an object can be effectively identified, thereby avoiding the blind spots that may exist if relying solely on the detection of radio frequency signals, and improving the accuracy of determining the presence of an approaching active device.

[0073] In practical applications, after determining that an active device is nearby, the passive device can send a protocol signal to the active device based on the light intensity detected in the information. Optionally, if the first determination result indicates that an active device is nearby, sending the protocol signal may include: generating a pulse signal based on the light intensity, wherein the pulse signal is a voltage change signal consisting of alternating high and low levels; and sending the protocol signal to the active device based on the pulse signal.

[0074] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the passive device can convert a continuous light-sensing analog signal into a pulse signal by a comparator or processing unit based on the light intensity and its variation amplitude. The pulse signal consists of alternating high and low levels. The pulse signal can activate the processor module within the passive device, which can generate a protocol signal with identification characteristics according to a pre-agreed format with the active device. Then, the passive device transmits the generated protocol signal outward through its own radio frequency antenna so that a nearby active device can receive the protocol signal.

[0075] In practical applications, a first triggering method can be simultaneously configured on the passive device to send a protocol signal to the active device based on the radio frequency signal in the detection information, and a second triggering method can be configured to send a protocol signal to the active device based on the light intensity in the detection information. After at least one of the first and second triggering methods is triggered, the passive device can send a protocol signal to the active device. Alternatively, the passive device can also be configured with one of the first and second triggering methods. When that triggering method is triggered, the passive device can send a protocol signal to the active device.

[0076] In practical applications, other triggering methods can also be set on passive devices, such as triggering the passive device to send a protocol signal to the active device by detecting whether there is an infrared signal in the external environment.

[0077] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides a contactless communication module corresponding to the above-mentioned contactless communication method in the embodiments.

[0078] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 3 As shown, the contactless communication module 300 may include a processor module 302, a wake-up circuit 304, and a signal generation circuit 306. The input terminal of the processor module 302 is connected to the wake-up circuit 304, and the output terminal of the processor module 302 is connected to the signal generation circuit 306.

[0079] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the processor module can be a processing unit within a contactless communication module for logic control and signal scheduling, or it can be an application processor (AP) or a microcontroller (MCU), etc., and can be used to receive wake-up signals and control the signal generation circuit to generate protocol signals.

[0080] The wake-up circuit can be a hardware circuit within a contactless communication module used for environmental detection and active device proximity assessment. This wake-up circuit can be a low-power circuit. The wake-up signal can be a pulse signal output to the processor module by the wake-up circuit after it detects that a device is approaching; it is typically a high-low level transition signal.

[0081] The signal generation circuit can be a hardware circuit used to generate and output protocol signals that meet preset frequency or time domain requirements. During the generation of the protocol signal, the signal generation circuit, according to control instructions issued by the processor module, can precisely control the frequency, amplitude, timing interval, and number of signal units of the output signal. This ensures that the frequency domain characteristics and time domain structure of the output protocol signal match the format pre-negotiated by the active device, allowing the active device to accurately identify the protocol signal and switch to normal card detection mode based on it, thereby establishing a contactless communication connection with the passive device.

[0082] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the explanations of passive devices, active devices, detection information, external environment, pulse signals, protocol signals, and normal card detection modes can be found in the above content and will not be repeated here.

[0083] In one or more embodiments of this specification, under normal conditions, the wake-up circuit in the contactless communication module is in working mode, while the processor module and signal generation circuit are in standby mode. The wake-up circuit continuously collects detection information from the external environment and determines whether an active device is nearby based on this information. If an active device is detected nearby, the wake-up circuit sends a wake-up signal to the input terminal of the processor module. After receiving the wake-up signal, the processor module is awakened and can enter working mode from standby mode. The standby mode of the processor module means that most functional units such as the internal computing core, peripheral interfaces, and high-frequency clock of the processor module are in a closed or dormant state, with only a small number of basic circuits for receiving wake-up signals remaining operational, and the overall power consumption is maintained at the microampere level. The working mode of the processor module means that the core computing unit, clock system, and related peripherals of the processor module are all started and working normally, capable of executing instructions, performing logic control, and sending control commands to the signal generation circuit. The processor module in working mode can send control commands to the signal generation circuit through its output terminal. Upon receiving the control command, the signal generation circuit will switch from standby mode to working mode. In standby mode, the internal oscillation unit, drive unit, and timing control unit of the signal generation circuit are all turned off or in a dormant state, with no radio frequency or protocol signal output. Only the basic circuitry for receiving control commands remains, and the overall power consumption is maintained at the microampere level. In working mode, all internal oscillation, timing control, and drive modules of the signal generation circuit are powered on and started, and can generate and output protocol signals that meet the requirements according to preset frequency and time domain parameters. Under the control of the processor module, the signal generation circuit in working mode can generate a protocol signal pre-negotiated with the active device, and then send this protocol signal to trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode.

