NFC device

Abstract

NFC Device This description relates to a mobile device comprising a near-field communication router and an antenna (12), connected to the router via at least one impedance matching circuit between at least two impedance values, wherein: a first impedance value is selected to communicate with a first-type near-field communication device (3) in the presence of a second-type near-field communication device (2), a second impedance value is selected to communicate with a first-type near-field communication device in the absence of a second-type near-field communication device, the presence or absence of a second-type near-field communication device being determined from interrogation frames transmitted by the antenna. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: NFC device Technical field

[0001] The present description relates generally to the field of near-field communications and, more particularly, to the association of a mobile device with several near-field communication devices, some of which are likely to be associated with the device in a permanent manner. Prior art

[0002] Near Field Communication (NFC) systems exploit a radiofrequency electromagnetic field generated by a device (reader) to communicate with another device (card).

[0003] The same device can be either a reader or a card depending on the application.

[0004] Near-field communications are generally standardized or meet characteristics set by the players in the field. For example, the "NFC Forum" sets characteristics that communication devices must meet to exchange with each other, depending for example on the application or the nature of the exchanges (payment, access control, authentication, file exchange, etc.).

[0005] To communicate between a device operating in reader mode and a device operating in card mode, the reader generates an electromagnetic field which is charged by a card within range. Communication is carried out according to various protocols providing for modification of the phase and / or the amplitude of a modulation carrier emitted by the reader.

[0006] In the intended applications, the device capable of being associated in a lasting manner, that is to say for a duration longer than that of a usual communication, can be an accessory attached to the mobile device, for example a communicating shell which displays the time, an electronic purse (wallet in English), etc. The accessory generally uses the near-field communication mode to be recognized (paired or authenticated), in card mode, by the mobile telephone operating as a reader but then communicates functionally with the latter by a connection of another nature, for example Bluetooth, Wifi, etc. The fact that the accessory is in card mode can cause, when the mobile telephone must establish another communication in card mode with a remote reader, that the remote reader sees two “cards” and then refuses the communication.Such a situation is likely to occur, for example, with a payment terminal that perceives two card-type communication devices in its field (the phone and its case).

[0007] Systems are known which provide a specific reader or antenna, separate from the reader or antenna for communications in reader / card mode, to communicate with the accessory. In these solutions, the accessory must be deactivated during the communication needs of the phone's reader / card mode with a device other than the accessory. The presence of an accessory is then detected using a magnetometer which indicates to the phone's microcontroller that the accessory is present, allowing the latter to select the reader or antenna to use. As long as the accessory does not need to be used, it is placed in a so-called "mute" mode in which it remains invisible to interrogation frames from a remote reader, in particular from a reader wishing to communicate when the phone is in card mode. The accessory leaves the "mute" mode by decoding a specific command sent by the antenna dedicated to it on the phone side.With such a solution, the accessory must be dedicated to a type of phone in order to be able to be placed in "mute" mode. Summary of the invention

[0008] One embodiment overcomes all or part of the drawbacks of conventional near-field communication devices. More particularly, one embodiment aims to ensure that the presence of permanent NFC accessories or devices does not disrupt the operation of a mobile device carrying this accessory.

[0009] One embodiment provides a mobile device comprising a near-field communication router and an antenna, connected to the router via at least one impedance matching circuit between at least two impedance values, wherein: a first impedance value is selected to communicate with a near-field communication device of a first type in the presence of a near-field communication device of a second type, a second impedance value is selected to communicate with a near-field communication device of the first type in the absence of a near-field communication device of the second type, the presence or absence of a near-field communication device of the second type being determined from interrogation frames transmitted by the antenna.

[0010] Another embodiment provides a method for near-field communication of a mobile device comprising a near-field communication router and an antenna, connected to the router via at least one impedance matching circuit between at least two impedance values, in which: a first impedance value is selected to communicate with a near-field communication device of a first type in the presence of a near-field communication device of a second type, a second impedance value is selected to communicate with a near-field communication device of the first type in the absence of a near field communication device of the second type, the presence or absence of a near field communication device of the second type being determined from interrogation frames transmitted by the antenna.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the second type of device corresponds to an accessory of the apparatus.

[0012] According to one embodiment, communication with the first type of device is carried out in reader or card mode.

