Method, terminal and smart card for registering and recognizing fingerprints

Abstract

Methods, terminals, and smart cards are provided for registering and recognizing fingerprints. A terminal includes a near field communication (NFC) antenna, an NFC module configured to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal through the NFC antenna and configured to obtain digital data from an analog signal generated from a second RF signal received by the NFC antenna, and a processor configured to execute an application for providing a first user interface using the digital data. The digital data includes power data of a smart card that transmitted the second RF signal. The processor is configured to output the power data to the first user interface of the terminal to present a representation of a power status of the smart card.

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0043668, filed on April 3, 2025, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to smart cards and their use. Background Technology

[0003] Smart cards, also known as chip cards or IC cards, can receive power via radio frequency (RF) signals based on Near Field Communication (NFC) by tapping them against an external terminal such as a smartphone. NFC technology (a communication technology capable of short-range data exchange using a specific frequency band) has been applied in various fields due to its advantages such as high security. To utilize NFC functionality, the smart card must be placed at an appropriate distance from the external terminal so that sufficient power voltage can be generated using the RF signals emitted by the external terminal operating in reader mode. Various methods have been proposed to find the optimal proximity position. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for guiding near field communication (NFC) communication to the optimal position when a smart card is brought close to an external terminal.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal is provided, comprising: a near-field communication (NFC) antenna; an NFC module configured to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal via the NFC antenna and configured to acquire digital data from an analog signal generated from a second RF signal received by the NFC antenna; and a processor configured to execute an application for providing a first user interface using the digital data. The digital data may include power data of a smart card transmitting the second RF signal. The processor may be configured to output the power data to the first user interface of the terminal to present a representation of the power status of the smart card.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for registering and identifying fingerprints is provided, the method comprising: transmitting a first RF signal to an external smart card via an NFC antenna of a terminal; receiving a second RF signal from the external smart card in response to the first RF signal; demodulating the second RF signal to obtain power data generated by the external smart card using the first RF signal; outputting the power data to a first user interface of the terminal such that the first user interface presents a representation of the power status of the external smart card; and outputting a notification to the first user interface based on the power data indicating that either fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition is ready.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a smart card is provided, comprising: an NFC antenna configured to output an analog signal in response to receiving a first RF signal transmitted by an external terminal; a rectifier configured to rectify the analog signal and output a rectified voltage; a voltage regulator configured to provide a power voltage using the rectified voltage; a power state detector including a current mirror transistor configured to copy current input from the rectifier to the voltage regulator, the power state detector being configured to generate power data representing the power state of the smart card using the mirror current output from the current mirror transistor; and a modulator configured to output a transmission clock signal modulated based on the power data to the NFC antenna. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an external terminal and a smart card, including an application, according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of attaching a smart card to an external terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an NFC communication process according to an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a smart card according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the power data generation process of a smart card according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a first user interface based on the amount of received power, according to an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the process of performing fingerprint registration according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the process of performing fingerprint recognition according to an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a method for registering fingerprints according to a concept of the present invention; Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a method for fingerprint identification according to an invention; and Figure 13 This is an operation diagram illustrating the operation process of a terminal and a smart card according to an example embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0009] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the inventive concept can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. It should also be emphasized that this disclosure provides details of alternative examples, but such enumeration of alternative examples is not exhaustive. Furthermore, any consistency in details among the various examples should not be construed as requiring such details.

[0010] Throughout this specification, when a component is described as “comprising” a particular element or group of elements, it should be understood that the component is formed solely by that element or group of elements, or that the element or group of elements may be combined with other elements to form the component, unless the context otherwise indicates. On the other hand, the term “composed of” indicates that the component is formed solely by the listed element(s).

[0011] Ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and "third" can be simply used as markers for certain elements, steps, etc., to distinguish them from one another. Terms not described using "first," "second," etc., in the specification may still be referred to as "first" or "second" in the claims. Furthermore, a term referenced with a specific ordinal number (e.g., "first" in a particular claim) may be referenced elsewhere without an ordinal number or with a different ordinal number (e.g., "second" in the specification or another claim).

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a terminal and a smart card implementing an application according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 The terminal 10 according to the example embodiment may include a user interface 11 for interacting with a user. Although the terminal 10 is shown as a smartphone, the terminal 10 according to the example embodiment can be applied to other mobile devices such as tablet PCs or laptop computers, and can also be applied to various other devices such as desktop computers, home televisions, set-top boxes, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, or air conditioners.

[0014] User interface 11 can be controlled by an application executed by the processor to provide the user with guidance for optimal proximity. For example, user interface 11 can be provided as a graphical user interface displayed on the screen of a terminal. Referring below... Figures 7 to 9 Describes the user interface 11 displayed by the terminal under the control of the application.