[0084] Figure 3 The module allows the active device to send a pre-agreed protocol signal to the active device when the active device approaches it. This enables the active device to automatically switch to normal card detection mode, improving the success rate of establishing a contactless communication connection and optimizing the user experience. Furthermore, because the protocol signal is pre-agreed upon by both the active device and the module, it effectively improves the active device's signal recognition accuracy, further enhancing the reliability of the contactless communication connection.

[0085] In practical applications, the protocol signal agreed upon in advance by the passive device and the active device refers to the signal agreed upon in advance by the manufacturers of the passive device and the active device.

[0086] The wake-up circuit can generate a wake-up signal to wake up the processor module after parsing the radio frequency signal from the detection information. Optionally, the wake-up circuit can generate the wake-up signal after receiving the low-power card detection LPCD signal sent by the active device.

[0087] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) signal refers to a specific radio frequency detection signal emitted by the active device in the low power card detection mode, which is used for low-power searching of surrounding passive devices.

[0088] In practical applications, the active device transmits a Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) signal in Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) mode. The wake-up circuit continuously listens for and receives the LPCD signal through its built-in radio frequency detection unit. Based on the LPCD signal, the wake-up circuit triggers its internal level-flipping logic to generate and output a wake-up signal. This wake-up signal is transmitted to the processor module to trigger the processor module to exit the standby state.

[0089] In one implementation, after receiving the radio frequency signal sent by the active device, the passive device first determines whether the radio frequency signal is a Low Power Card Detection (LPCD) signal. If the radio frequency signal is an LPCD signal, the wake-up circuit sends a wake-up signal to the processor module. After the processor module is woken up, it controls the signal generation circuit to send a protocol signal to the active device, so that the active device can switch to normal card detection mode based on the protocol signal and establish a contactless communication connection with the passive device. If the radio frequency signal is not a normal card detection signal, the passive device and the active device can directly establish contactless communication.

[0090] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the wake-up circuit will only output a wake-up signal after recognizing the low-power card detection LPCD signal, thereby effectively avoiding false wake-ups caused by noise and interference signals, and improving the stability of the contactless communication module.

[0091] As another implementation method, after receiving the radio frequency signal sent by the active device, the passive device can also directly send a protocol signal to the active device without needing to determine whether the radio frequency signal is a low-power signal. This allows the passive device to influence the active device more quickly, so that the active and passive devices can establish a contactless communication connection as soon as possible, thereby improving the speed of establishing contactless communication.

[0092] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the wake-up circuit may include a first power supply 402, a first resistor 404, a switching element 406, and a first connection node 408.

[0093] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the first power supply can refer to the DC power source required for the normal operation of the wake-up circuit, and can be the low-voltage DC power supply inside the passive device to provide a potential basis for the generation of the wake-up signal. The specific value of the first power supply can be 3.3V, or it can be other voltage values.

[0094] The first resistor can be a current-limiting resistor connected in series between the first power supply and the switching element to limit the current at the control terminal of the switching element and prevent overcurrent damage. The specific value of the first resistor can be 4.7kΩ, or it can be other values.

[0095] The switching element can be a semiconductor switching device capable of switching between on and off states. The switching element controls the on / off state of the current path based on the input signal state. When the current path is on, the output of the wake-up circuit can output a low level; when the current path is off, the output can output a high level. Alternatively, when the current path is on, the output can output a high level; when the current path is off, the output can output a low level. Based on this switching between high and low levels, the wake-up circuit can output a pulse signal. In practical applications, the switching element can be an NMOS transistor. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the switching element 406 includes a gate (G), a drain (D), and a source (S).