[0013] According to one embodiment, an identification of a device of the second type is carried out with the apparatus in reader mode.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the identification of a device of the second type is carried out by a microcontroller of the device, distinct from the router, the microcontroller storing a unique identifier of the device of the second type.

[0015] According to one embodiment, if no device of the first or second type is detected during an interrogation frame, the microcontroller erases any unique identifier of a device of the second type present in memory.

[0016] According to one embodiment, following identification of an NFC device of the second type, thresholds of a detector in standby mode are recalibrated.

[0017] According to one embodiment, if an NFC device of the second type previously identified is no longer detected, thresholds of a detector in standby mode are recalibrated.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the antenna comprises two loops electrically in series, respectively intended for devices of the first and second type.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the loop intended for devices of the second type surrounds or is surrounded by a magnet for aligning the respective antennas of the apparatus and the device of the second type.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the NFC communications between the apparatus and devices of the second type are of type V. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] These characteristics and advantages, as well as others, will be explained in detail in the following description of particular embodiments given without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0022] [Fig.l] represents, very schematically and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication system according to a first aspect;

[0023] [Fig.2] represents, very schematically, partially and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication device according to the first aspect;

[0024] [Fig.3] illustrates, very schematically and in the form of blocks, a method of putting implementation of the near field communication device of [Fig.2];

[0025] [Fig.3A] illustrates, in more detail, a set of steps of the method of implementing [Fig.3];

[0026] [Fig.4] represents, very schematically and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication system according to a second aspect;

[0027] [Fig.5] represents, very schematically, partially and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication device according to the second aspect;

[0028] [Fig.6] illustrates, very schematically and in the form of blocks, a mode of implementation of the near-field communication device of [Fig.5]; and

[0029] [Fig.6A] illustrates, in more detail, a set of steps of the method of implementing [Fig.6]. Description of the embodiments

[0030] The same elements have been designated by the same references in the different figures. In particular, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same references and may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0031] For the sake of clarity, only the steps and elements useful for understanding the described embodiments have been shown and are detailed. In particular, the communication protocols between the different NFC devices have not been detailed, the described embodiments being compatible with the usual communication protocols.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, when referring to two elements connected to each other, this means directly connected without intermediate elements other than conductors, and when referring to two elements connected (in English "coupled") to each other, this means that these two elements can be connected or be connected by means of one or more other elements.

[0033] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as the terms "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", etc., reference is made unless otherwise specified to the orientation of the figures.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified, the expressions "about", "approximately", "substantially", and "of the order of" mean to within 10%, preferably to within 5%.

[0035] [Fig.l] represents, very schematically and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication system according to a first aspect.

[0036] In the remainder of the description, a system is assumed to consist of a mobile telephone 1 (DEV1) capable of being associated with an accessory 2 (DEV2) of the communicating telephone case type, but everything that will be described applies more generally to any system in which a mobile device can be permanently associated with a near-field communication device. This could be, for example, an electronic wallet or an element that could be recharged by a wireless energy transfer, for example according to the Qi standard. This element could, before starting charging, request authentication using NFC technology. This element is, for example, a stylus or a connected bracelet (“fitness band” in English). Another example is a battery capable of recharging the telephone: before recharging the telephone by wireless energy transfer, this battery is, for example, authenticated by NFC.

[0037] By permanent association, we mean a device capable of remaining linked to the telephone even outside periods of NFC communication, or even outside periods of communication via the cellular network and nevertheless exchanging with the telephone via another channel (for example, Bluetooth).

[0038] A communicating shell for a telephone comprises, for example, a display adapted to communicate with the circuits of the telephone to duplicate certain information, such as, for example, the time, a screen saver, etc. The information exchanges are generally carried out by Bluetooth (BT) or Wifi connection but near field communication (NFC) is used for the purposes of detecting presence and / or authentication of the shell by the telephone.

[0039] In the context of exchanges between the telephone 1 and its accessory 2, the telephone operates in reader mode and the accessory in card mode.

[0040] The telephone 1 is also capable of communicating with another device 3 (DEV3) within range of which it is located. In particular, the telephone may need to operate in card mode to exchange with a remote reader, for example a payment terminal or an access control terminal.

[0041] We will subsequently take the example of a payment terminal, but everything that will be described applies more generally to any remote device operating as a reader and with which the device 1 carrying an accessory 2 is capable of communicating in NFC. For simplicity, we will refer to NFC devices to designate electronic devices integrating near-field communication circuits.