[0015] The smart card 20 may include a contact pad 22 and a fingerprint sensor 21 on its exterior. The contact pad 22 of the smart card 20 can be used to transmit payment information data or identity data stored in the smart card by contacting a card reader. The fingerprint sensor 21 may be the part of the smart card that is touched by the user's finger when registering or recognizing a fingerprint on the smart card.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the operation of attaching a smart card to an external terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Reference Figure 2 This illustrates the operation of bringing the smart card 20 close to the terminal 10. Bringing the smart card close to the terminal can refer to the process of placing the smart card near the terminal.

[0018] The smart card 20 can receive power from the terminal 10. For example, by being in close proximity to the terminal 10, the smart card 20 can operate by receiving inductive power or DC voltage from the terminal 10 without using a built-in battery.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the smart card 20 can be brought close to the rear surface of the terminal 10 so as to be placed near the near field communication (NFC) antenna of the terminal 10. When the user brings the smart card 20 directly close to the terminal 10, the distance between the terminal 10 and the smart card 20 may become greater than or equal to a predetermined distance (e.g., a maximum distance for operating the smart card 20) during the proximity process. When this distance becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined distance, the smart card 20 may not receive sufficient power from the terminal 10, and voltage drop and / or delays in proximity recognition may occur. Therefore, it may be useful to guide the smart card 20 close to the terminal 10 so that the respective NFC antennas of the smart card 20 and the terminal 10 are brought within a predetermined distance.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of the NFC communication process according to a concept of the present invention.

[0021] Refer to together Figure 1 and Figure 3 Terminal 10 may include terminal NFC module 30 and NFC antenna 31, and smart card 20 may include smart card NFC module 40 and NFC antenna 41.

[0022] Smart card 20 can perform NFC communication with terminal 10 via NFC antenna 41 to receive voltage from terminal 10 and exchange payment data with terminal 10. Terminal 10 can perform NFC communication with smart card 20 via NFC antenna 31 to receive power data from smart card 20. In this context, power data can be information about the power status of the smart card.

[0023] The terminal NFC module 30 can communicate with external devices such as smart cards 20 using radio frequency (RF) signals in a specific frequency band. Figure 1 As shown, when the smart card is an NFC tag, the terminal NFC module 30 can operate as an NFC tag reader.

[0024] The terminal NFC module 30 can communicate with the smart card NFC module 40 using RF signals in a specific frequency band (e.g., 13.56 MHz). When an RF field caused by a signal emitted from the smart card NFC module 40 is detected, the terminal NFC module 30 can perform the setting of RF parameters required for communication with the smart card 20. For example, the RF parameters may include the frequency, phase, etc. of the clock signal generated by the terminal NFC module 30.

[0025] The terminal NFC module 30 can transmit a first RF signal via the NFC antenna 31 and receive a second RF signal via the NFC antenna 31. The terminal NFC module 30 can process the received analog signal (e.g., the second RF signal) to obtain digital data. The digital data may include the power data of the smart card 20.

[0026] In this example, the first RF signal may refer to the RF signal emitted from the NFC antenna 31 within the terminal, and the second RF signal may refer to the RF signal emitted from the NFC antenna 41 within the smart card. Furthermore, the power data may refer to digital data representing the power state of the smart card, and the power data can be generated using a copy of the current output from the rectifier to the voltage regulator within the smart card.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a terminal according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0028] Reference Figure 4 The terminal 100 may include a processor 110, an interface 120, an NFC module 130, an NFC antenna 131, and a memory 140.

[0029] Processor 110 controls the overall operation of terminal 100. Processor 110 can execute applications that provide the functionality of terminal 100, such as internet browsing, games, video playback, and image capture. Processor 110 may include a single processor core or multiple processor cores. Processor 110 may also include a cache memory device for temporarily storing instructions or data stored in memory 140.

[0030] Furthermore, in response to performing fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition of the smart card, the processor 110 sets the level of the RF output power sent by the NFC module 130 of the terminal 100 to the maximum level. As a result, the NFC module 130 can smoothly power the smart card to perform these operations.

[0031] The memory 140 can store data required for the operation of the terminal 100. For example, the memory 140 may include volatile memory devices and / or non-volatile memory devices. The volatile memory devices may be implemented as DRAM, SRAM, mobile DRAM, or similar memories. The non-volatile memory devices may be implemented as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, phase-change RAM (PRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), nanofloating gate memory (NFGM), polymer RAM (PoRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), or similar memories. For example, the memory 140 may store a startup image for starting the terminal 100, and may store output data to be sent to external devices and input data received from external devices.

[0032] NFC module 130 can transmit data provided by processor 110 and / or memory 140 to external devices such as smart cards via NFC communication, and can receive data from external devices and provide the received data to processor 110 and / or memory 140. For example, NFC module 130 can modulate a signal to include data provided by processor 110 and transmit the modulated RF signal to another device. NFC module 130 can also receive the modulated RF signal from another device and demodulate the RF signal to obtain data included in the RF signal, such as power data, fingerprint data, or other data. The received data can then be transmitted to processor 110. For example, NFC module 130 can be implemented in various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention.