[0096] The first connection node can refer to the electrical connection point between the first resistor and the current input terminal of the switching element. Through this electrical connection point, a wire can be led out to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, which is the output point of the wake-up signal.

[0097] The wake-up port can refer to the port on the processor module used to receive wake-up signals, or it can be the wake-up signal input port of the processor module.

[0098] like Figure 4As shown, one end of the first resistor 404 is connected to the first power supply 402, and the other end of the first resistor 404 is connected to the current input terminal of the switching element 406. The first connection node 408 is connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, and the current output terminal of the switching element 406 is connected to the ground terminal. Under normal conditions, the first power supply 402 supplies power to the first connection node 408 through the first resistor 404. At this time, the voltage at the first connection node 408 is the voltage provided by the first power supply 402, which is a high-level state. When the wake-up terminal of the processor module detects the high level, the processor module will remain in standby mode. When the radio frequency signal 410 sent by the active device is transmitted to the control terminal (gate G) of the switching element 406, it triggers the switching element 406 to switch from the off state to the on state. The drain D and source S of the switching element 406 will be in the on state, and the current flows to the ground terminal through the first resistor 404 and the switching element 406. As the switching element 406 is turned on, the potential of the first connection node 408 is pulled down to ground potential by the current output terminal of the switching element 406. The voltage at the first connection node 408 is the ground voltage, which is a low-level state. When the voltage at the first connection node 408 drops from high level to low level, a pulse signal is output. This pulse signal can be used as a wake-up signal and transmitted to the wake-up terminal of the processor module through the first connection node 408. After the processor module detects the transition signal from high to low at the wake-up terminal, the processor module will be woken up and switch from standby state to working state.

[0099] In one or more embodiments of this specification, a simple and low-cost wake-up circuit is constructed through a simple combination of a first power supply, a first resistor, and a switching element, thereby improving its application in small contactless communication modules. Simultaneously, utilizing the switching characteristics of a MOSFET to achieve level switching improves the stability of the wake-up signal output.

[0100] As one implementation method, Figure 4-1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 4-1 As shown, the wake-up circuit may include a first power supply 402, a first resistor 404, a switching element 406, a first connection node 408, a second resistor 412, and a capacitor 414.

[0101] In one or more embodiments of this specification, Figure 4-1 In this circuit, the second resistor 414 is connected in series between the switching element 406 and the ground terminal to limit the conduction current and protect the switching element 406. The capacitor 414 is connected in parallel between the first connection node 408 and the ground terminal to filter out high-frequency noise such as interference waves in the environment and avoid false triggering events of the processor module.

[0102] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 5 As shown, the contactless communication module 300 may include a processor module 302, a wake-up circuit 304, a signal generation circuit 306, an NFC transceiver circuit 308, and an antenna 310. The input terminal of the processor module 302 is connected to the wake-up circuit 304, the output terminal of the processor module 302 is connected to the signal generation circuit 306, the signal generation circuit 306 is connected to the antenna 310, and the NFC transceiver circuit 308 is connected to the antenna 310.

[0103] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the antenna can be a unit for transmitting and receiving contactless signals, wherein the antenna can be an NFC coil antenna, which can simultaneously transmit protocol signals and perform normal NFC communication functions.

[0104] In practical applications, the antenna can also transmit the low-power card detection LPCD signal received from the active device to the wake-up circuit. The wake-up circuit generates a wake-up signal based on an external radio frequency signal. Figure 5 The wake-up circuit 304 can also be connected to the antenna 310. Figure 5 Not shown in the image.

[0105] An NFC transceiver circuit can be a communication circuit used to complete standard NFC interaction between passive and active devices. This circuit can be responsible for functions such as data modulation, demodulation, encoding and decoding, card emulation or reader protocol processing to achieve complete near-field communication between passive and active devices.

[0106] The communication signal can be a complete NFC signal between the passive device and the active device after the active device enters the normal card detection mode. It can include signals such as card search, authentication, data interaction, or encrypted communication.

[0107] In practical applications, if the wake-up circuit detects that the active device is approaching, it will wake up the processor module. The processor module can control the signal generation circuit to generate a protocol signal and send it to the active device through the antenna to trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode. The active device in normal card detection mode can interact with the passive device. At this time, the NFC transceiver circuit in the passive device can receive the communication signal sent by the active device through the antenna and reply with the corresponding communication signal.