[0042] According to the first aspect, the mobile telephone 1 comprises a single NFC antenna 12 which comprises two loops 121 and 123 electrically in series. A first loop 121 is dedicated to NFC communications, in card mode or in reader mode, with a remote device 3 other than an accessory. A second loop 123 is dedicated to NFC communications with the accessory 2. The telephone 1 is equipped with other antennas usual communication (cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth) and, in particular, a communication antenna 14, excluding NFC, for example of the Bluetooth type, used, among other things, for the accessory.

[0043] Two terminals of the antenna are connected to an NFC controller (and where appropriate to other electronic circuits) forming part of the telephone 1 symbolized in [Fig.l] by a block 18 (IC).

[0044] Preferably, a magnet 16 surrounds or is surrounded by the second loop 123. This magnet serves to align this second loop 123 of the antenna 12 with an antenna (not shown) of the accessory 2.

[0045] [Fig.2] represents, very schematically, partially and in the form of blocks, a embodiment of a near field communication device 100 according to the first aspect.

[0046] More particularly, [Fig.2] represents a device 100 of the mobile telephone 1 according to one embodiment, connected to the antenna 12. The antenna 12 is generally associated with one or more capacitive elements not shown (internal and / or external to the device 100) to form an oscillating circuit controlled by the device 100.

[0047] The device 100 comprises various digital and analog electronic circuits depending on its application. For a telephone, its NFC device is based on an NFC router (or controller) controlled by a host circuit or microcontroller 105 (HOST). The NFC controller serves as an interface between the digital circuits of the telephone and the radiofrequency transceiver oscillating circuit. In the example considered, the antenna 12 is adapted to communicate with different devices 2 and 3 depending on the loop used. To do this, the device 100 comprises, between the NFC controller 110 and the antenna, two impedance matching circuits 120 and 130 and a selector 140 (SEL) for directing the signals to be transmitted Tx or received Rx to one or other of the circuits 120 and 130 depending on the operating mode chosen.More particularly, a first impedance matching circuit 120 (MATCHING CIRCUITRY) is dedicated to operation in reader mode with the accessory 2, and a second impedance matching circuit 130 (MATCHING CIRCUITRY) is dedicated to operation in reader or card mode with the device 3. These circuits 120 and 130 make it possible to adjust the tuning of the oscillating circuit depending on the presence or absence of an accessory.

[0048] In the example of [Fig.2]: an output (Tx) of the NFC controller 110 is connected, preferably connected, to a first terminal of the selector 140; an input (Rx) of the NFC controller 110 is connected, preferably connected, to a second terminal of the selector 140; an input / output terminal of the selector 140 is connected, preferably connected, to the 120 and 130 adaptation circuits; a control terminal of the selector is connected to the NFC controller; the antenna 12 is connected to the two circuits 120 and 130.

[0049] For simplicity, reference is made, at the NFC controller level, to a Tx output for the signals to be transmitted and an Rx input for the signals received but, in practice, differential signals are most often used, a mode change converter (balun) not shown being present between the antenna and the selector or the impedance matching circuits.

[0050] Alternatively, the selector 140 is integrated into a single impedance matching circuit provided with components adapted to the two impedance matching configurations.

[0051] The choice of the impedance values ​​provided by the matching circuits are functions of the characteristics of the antenna loops so that the oscillating circuit remains tuned whether the accessory is present or not. These values ​​are determined, for example, at the time of integration of the circuit in the device 100 as a function of the antenna and the integration and are, preferably, fixed.

[0052] According to this embodiment, a general purpose input / output (GPIO) port (GPIO) of the NFC controller 110 transmits a digital control signal (CTRL) to the selector 140. The CTRL signal is preferably a binary signal, for example: a high state (or high level) controls the activation, via the selector 140, of the adaptation circuit 120 for NFC communication, in reader or card mode with a device 3, in the presence of the accessory 2; and a low state (or low level) controls the activation, via the selector 140, of the other adaptation circuit 130 for NFC communication, in reader or card mode with a device 3 or in reader mode with the accessory, in the absence of the accessory 2.