[0033] The NFC antenna 131 can receive RF signals from external devices such as smart cards, and can also convert a transmission clock signal modulated based on the digital data to be transmitted into an RF signal for transmission to the outside (e.g., to an external device). For example, an external device such as a smart card can generate power from the RF signal transmitted by the NFC antenna 131 and operate using the generated power. In order for the external device to generate power with sufficient strength required for operation using the RF signal, it may be necessary to bring the external device and terminal 100 close together at a suitable location or at a specific distance from the suitable location. In an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept, the NFC module 130 can use the RF signal received from the external device (e.g., a second RF signal) to allow the processor 110 to determine the power state of the external device (e.g., the NFC module 130 can send power data representing the power state to the processor 110).

[0034] The processor 110 can output a representation of the power status of an external device through the interface 120, and thus the user can intuitively identify the power status of the external device by referring to the information representing the power status output through the interface 120. The interface 120 may include one or more input devices (such as a keyboard or touchscreen) and / or one or more output devices (such as a speaker or display device). The interface 120 may include multiple user interfaces, such as a first user interface, a second user interface, and a third user interface, which will be referred to below. Figures 7 to 13 Describe it.

[0035] In addition, terminal 100 may also include a battery, a camera image signal processor (CIS), and a modem such as a baseband chipset. For example, the modem may be a modem processor that supports communications such as GSM, GPRS, WCDMA, or HSxPA.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a smart card according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0037] Reference Figure 5 The smart card 200 may include a resonant circuit 210, a rectifier 220, a power status detector 230, a voltage regulator 240, a processor 250, a memory 260, a fingerprint sensor 270, a modulator 280, and a demodulator 290, wherein the resonant circuit 210 includes an NFC antenna L1 and a capacitor C1.

[0038] The resonant circuit 210 can respond to a radio frequency (RF) signal by outputting an input voltage VIN generated by the resonance of the NFC antenna L1. Here, the input voltage VIN can refer to the voltage difference between the first input node 213 and the second input node 214. Furthermore, the NFC antenna L1 included in the resonant circuit 210 can receive or transmit RF signals externally. For example, the NFC antenna L1 can transmit or receive RF signals to communicate with the terminal 10. To enable the NFC antenna L1 to transmit RF signals, it can receive signals from the modulator 280 and transmit RF signals externally.

[0039] In an example embodiment, the resonant circuit 210 can be modeled as a parallel circuit of an inductor (NFC antenna L1) and a capacitor C1. The NFC antenna L1 can receive RF signals transmitted from the terminal and convert the received RF signals into electrical signals through electromagnetic induction.

[0040] Rectifier 220 can rectify analog alternating current (AC) signals received via NFC antenna L1 and output a rectified voltage. For example, rectifier 220 may include rectifier circuitry using a half-wave or full-wave rectifier approach. Furthermore, rectifier 220 may include smoothing circuitry for smoothing the rectified voltage. However, the rectification method of rectifier 220 is not limited to this, and the configuration of rectifier 220 can be modified and implemented in various ways.

[0041] Voltage regulator 240 can perform regulation operations to detect changes in the level of rectified voltage and maintain the rectified voltage at a predetermined level. Voltage regulator 240 may include resistors, comparators, and power transistors, but exemplary embodiments of the technical concept according to the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0042] The power state detector 230 may include a current mirror transistor that replicates the current input from the rectifier 220 to the voltage regulator 240, and power data may be generated using the mirrored current output from the current mirror transistor. See below. Figure 6 A more detailed description of the operation of rectifier 220, voltage regulator 240, and power status detector 230 is provided. Analog / digital block 245 may include processor 250, memory 260, fingerprint sensor 270, modulator 280, and demodulator 290.

[0043] Processor 250 controls the overall operation of smart card 200. Processor 250 may include a single processor core or multiple processor cores. Processor 250 may include a cache memory device for temporarily storing instructions or data stored in memory 260.

[0044] The memory 260 can store data necessary for the operation of the smart card 200. For example, the memory 260 may include volatile memory devices and / or non-volatile memory devices. The volatile memory devices may be implemented using DRAM, SRAM, mobile DRAM, or similar memory, and the non-volatile memory devices may be implemented using EEPROM, flash memory, PRAM, RRAM, NFGM, PoRAM, MRAM, FRAM, or similar memory. For example, the memory 260 may store registered fingerprint information and may provide the fingerprint information to the processor 250.

[0045] The fingerprint sensor 270 may be part of a smart card, which a user's finger touches when registering and / or recognizing a fingerprint. For example, the fingerprint sensor 270 may include multiple sensing electrodes and may detect changes in capacitance among the multiple sensing electrodes caused by the contacting fingerprint, thereby generating fingerprint information corresponding to the contacting fingerprint.