[0108] It should be noted that if the protocol signal and the communication signal have the same frequency, such as 13.56MHz, the signal generation circuit and the NFC transceiver circuit in the passive device can share a single antenna.

[0109] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third contactless communication module provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 6 As shown, the contactless communication module 300 may include a processor module 302, a wake-up circuit 304, a signal generation circuit 306, an NFC transceiver circuit 308, a first antenna 310-1, and a second antenna 310-2. The input terminal of the processor module 302 is connected to the wake-up circuit 304, the output terminal of the processor module 302 is connected to the signal generation circuit 306, the signal generation circuit 306 is connected to the first antenna 310-1, and the NFC transceiver circuit 308 is connected to the second antenna 310-2.

[0110] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the protocol signal generated by the signal generation circuit is transmitted outward through the first antenna to trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode. After the active device switches, it begins to establish standard contactless communication with the passive device, which can be NFC communication. The NFC transceiver circuit in the passive device can send and receive communication signals through the second antenna to complete interactive operations such as card search, authentication, and data transmission.

[0111] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the antenna for transmitting protocol signals and the antenna for transmitting and receiving communication signals are arranged independently, thereby avoiding interference problems caused by the trigger signal and communication signal being on the same antenna, thus improving the reliability of triggering the active device to switch to the normal card detection mode, and improving the quality of contactless communication between the active device and the passive device.

[0112] The wake-up circuit can generate a wake-up signal to wake up the processor module after parsing the change in the light intensity of the external environment from the detection information. Optionally, the wake-up circuit can generate the wake-up signal after detecting that the change in light intensity at the passive device within a preset time period is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

[0113] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the wake-up circuit can continuously collect the light intensity around the passive device within a preset time period. By recording the start and end values ​​of the light intensity, the circuit calculates the change range of the light intensity. If the change range is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, the wake-up circuit determines that there is an active device nearby and generates a wake-up signal.

[0114] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the third wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 7 As shown, the wake-up circuit may include a second power supply 702, a second resistor 704, a first photoresistor 706, and a second connection node 708.

[0115] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the second power supply can be the DC operating voltage provided by the wake-up circuit. The specific value of the second power supply can be 3.3V, or it can be other voltage values.

[0116] The first photoresistor can be a photosensitive element whose resistance changes with the intensity of light. The stronger the light, the lower the resistance. When light shines on the first photoresistor, the specific value of the first photoresistor can be 8-20Ω, or it can be other values. The weaker the light, the higher the resistance. When no light shines on the first photoresistor, the specific value of the first photoresistor can be 500kΩ, or it can be other values.

[0117] The second resistor can form a voltage divider branch with the first photoresistor. The specific value of the second resistor can be 220kΩ, or it can be other resistance values.

[0118] The second connection node can be an electrical connection point between the second resistor and the first photoresistor, used to output the wake-up signal of the wake-up circuit. This connection node can be connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module.

[0119] like Figure 7 As shown, one end of the second resistor 704 is connected to the second power supply 702, and the other end of the second resistor 704 is connected to one end of the first photoresistor 706. The second connection node 708 is connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, and the other end of the first photoresistor 706 is connected to the ground terminal. When light shines on the first photoresistor 706, its resistance is low, and the voltage at the second connection node 708 is close to that at the ground terminal. At this time, the second connection node outputs a low level. When an active device such as a mobile phone approaches and blocks the first photoresistor 706, the light shining on it is blocked, and the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 increases significantly. The voltage at the second connection node 708 is the voltage division corresponding to the first photoresistor 706, and the second connection node outputs a high level, thus forming a clear level transition. After detecting this level transition, the wake-up terminal of the processor module can switch from standby mode to working mode.

[0120] For example, assuming the second power supply 702 is 3.3V and the second resistor 704 is 220kΩ, when there is light, assuming the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 is 2kΩ, then the voltage at the second connection node 708 is 2×3.3 / 222=0.03V; when the active device approaches, the first photoresistor 706 is blocked, assuming the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 becomes 500kΩ, then the voltage at the second connection node 708 is 500×3.3 / 720=2.3V.