[0053] According to the embodiments described, provision is made to use interrogation frames transmitted by the device 100 to detect the presence or absence of an accessory in front of the antenna 12. Indeed, the presence of an accessory loads the antenna 12 and requires, for communication with the loop 121 to another NFC device, modification of the impedance adaptation in order to maintain the agreement.

[0054] In practice, a reader, when it is “empty”, that is to say without a card in its field, is placed in a low power mode, and then periodically generates interrogation frames in order to detect a card entering the reader’s field. Once a card is detected in the field, electronic circuits of the reader device are “awakened” (come out of sleep mode) and a communication or transaction with the card can be initiated. The interrogation frames are generally designated by the acronym LPCD (Low Power Card Detection) or LPTD (Low Power Tag Detector). electronic label in low power mode).

[0055] When a “perennial” accessory is detected, provision is made to memorize its identifier in order to take its presence into account even when the telephone needs to exchange with another device. More particularly, the impedance adaptation remains in the state fixed by the circuit 120 as long as the accessory remains present (associated with the telephone).

[0056] [Fig.3] illustrates, very schematically and in the form of blocks, a mode of implementation of the near-field communication device of [Fig.2].

[0057] [Fig.3A] illustrates, in more detail, a set of steps of the method of implementing [Fig.3].

[0058] When in low power mode, the NFC device 1 periodically activates (blocks 300, “Field Det + Polling” and 310, “Detection?”) a field detector to detect the presence of a device in reader mode and emits a radio frequency signal to detect the presence of a device in card mode. Upon detection, the controller 110 emits an identification request in order to obtain the identifier of the device (generally a unique identifier - UID or Unique Identifier).

[0059] In the case of detection of an electromagnetic field (output "Field" of block 310), this means that the telephone 1 picks up an electromagnetic field and is probably in the field of a reader. The mobile telephone 1 then behaves in card mode. The circuits of the telephone are woken up so as to be able to enter into communication with an NFC device 3 reader (block 320 "Com with R / W"). A data exchange then takes place in NFC between the telephone and the reader. Once the exchange is complete (block 330 "R / W removal"), the device returns to standby or low-power mode and the process returns to step 300 of field detection and transmission of interrogation frames.

[0060] In the absence of a field detected in step 300, the controller 110 transmits an interrogation frame so as to detect whether or not an electronic tag (NFC device in card mode) is present. This detection, which is usual in itself, exploits variations in amplitude and / or phase at the level of the signal at the terminals of the oscillating circuit, these parameters being modified in the presence of a card.

[0061] In the presence of a card (output “Tag” of block 310), the identifier obtained in step 300 is compared by the controller 110 to a potential unique identifier previously stored in memory (block 340 “Accessory UIDs known?”).

[0062] If the unique identifier is present in memory (output Y of block 340), this means that the accessory has already been taken into account (for example that the telephone has remained in its case since the previous comparison). It is then considered that the impedance adaptation is correct and we return to standby mode, if necessary via a phase of calibration which will be described later, until the next detection and interrogation frame (step 300).

[0063] If the unique identifier is not present in memory (output N of block 340), the circuits of the telephone and in particular its main processor 105 (HOST) are woken up and the telephone communicates with the NFC device to determine whether it is an accessory 2 or an NFC device 3 (351, “Read Tag” and 352, “Accessory or Legacy?”, [Fig.3A]).

[0064] In the case where there is an NFC device 3 (output “Legacy” of block 352), the telephone 1 behaves in reader mode and the NFC device 3 in card mode. The circuits of the telephone are woken up so as to be able to enter into communication with the NFC device 3 (block 354 “Com with Tag”). A data exchange then takes place in NFC between the card and the reader (the telephone). Once the exchange is complete (block 356 “Tag removal”), the tag is in practice removed from the telephone (“Tag removed”) and the device returns to standby or low-power mode and we return to step 300 of field detection and transmission of interrogation frames.

[0065] In the case where step 352 detects that the device present in the field emitted by the telephone is an accessory 2 (output "Accessory" of block 352), that is to say a device intended to remain associated with the mobile telephone in a permanent manner, the accessory is identified and its identifier is stored (block 358, "Authent. + Save UID") by the microcontroller 105 of the telephone (HOST). The storage of the identifier will be used later (during subsequent interrogation frames) during a step 340 to establish whether a device, in card mode, present in the field of device 1, is a new device entered into the field since the previous detection loop or corresponds to an accessory remaining in the field.