[0046] Modulator 280 may include a matching circuit, an amplifier, and a clock generator, and may be used to modulate digital data such as power data within the smart card into a transmission clock signal, and output the transmission clock signal to NFC antenna L1. For example, the amplifier may transmit an RF signal to the outside via NFC antenna L1 in response to the transmission clock signal output by the clock generator. The RF signal transmitted via NFC antenna L1 may include data from a device to be sent to the outside of the smart card. For example, an active load modulation (ALM) method may be used to modulate the power data, such that the power data can be included in the RF signal and transmitted to the outside.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the modulator 280 can commence when the NFC antenna L1 of the smart card enters a space affected by an RF field generated by an external device such as terminal 100, and the smart card 200 detects this field. Upon detection of the field, the smart card 200 can use information stored in its memory to perform NFC communication with the external device. For example, a clock signal generated in the modulator can be input to an amplifier, which can amplify the clock signal and output it to the antenna. Therefore, an RF signal can be transmitted through the antenna.

[0048] The demodulator 290 may include a clock extractor and a phase detector, and can be used to demodulate RF signals received by the NFC antenna L1 from an external source. When an external terminal, such as terminal 100, forms an RF field and transmits an RF signal, the RF signal can be received by the smart card's NFC antenna L1 via electromagnetic induction. The clock extractor can extract a recovered clock signal with a predetermined frequency and phase from the RF signal received by the NFC antenna L1. For example, the frequency and phase characteristics of the recovered clock signal generated by the clock extractor can be determined based on the RF signal received by the NFC antenna L1.

[0049] A phase detector compares the recovered clock signal with a predetermined reference clock signal. For example, the reference clock signal may be generated by a phase-locked loop circuit included in the NFC module of a smart card or included with the NFC module in an electronic device. The phase detector compares the phase of the recovered clock signal with the phase of the reference clock signal.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the power data generation process of a smart card according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figure 6 According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the smart card 300 may include a resonant circuit 310, a rectifier 320, a voltage regulator 330, a power status detector 340, and an analog / digital block 350, wherein the resonant circuit 310 includes an NFC antenna L2 and a capacitor C2.

[0052] In this example, rectifier 320 may include a first switching transistor M1, a second switching transistor M2, a first diode D1, and a second diode D2. Furthermore, analog / digital block 350 may include a processor, memory, a fingerprint sensor, a modulator, and a demodulator, as shown in reference [reference needed]. Figure 5 As described.

[0053] The resonant circuit 310 can output an input voltage based on the first RF signal. Figure 5 VIN in the equation). For example, input voltage (VIN). Figure 5 VIN in the above can refer to the difference between the voltage of the first input node IN1 and the voltage of the second input node IN2. In an example embodiment, when the smart card 300 enters the field generated by the first RF signal emitted by the terminal, the NFC antenna L2 included in the resonant circuit 310 can output analog signals to the input nodes IN1 and IN2 in response to the first RF signal.

[0054] In an example embodiment, rectifier 320 may be implemented as an active diode rectifier, such as... Figure 6 As shown. The AC signal input to the two ends of rectifier 320 can be output as a rectified voltage VREC after full-wave rectification.

[0055] In the example embodiment, during the period when the voltage of the first input node IN1 is relatively higher than the voltage of the second input node IN2, the first switching transistor M1 can be turned off, and the second switching transistor M2 can be turned on. Therefore, the voltage of the first input node IN1 can be output through the first diode D1, and no current can flow through the second diode D2.

[0056] Conversely, during the period when the voltage at the first input node IN1 is relatively lower than the voltage at the second input node IN2, the first switching transistor M1 can be turned on, and the second switching transistor M2 can be turned off. Therefore, the voltage at the second input node IN2 can be output through the second diode D2, and no current can flow through the first diode D1. As a result, even when the phase of the voltage at the first input node IN1 changes, the direction of the output current remains constant.

[0057] In the example embodiment, the first diode D1 and the second diode D2 not only output the rectified voltage VREC obtained by rectifying the voltages of input nodes IN1 and IN2, but also block reverse current. Furthermore, the first diode D1 and the second diode D2 maintain the current path during the switching dead time of switching transistors M1 and M2, thereby ensuring current continuity.

[0058] Voltage regulator 330 performs a regulation operation that detects changes in the level of rectified voltage VREC and maintains VREC at a predetermined level. Voltage regulator 330 may include resistors R1 and R2, comparator 331, and power transistor M3, but exemplary embodiments of the technical concept according to the present invention are not limited thereto. The resistors of voltage regulator 330 can send a divided voltage VD obtained by dividing the rectified voltage VREC to the inverting input terminal of comparator 331. For example, voltage regulator 330 can use resistors R1 and R2 to convert a rectified voltage VREC with a relatively high voltage level into a divided voltage VD with a relatively low voltage level. The converted divided voltage VD can be applied to the inverting input terminal of comparator 331. Therefore, changes in rectified voltage VREC can be input to the inverting input terminal of comparator 331. A reference voltage Vref can be input to the non-inverting input terminal of comparator 331.