[0121] In one or more embodiments of this specification, Figure 7The wake-up circuit is constructed using two passive components, which reduces the construction cost and simplifies the structure of the wake-up circuit. This wake-up circuit generates a wake-up signal based on changes in light intensity, without relying on radio frequency signals, thus expanding the applicability of contactless communication modules.

[0122] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the fourth wake-up circuit provided in one embodiment of this specification. Figure 8 As shown, the wake-up circuit may include a third power supply 802, a second photoresistor 804, a third resistor 806, and a third connection node 808.

[0123] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the explanation of the third power supply can be found in the explanation of the second power supply, and the explanation of the second photoresistor can be found in the explanation of the first photoresistor; they will not be repeated here.

[0124] The third resistor can form a voltage divider branch with the second photoresistor. The specific value of the third resistor can be 6.8kΩ, or it can be other resistance values.

[0125] The third connection node can be the electrical connection point between the second photoresistor and the third resistor, used to output the wake-up signal of the wake-up circuit. This connection node can be connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module.

[0126] like Figure 8 As shown, one end of the second photoresistor 804 is connected to the third power supply 802, and the other end of the second photoresistor 804 is connected to one end of the third resistor 806. The third connection node 808 is connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, and the other end of the third resistor 806 is connected to the ground terminal. When light shines on the second photoresistor 804, its resistance is low, resulting in a larger voltage drop across the third resistor 806. The voltage at the third connection node 808 is the voltage drop across the third resistor 806, and the third connection node outputs a high level. When an active device such as a mobile phone approaches and blocks the second photoresistor 806, the light shining on the second photoresistor 804 is blocked, significantly increasing the resistance of the second photoresistor 806. The voltage drop across the third resistor 806 is lower, and the voltage at the third connection node 808 remains the voltage drop across the third resistor 806, resulting in a low level output from the third connection node. This creates a clear level transition. After detecting this level transition, the wake-up terminal of the processor module can switch from standby mode to operating mode.

[0127] For example, assume the third power supply 802 is 3.3V and the third resistor 806 is 6.8kΩ. When there is light, assume the second photoresistor 804 has a resistance of 2kΩ, and the voltage at the third connection node 808 is 6.8 × 3.3 / 8.8 = 2.55V. When the active device approaches, the second photoresistor 804 is blocked, and assuming its resistance becomes 500kΩ, the voltage at the third connection node 808 is 6.8 × 3.3 / 506.8 = 0.045V.

[0128] As one implementation method, the contactless communication module can also be deployed simultaneously Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown and Figure 8 The wake-up circuit shown. Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown is Figure 8 The wake-up circuit shown can be connected to the processor module at different times depending on the lighting conditions.

[0129] For example, suppose that the processor module switches to the working state when it receives a high level to control the signal generation circuit to send protocol signals to the active device; and remains in standby state when it receives a low level.

[0130] Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown has good adaptability in well-lit daytime conditions: when no active device is nearby, the light intensity at the first photoresistor 706 is high, the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 is low, the second connection node 708 outputs a low voltage, and the processor module remains in standby mode; when an active device is nearby, the light intensity at the first photoresistor 706 weakens because the active device blocks the external light, causing the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 to increase, the second connection node 708 outputs a high voltage, and the processor module switches to the working state.

[0131] Considering the dim light conditions at dusk, targeting Figure 7 The illustrated wake-up circuit may malfunction. For example, when no active device is nearby, insufficient ambient light may cause the light intensity at the first photoresistor 706 to be weak. This could result in the first photoresistor 706 maintaining a high resistance value due to the weak ambient light, causing the second connection node 708 to output a high voltage. This could lead to the processor module being falsely woken up, or the circuit failing to generate a rising edge pulse signal from low to high voltage, thus preventing the processor module from being woken up.

[0132] Furthermore, considering practical applications, when users are using active devices such as mobile phones, they may bring the active device with its screen on close to the passive device. Assuming that in low ambient light conditions, if a user brings an active device with its screen on close to a passive device, and no active device is nearby, the low ambient light intensity... Figure 7 In the schematic wake-up circuit, the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 is in a high resistance state. When the active device and the passive device in the screen-on state approach each other, the light intensity at the first photoresistor 706 will increase, causing the resistance of the first photoresistor 706 to decrease. The second connection node 708 will output a low voltage, which will result in a falling edge pulse signal from high voltage to low voltage. This signal may cause the processor module to fail to wake up normally.

[0133] Therefore, one or more embodiments of this specification may also provide Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a wake-up circuit. Figure 8 The wake-up circuit shown can be used during low-light periods at dusk: when no active device is nearby, the second photoresistor 804 has a high resistance due to the weak ambient light, and the third connection node 808 outputs a low level, keeping the processor module in standby mode. When an active device is nearby, the resistance of the second photoresistor 804 decreases due to the brightness of the device screen, the third connection node 808 outputs a high level, and the processor module switches to the working state.

[0134] To ensure compatibility with various real-world application scenarios and improve the accuracy of passive devices in recognizing proximity to active devices, passive devices may include... Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The two illustrated wake-up circuits can be switched on and off based on the actual ambient light intensity. For example, during bright daylight, the circuit can be switched on and off. Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown is connected to the processor module and then disconnected. Figure 8 The connection between the wake-up circuit and the processor module is shown; however, during the dim light of dusk, [the circuit will...]. Figure 8 The wake-up circuit shown is connected to the processor module and then disconnected. Figure 7 The connection between the wake-up circuit and the processor module is shown. This effectively improves the environmental adaptability and applicability of the contactless communication module.

[0135] For example, circuit switching can be achieved using a timer or a local clock, such as switching from 7 AM to 7 PM. Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown is connected to the processor module and then disconnected. Figure 8 The connection between the wake-up circuit and the processor module shown will be active from 7 PM to 7 AM the next morning. Figure 8 The wake-up circuit shown is connected to the processor module and then disconnected. Figure 7The connection between the wake-up circuit and the processor module is shown. Alternatively, switching can be based on the ambient light intensity; for example, a passive device could include a light intensity detection module. If the ambient light intensity exceeds a preset threshold, it will... Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown is connected to the processor module and then disconnected. Figure 8 The connection between the wake-up circuit and the processor module shown is such that if the ambient light intensity is less than a preset threshold, it will... Figure 8 The wake-up circuit shown is connected to the processor module and then disconnected. Figure 7 The connection between the wake-up circuit and the processor module is shown.

[0136] As another implementation method, the contactless communication module can also be deployed simultaneously. Figure 4 The wake-up circuit shown Figure 7 The wake-up circuit shown in Figure 8 and the wake-up circuit shown in Figure 9 complement each other in detecting the proximity of active devices. This effectively avoids the problems of missed detection and false detection caused by the influence of ambient light, external interference or device differences on a single detection method. In this way, the accuracy and reliability of detecting the proximity of active devices can be improved, thereby enhancing the adaptability and working stability of the contactless communication module in complex environments.

[0137] In practical applications, other wake-up circuits can also be deployed in contactless communication modules, such as circuits that achieve active device proximity detection by emitting infrared signals.

[0138] Optionally, the passive device consumes power in the microampere range before generating the protocol signal.

[0139] In one or more embodiments of this specification, operating power consumption refers to the overall power supply current consumption of the device during the corresponding operating phase. Microampere level refers to current magnitude in the microampere range, such as a few microamperes or tens of microamperes.

[0140] In practical applications, before the protocol signal is generated, the passive device only keeps the low-power wake-up circuit in monitoring mode, while the rest of the high-power modules are turned off or in sleep mode, keeping the overall current in the microamp level. Only when the wake-up circuit detects a valid proximity action and triggers the wake-up processor module will the device enter normal operation and generate the protocol signal, at which point power consumption will increase accordingly.

[0141] In practical applications, the operating power consumption of active devices in low-power card detection LPCD mode is also in the microampere range.

[0142] In one or more embodiments of this specification, by setting the operating power consumption of the passive device before protocol signal generation to the microampere level, the standby power consumption of the passive device can be reduced, thereby extending the battery life of the power supply. This can meet the long standby usage requirements of low-power devices, improving the practicality and battery life of the device. Furthermore, the operating power consumption of the active device detecting LPCD mode in low-power card mode is also at the microampere level, enabling low-power active devices, such as locked-screen mobile phones, smartwatches, and wristbands, to successfully establish contactless communication with the passive device when they are near it, thus expanding the application scope of contactless communication technology and improving user convenience.