[0059] When the voltage level of the voltage divider VD is lower than the reference voltage Vref, comparator 331 can generate a high-level (e.g., logic high level H) output voltage and turn off power transistor M3. Therefore, the magnitude of the voltage regulator output current IR flowing through power transistor M3 can be reduced, and the voltage level of the rectified voltage VREC can be increased.

[0060] Conversely, when the voltage level of the voltage divider VD input to the inverting input terminal is higher than the reference voltage Vref, comparator 331 can generate a low-level (e.g., logic low level L) output voltage and turn on power transistor M3. Therefore, the magnitude of the voltage regulator output current IR flowing through power transistor M3 increases, and the voltage level of the rectified voltage VREC decreases. As described above, voltage regulator 330 can maintain the voltage level of rectified voltage VREC at a predetermined level. The voltage level of rectified voltage VREC controlled by voltage regulator 330 can be defined by the reference voltage Vref.

[0061] Subsequently, the power state detector 340 may include a current mirror transistor M4 that replicates the voltage regulator output current IR from the rectifier 320. The power state detector 340 may use the mirrored current IM output by the current mirror transistor M4 to generate power data 343.

[0062] The analog-to-digital converter 342 can output a representation of the voltage generated by the mirror current IM and the variable resistor R3 as power data 343. The processor can receive the power data 343 from the power state detector 340 and send the power data 343 to the modulator 280.

[0063] Modulator 280 can output via reference to NFC antenna L2 Figure 5The described processing is based on a transmission clock signal modulated by power data 343. The NFC antenna L2 can transmit the modulated transmission clock signal in the form of a second RF signal and can send the second RF signal to the terminal.

[0064] Through this processing, the terminal transmitting the first RF signal can determine the power status of the smart card 300. The terminal can receive the second RF signal to obtain power data 343 generated by the smart card 300, and can output a representation of the power status of the smart card 300 determined based on the power data 343 through a first user interface.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a first user interface based on an exemplary embodiment of the concept of the present invention, showing the amount of power received by the smart card (e.g., the power state of the smart card).

[0066] Reference Figure 7 The terminal 400 may include a processor that executes an application and a display device 405 that displays a screen according to the application executed by the processor.

[0067] When terminal 400 operates in reader mode and transmits RF signals, the processor may display one of the first user interfaces 410 to 450 on display device 405, which indicates the power intensity (e.g., power status) received by the smart card that has approached terminal 400.

[0068] For example, when the NFC antenna of terminal 400 and the smart card are brought close together, the power state of the smart card can increase, and the processor can receive power data indicating the increased power received and output the corresponding power value on the first user interface, as shown at 420 and 430. Conversely, when the NFC antennas are brought close together at a certain distance (e.g., no longer close together), the power state of the smart card can decrease, and the processor can receive power data indicating the decreased power received and output the corresponding power value on the first user interface, as shown at 440 and 450.

[0069] The visual method by which the processor displays the power level of the smart card on the first user interface is not limited to... Figure 7 The screen shown can display the power level of the smart card in various visual ways.

[0070] For example, the processor can use a bar to display the power level of the smart card, and can also display the power level of the smart card by adjusting the background brightness of the user interface, such as by increasing the background brightness of the user interface as the power level of the smart card increases. The user can check the power data values ​​displayed on the first user interface 410 to 450, and can move the terminal or smart card to perform a proximity operation at an optimal location to maximize the power received by the smart card as indicated by the power data, as shown at 430.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the process of performing fingerprint registration according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0072] Reference Figure 8 The terminal 500 may include a processor that executes an application and a display device 505 that displays a screen according to the application executed by the processor.

[0073] When the terminal 500 operates in reader mode and transmits RF signals, the processor can display on the display device 505 one of a first user interface 510 to 512 indicating the strength of the power received by a smart card that has approached the terminal 500 (e.g., a smart card that is in a close-to-the-terminal process).

[0074] For example, the processor may cause the display device 505 to visually display a circular strip shape on the first user interface 510 as an indication of the power intensity received by the smart card, and may cause the first user interface 510 to output a phrase such as "Check location view" along with an indication of the power intensity. However, the visual display method is not limited to this.

[0075] As the user appropriately moves at least one of the terminals or smart cards, the power intensity received by the smart card, as indicated in the power data, can gradually increase and reach a maximum value indicating the maximum power. The processor can cause the first user interface 511 to display a representation of the maximum power level (e.g., a full circle on the first user interface 511).