[0143] Optionally, the signal generation circuit is a 13.56MHz oscillation generation circuit, and the protocol signal includes multiple sets of 13.56MHz microampere-level radio frequency signals. Each set of radio frequency signals contains a preset number of radio frequency signal units, each radio frequency signal unit has a preset duration, and there is a preset time interval between adjacent radio frequency signal units.

[0144] In one or more embodiments of this specification, the 13.56MHz oscillation generating circuit refers to an oscillation circuit operating in the 13.56MHz standard NFC frequency band.

[0145] Microampere-level radio frequency signals refer to radio frequency signals with a drive current in the microampere range, resulting in relatively low overall power consumption.

[0146] A radio frequency signal unit refers to a signal unit that contains a complete 13.56MHz carrier waveform.

[0147] The preset quantity refers to the number of radio frequency signal units contained in each group of radio frequency signals pre-configured by the passive device.

[0148] The preset duration refers to the fixed duration of each radio frequency signal unit.

[0149] The preset time interval refers to the interval between two adjacent radio frequency signal units.

[0150] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the waveform structure of a protocol signal provided in one embodiment of this specification. For example... Figure 9As shown, the protocol signal waveform 902 is the overall waveform, and the operating frequency of the protocol signal is 13.56MHz. A set of radio frequency (RF) signals 904 is included in the protocol signal waveform, which contains RF signal units 904-1, 904-2, and 904-3. The signal duration of each of RF signal units 904-1, 904-2, and 904-3 can be 100µs. The time interval between RF signal units 904-1 and 904-2 can be 20ms, and the time interval between RF signal units 904-2 and 904-3 can also be 20ms.

[0151] Figure 9 The waveform structure of the protocol signal can also be other structural forms. The signal duration of each radio frequency signal unit in the protocol signal can be different from the signal duration of the normal contactless communication signal, and the time interval between two adjacent radio frequency signal units in the protocol signal can be different from the time interval between signals in the normal contactless communication signal.

[0152] For ease of description, the above contactless communication module is described by function as various modules. Of course, when implementing one or more embodiments of this specification, the functions of each module can be implemented in one or more software and / or hardware units, or modules that perform the same function can be implemented by combining multiple units, etc. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the module division is only a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or circuits can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0153] 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.

[0154] Based on the same idea, this specification also provides a contactless communication device that can perform the above-described contactless communication method or include the above-described contactless communication module.

[0155] In practical applications, this contactless communication device may also include components such as a memory and a processor. The memory stores computer programs / instructions, and the processor executes the computer programs / instructions, which, when executed by the processor, perform a preset function.

[0156] Specifically, the components of this contactless communication device include, but are not limited to, a memory and a processor. The processor and memory are connected via a bus, and a database is used to store data.

[0157] Contactless communication devices also include access devices that enable them to communicate via one or more networks. Examples of such 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. Access devices may include one or more of any type of wired or wireless network interface (e.g., network interface card (NIC)), such as IEEE 802.11 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) wireless interface, Wi-Fi Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX) interface, Ethernet interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, cellular network interface, Bluetooth interface, Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, and so on.

[0158] In one embodiment of this specification, the aforementioned components and other components of the contactless communication device may also be connected to each other, for example, via a bus.

[0159] Contactless communication devices 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).