[0076] Subsequently, in response to the smart card's power level, as indicated by the power data, exceeding a preset value, the processor may output a notification to the first user interface 512 indicating that fingerprint registration is ready. For example, the processor may cause the first user interface 512 to display the notification as a checkmark icon to instruct the user to perform the fingerprint registration operation; however, the form of the icon used to indicate the notification is not limited to this. In this example, the preset value may refer to the power data value at the point in time when fingerprint registration can be performed on the smart card (e.g., the power level of the smart card necessary for its circuitry to register a fingerprint).

[0077] Subsequently, in response to performing fingerprint registration, the processor may switch the screen displayed on the display device 505 from the existing first user interface 512 to a second user interface 520 displaying the progress of fingerprint registration. When the second user interface 520 is displayed, the smart card 530 can perform a fingerprint registration operation when the user touches the fingerprint sensor of the smart card 530 with their finger. For example, the processor may receive information about the progress of fingerprint registration from the smart card 530 (e.g., fingerprint registration progress data modulated in the clock signal of the smart card) and cause a representation of this information to be output to the second user interface 520. When the fingerprint registration process is complete, the processor may cause the second user interface 521 to output a notification indicating that fingerprint registration has been completed.

[0078] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the processing of fingerprint recognition according to an example embodiment of the concept of the present invention.

[0079] Reference Figure 9 The terminal 600 may include a processor that executes an application and a display device 605 that displays a screen according to the application executed by the processor.

[0080] When terminal 600 operates in reader mode and transmits RF signals, the processor can cause display device 605 to display one of the first user interfaces 610 and 611 indicating the strength of power received by a smart card that has approached terminal 600. For example, the processor can cause the display to visually display a value representing the strength of power received in power data from the smart card. The value representing the strength of power may be a circular stripe shape on the first user interface 610, and the processor can cause the first user interface to output a phrase such as "match view" along with the value representing the strength of power. However, the visual display method is not limited to this.

[0081] As the user appropriately moves at least one of the terminal or smart card, the power intensity of the smart card can gradually increase and reach a maximum value. Therefore, the power data received by the terminal may include a value indicating the maximum output. The processor may cause the display to output a representation of the maximum power to the first user interface 611. Subsequently, in response to the power intensity value exceeding a preset value, the processor may cause the first user interface 611 to output a notification indicating that fingerprint recognition is ready. For example, the processor may cause the first user interface 611 to output a fingerprint-shaped icon indicating that fingerprint recognition is ready. However, the shape of the notification is not limited to this.

[0082] Subsequently, in response to performing fingerprint recognition, the processor can cause the terminal to switch from the first user interface 611 to a third user interface 620 that displays the progress of fingerprint recognition. The user can perform fingerprint recognition by touching the fingerprint sensor of the smart card with their finger. In this case, the processor can receive information from the smart card indicating whether the fingerprint information corresponding to the touched finger matches registered fingerprint information (e.g., this information can be modulated at a clock frequency output by the smart card), and can cause the matching result to be output through the third user interface 620.

[0083] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a method for registering fingerprints according to a concept of the present invention.

[0084] Reference Figure 10 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor within the terminal may execute an application in response to a user's execution command (S10).

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor can transmit a first RF signal to an external smart card via an NFC antenna embedded in the terminal (S11). The smart card can receive the first RF signal to generate an analog signal, and can obtain power data including information about the strength of the power received by the smart card through the analog signal. Furthermore, the smart card can transmit a second RF signal including the power data.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may receive power data included in a second RF signal from the smart card (S12). For example, the processor may refer to Figure 3 The described NFC communication method receives power data from RF signals.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may receive power data from a second RF signal to obtain power data generated by the smart card using a first RF signal (S13). The NFC module within the terminal may process an analog signal generated in response to the second RF signal generated by the smart card to obtain digital data. The digital data may include the power data of the smart card.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may cause the first user interface of the terminal to output a representation of power data (S14). The processor may cause the first user interface of the terminal to visually display the value included in the power data as a circular strip shape on the first user interface 510, and output a phrase such as "Check position view" along with the displayed value. However, the visual display method is not limited to this. For example, the processor may cause the first user interface to display the amount of received power using a strip, and to display the amount of received power by adjusting the background brightness of the user interface, such as by increasing the background brightness of the user interface as the amount of received power increases.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may output a notification indicating that fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition is ready to the first user interface based on power data (S15). For example, the processor may cause the first user interface to output the notification in the form of a checkmark icon to instruct the user to perform a fingerprint registration operation, but the form of the icon used to indicate the notification is not limited to this.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor may output a second user interface or a third user interface in response to a user performing fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition (S16). The second user interface may indicate the progress of fingerprint registration, and the third user interface may indicate whether the fingerprint information entered by the user matches the pre-registered fingerprint information.

[0091] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a method for fingerprint identification according to a concept of the present invention.

[0092] First refer to Figure 11 This illustrates a method for performing payments using fingerprint recognition on a smart card.

[0093] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, upon receiving a payment request (S20), the processor within the terminal may respond to bringing the smart card close to the terminal (S21) by causing the output of a first user interface. The processor within the terminal may also cause power data to be output through the first user interface, thereby guiding the user to an optimal proximity position. Based on the power data, the processor within the terminal may output a notification to the first user interface indicating that fingerprint recognition operation is ready.

[0094] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user can input their fingerprint by touching the fingerprint sensor of a smart card (S22). Subsequently, the processor in the smart card determines whether the input fingerprint information matches fingerprint information pre-registered in the smart card (S23). Then, in response to the input fingerprint information matching the pre-registered fingerprint information, the processor in the smart card enables the NFC module in the smart card to send the payment data internal to the smart card to a terminal (S24). The processor in the terminal can receive the payment data from the NFC module in the terminal, perform payment approval processing, and output a payment approval notification to a third user interface, wherein the NFC module receives a radio signal containing the payment data from the NFC module of the smart card (S25).

[0095] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in response to a mismatch between the input fingerprint information and pre-registered fingerprint information, the processor within the smart card can cause the smart card's NFC module to send mismatch information to the terminal. The processor within the terminal can then output a payment rejection notification to a third user interface (S26).

[0096] Reference Figure 12 This demonstrates a method for performing identity authentication using fingerprint recognition on a smart card.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor within the terminal may receive an authentication request (S30). In this example, the processor within the terminal may respond to bringing the smart card close to the terminal, resulting in the output of a first user interface (S31). The processor within the terminal may cause power data to be output through the first user interface, thereby helping the user guide the smart card to the optimal proximity position.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a user can input their fingerprint by touching the fingerprint sensor of a smart card (S32). Subsequently, the processor within the smart card determines whether the input fingerprint information matches fingerprint information pre-registered in the smart card (S33). Then, in response to the input fingerprint information matching the pre-registered fingerprint information, the processor within the smart card can (e.g., via the smart card's NFC module) send the smart card's internal identity data to a terminal (S34). The processor within the terminal can receive the identity data from the smart card, perform successful authentication processing, and output a successful authentication notification to a third user interface (S35).

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in response to a mismatch between the input fingerprint information and pre-registered fingerprint information, the processor within the smart card can send the mismatch information to the terminal. Then, the processor within the terminal can output an authentication failure notification to the third user interface (S36).

[0100] Figure 13 This is an operation diagram illustrating the operation process of a terminal and a smart card according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Reference Figure 13 The diagram illustrates the operation process of the terminal 700 and the smart card 800.

[0102] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor within terminal 700 can execute an application within the terminal (S40). Thereafter, the NFC antenna in terminal 700 can transmit a first RF signal (S41). When a proximity notification is displayed within the application, the user can bring their smart card close to terminal 700.

[0103] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the smart card 800 can generate an electrical voltage using a first RF signal (S42). For example, the NFC antenna within the smart card 800 can output an analog signal in response to the first RF signal transmitted from an external terminal. Subsequently, a rectifier within the smart card 800 can rectify the analog signal and output a rectified voltage. Then, a voltage regulator within the smart card 800 can generate an electrical voltage from the rectified voltage.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the smart card 800 may generate power data including the power state of the smart card, such as information representing the power voltage (S43). In an exemplary embodiment, the power state detector within the smart card 800 may include a current mirror transistor that replicates the current input from the rectifier to the voltage regulator, and the mirrored current output by the current mirror transistor may be used to generate the power data.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the smart card 800 may transmit a second RF signal including power data (S44). In the exemplary embodiment, a modulator within the smart card 800 may output a transmission clock signal modulated based on the power data to the NFC antenna. Subsequently, the NFC antenna may convert the transmission clock signal into a second RF signal, and transmit and transmit the second RF signal to the terminal 700.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, terminal 700 may use a second RF signal to acquire power data (S45). In the exemplary embodiment, an NFC antenna within terminal 700 may receive the second RF signal. Subsequently, an NFC module within terminal 700 may process an analog signal generated by the NFC antenna in response to the externally introduced second RF signal to acquire digital data. The digital data may include power data from a smart card.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor within the terminal 700 can output power data to the terminal's first user interface (S46). In the exemplary embodiment, the processor can execute an application, and the application can output power data indicating the strength of the power received by the smart card to the first user interface.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the processor within the terminal 700 may output a notification indicating that fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition is ready to the first user interface (S47). For example, the processor may output a fingerprint-shaped icon to the first user interface to instruct the user to perform a fingerprint recognition operation. However, the shape of the notification is not limited to this, and icons with various shapes may be output to the first user interface.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a smart card enters an NFC field generated by an external terminal and receives an RF signal from the external terminal, the external terminal can detect the strength of the power generated by the smart card. The smart card can send data indicating the power generated by receiving the RF signal to the external terminal via NFC communication. An application running within the external terminal can display the power status of the smart card on a user interface. Therefore, the user can identify the magnitude of the RF signal received by the smart card and can effectively optimize the proximity of the smart card relative to the external terminal.