[0160] The technical solution of this contactless communication device belongs to the same concept as the technical solution of the aforementioned contactless communication tag. Details not described in detail in the technical solution of the contactless communication device can be found in the descriptions of the technical solutions provided in the above embodiments. The process of contactless communication can also be found in related technologies.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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. A contactless communication method, applied to a passive device, comprising: Obtain detection information regarding the external environment; Based on the detection information, it is determined whether there is a nearby active device, and a first determination result is obtained; If the first judgment result indicates that there is a nearby active device, a protocol signal is sent. The protocol signal is a signal that has been pre-negotiated between the passive device and the active device and can trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining whether an approaching active device exists based on the detection information includes: Determine whether there is a radio frequency signal in the detection information to obtain a second determination result; If the second judgment result indicates that there is a radio frequency signal in the detection information, then it is determined that there is a nearby active device.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein if the first determination result indicates the presence of a nearby active device, then sending a protocol signal includes: Based on the radio frequency signal, a pulse signal is generated, which is a voltage change signal consisting of alternating high and low levels; Based on the pulse signal, the protocol signal is sent to the active device.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein determining whether an approaching active device exists based on the detection information includes: Based on the detection information, it is determined whether the change in the light intensity of the external environment within a preset time period is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, and a third judgment result is obtained. If the third determination result indicates that the change in the light intensity of the external environment within a preset time period is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, then it is determined that there is a nearby active device.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein if the first determination result indicates the presence of a nearby active device, then sending a protocol signal includes: Based on the light intensity, a pulse signal is generated, which is a voltage change signal consisting of alternating high and low levels; Based on the pulse signal, the protocol signal is sent to the active device.

6. A contactless communication module for use in passive devices, comprising a processor module, a wake-up circuit, and a signal generation circuit; The input terminal of the processor module is connected to the wake-up circuit, and the output terminal of the processor module is connected to the signal generation circuit. The wake-up circuit is used to determine whether there is an approaching active device based on the detection information of the external environment. If there is an approaching active device, the wake-up circuit sends a wake-up signal to the processor module. The processor module controls the signal generation circuit to generate and send a protocol signal based on the wake-up signal; the protocol signal is a signal pre-negotiated between the passive device and the active device, which can trigger the active device to switch to normal card detection mode.

7. In the contactless communication module according to claim 6, the wake-up circuit can generate the wake-up signal after receiving the low-power card detection LPCD signal sent by the active device.

8. The contactless communication module according to claim 7, wherein the wake-up circuit includes a first power supply, a first resistor, and a switching element; One end of the first resistor is connected to the first power supply, the other end of the first resistor is connected to the current input terminal of the switching element, the first connection node between the other end of the first resistor and the current input terminal of the switching element is connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, and the current output terminal of the switching element is connected to the ground terminal.

9. The contactless communication module according to claim 6, wherein the contactless communication module further includes an antenna and an NFC transceiver circuit; The signal generating circuit is connected to the antenna, and the signal generating circuit transmits the protocol signal through the antenna; The NFC transceiver circuit is connected to the antenna, and the NFC transceiver circuit transmits and receives communication signals after establishing contactless communication with the active device through the antenna.

10. The contactless communication module according to claim 9, wherein the antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna, the first antenna is connected to the signal generating circuit, and the second antenna is connected to the NFC transceiver circuit; The first antenna is used to transmit the protocol signal, and the second antenna is used to transmit and receive the communication signal.

11. The contactless communication module according to claim 6, wherein the wake-up circuit generates the wake-up signal after detecting that the change in light intensity at the passive device within a preset time period is greater than or equal to a preset threshold.

12. The contactless communication module according to claim 11, wherein the wake-up circuit includes a second power supply, a second resistor, and a first photoresistor; One end of the second resistor is connected to the second power supply, the other end of the second resistor is connected to one end of the first photoresistor, the second connection node between the other end of the second resistor and one end of the first photoresistor is connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, and the other end of the first photoresistor is connected to the ground terminal.

13. The contactless communication module according to claim 11, wherein the wake-up circuit includes a third power supply, a third resistor, and a second photoresistor; One end of the second photoresistor is connected to the third power supply, the other end of the second photoresistor is connected to one end of the third resistor, the third connection node between the other end of the second photoresistor and one end of the third resistor is connected to the wake-up terminal of the processor module, and the other end of the third resistor is connected to the ground terminal.

14. The contactless communication module according to claim 6, wherein the power consumption of the passive device before generating the protocol signal is in the microampere range.

15. The contactless communication module according to claim 6, wherein the signal generation circuit is a 13.56MHz oscillation generation circuit, the protocol signal includes multiple sets of 13.56MHz microampere-level radio frequency signals, each set of radio frequency signals includes a preset number of radio frequency signal units, each radio frequency signal unit has a preset duration, and there is a preset time interval between adjacent radio frequency signal units.

16. A contactless communication device, said contactless communication device being capable of performing the contactless communication method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or comprising the contactless communication module of any one of claims 6 to 15.

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