[0110] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A terminal, comprising: Near-field communication antenna; A near-field communication module is configured to transmit a first radio frequency signal through the near-field communication antenna and to acquire digital data from an analog signal generated from a second radio frequency signal received by the near-field communication antenna. as well as A processor configured to use the digital data to execute an application providing a first user interface. The digital data includes the power data of the smart card that transmits the second radio frequency signal, and The processor is configured to output the power data to the first user interface of the terminal to present a representation of the power status of the smart card.

2. The terminal as described in claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to output a notification to the first user interface indicating that one of fingerprint registration and fingerprint recognition is ready in response to power data having a power value exceeding a preset value.

3. The terminal as described in claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured to switch the first user interface to a second user interface configured to display the progress of the fingerprint registration in response to power data having a power value exceeding the preset value.

4. The terminal as described in claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured to switch the first user interface to a third user interface in response to power data having a power value exceeding the preset value. The third user interface is configured to display whether the fingerprint information corresponding to the contacting finger matches the registered fingerprint information.

5. The terminal as described in claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to set the level of the terminal's radio frequency output power to a maximum level in response to performing either fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition.

6. The terminal as described in claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to output a recognition success notification to the third user interface in response to matching the fingerprint information corresponding to the contacting finger with the registered fingerprint information.

7. The terminal as described in claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to output a recognition failure notification to the third user interface in response to a mismatch between the fingerprint information corresponding to the contacting finger and the registered fingerprint information.

8. The terminal as described in claim 2, wherein, The preset value is the power level of the smart card required for the smart card to perform the fingerprint registration.

9. A method for registering and identifying fingerprints, the method comprising: The first radio frequency signal is sent to the external smart card through the terminal's near-field communication antenna; In response to the first radio frequency signal, a second radio frequency signal is received from the external smart card; Demodulate the second radio frequency signal to obtain power data generated by the external smart card using the first radio frequency signal; The power data is output to the first user interface of the terminal so that the first user interface displays a representation of the power status of the external smart card; as well as Based on the power data, a notification indicating that either fingerprint registration or fingerprint recognition is ready is output to the first user interface.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: In response to performing a fingerprint registration operation, the presentation of the first user interface is updated to display the progress of the fingerprint registration operation using a second user interface.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: In response to performing a fingerprint recognition operation, the first user interface is switched to a third user interface, which displays whether the fingerprint information corresponding to the contacting finger matches the registered fingerprint information.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein, Sending the first radio frequency signal includes setting the level of the radio frequency output power of the terminal to the maximum level of the terminal in response to bringing the external smart card close to the terminal.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein, Outputting the notification to the first user interface includes responding to power data having a power value exceeding a preset value by outputting the notification to the first user interface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The preset value is the value required for the external smart card to perform the fingerprint registration.

15. A smart card, comprising: A near-field communication antenna, the near-field communication antenna being configured to output an analog signal in response to receiving a first radio frequency signal transmitted by an external terminal; A rectifier configured to rectify the analog signal and output a rectified voltage; A voltage regulator configured to provide power voltage using the rectified voltage; A power status detector includes a current mirror transistor configured to replicate current input from the rectifier to the voltage regulator, the power status detector being configured to use the mirrored current output by the current mirror transistor to generate power data representing the power status of the smart card; as well as A modulator configured to output a transmission clock signal modulated based on the power data to the near-field communication antenna.

16. The smart card as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The smart card also includes: A fingerprint sensor, powered by the aforementioned electrical voltage, configured to generate fingerprint information based on a fingerprint sensed by the fingerprint sensor; and A processor, powered by the electrical voltage, is configured to perform one of fingerprint registration and fingerprint recognition based on the fingerprint information.

17. The smart card as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The smart card also includes a memory powered by the electrical voltage, the memory being configured to store the fingerprint information received from the fingerprint sensor.

18. The smart card as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The near-field communication antenna is configured to transmit a second radio frequency signal generated based on the transmission clock signal to the external terminal, the transmission clock signal being based on the power data modulation.

19. The smart card as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The processor is configured to generate fingerprint registration progress data, the modulator is configured to modulate the transmission clock signal based on the fingerprint registration progress data, and the near-field communication antenna is configured to send the fingerprint registration progress data to the external terminal in response to performing fingerprint registration.

20. The smart card as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The processor is configured to generate fingerprint matching data, the modulator is configured to modulate the transmission clock signal based on the fingerprint matching data, and the near-field communication antenna is configured to send the fingerprint matching data to the external terminal in response to performing fingerprint recognition.

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