[0066] Following the memorization of a new accessory (output “Acc. Authentified” of block 105), the device implements a usual calibration process in order to adjust the amplitude levels to the new environment of the telephone. For example, a step (block 360, “LPTD Calib”) calibrates the detection thresholds in LPTD low power mode to take into account the load represented by the accessory. The interrogation loops in low power mode then compensate for the presence of the accessory to correctly detect any other NFC device.

[0067] The mobile telephone 1 then returns to standby mode by emitting regular LPTD loops (block 370, “LPTD”) as long as no field variation is detected (output N of block 380, “Detection?”).

[0068] This calibration 360 is also carried out if, at block 310, neither field nor electronic label is detected (output N of block 310). This may mean that a previously present and recorded accessory is no longer in relation with the device 1. Its identifier, which had been recorded during its detection, is then erased from the memory of the device (block 390, “Ail known UID clear”) then a calibration is performed. If necessary, information is sent to the host circuit 105 (HOST) for potential notification to the user of the device that the accessory is no longer detected.

[0069] At the end of calibration 360, the mobile telephone returns to standby mode (block 370) and, when a charge variation is detected (output Y of block 380), the telephone returns to steps 300 and 310 to determine the nature of the NFC device having caused the disturbance.

[0070] When the telephone must communicate with a device 3, it is preferable that the accessory 2 does not pollute the detection of this device 3. For this, the accessory 2 must not respond to the telephone if the latter is in reader mode, nor to the device 3 operating in reader mode so as to leave the communication to the telephone in card mode.

[0071] According to one embodiment, provision is then made to place the accessory 2 in mute mode in which it does not respond to NFC interrogation frames. The accessory 2 is switched to mute mode under the control of the telephone 1 which issues a particular NFC command interpretable only by the accessory 2. When it wishes to communicate with the accessory, the telephone 1 sends to the accessory 2 a command to deactivate the mute mode. Such a solution requires that the telephone and the accessory be compatible with such operation. In particular, the telephone and the accessory must have, in their command set, the commands required for switching the accessory into and out of mute mode.

[0072] According to another embodiment, it is provided that the communications between the telephone 1 and the accessory 2 are carried out in a particular type, namely type V. For example, type V is described in more detail in the ISO / IEC15693 standard. Advantage is then taken of the fact that the communications between a telephone 1 and another device 3 in reader mode generally use types A or B, in particular for payment and access control applications. Thus, since the accessory does not respond to type A or type B requests but only to type V requests, these applications are not impacted by its presence. Types A, B and V are defined by the NFC Forum.

[0073] [Fig.4] represents, very schematically and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication system according to a second aspect.

[0074] For simplicity, only the differences compared to the embodiment of [Fig.l] will be detailed below, the embodiment of [Fig.4] taking up for the rest the elements of the embodiment of [Fig.l].

[0075] According to the second aspect, the mobile telephone 1 comprises two separate NFC antennas 125 and 127. A first antenna 125 is dedicated to NFC communications, in card mode or in reader mode, with a remote device 3 other than an accessory 2. A second antenna 127 is dedicated to NFC communications, in reader mode, with the accessory 2. In this embodiment, a magnet 16 surrounds or is surrounded by the second antenna 127.

[0076] Compared to the embodiment of [Fig. 1], the difference is therefore the use of two antennas rather than two loops of the same antenna.

[0077] [Fig.5] represents, very schematically, partially and in the form of blocks, an embodiment of a near-field communication device according to the second aspect.

[0078] For simplicity, only the differences compared to the embodiment of [Fig.2] will be detailed below, the embodiment of [Fig.5] taking up for the rest the elements of the embodiment of [Fig.2].

[0079] The NFC device 1 comprises two antennas 125 and 127 which are connected, preferably connected, to two impedance matching circuits (MATCHING CIRCUIT) 120' and 130' respectively.

[0080] In this embodiment, the selector 140' (SEL) makes it possible to direct, towards one or the other of the antennas 125 and 127, NFC signals to be transmitted by the NFC device 1 comprising the circuit 100' depending on the remote device 2 or 3 with which the mobile telephone 1 wishes to communicate. The selector 140' is an antenna selector, each antenna being associated with its impedance matching circuit. The selector is connected, in the same way as in [Fig.2], to the NFC controller 110' (NFC CONTROLLER), itself connected to the host circuit 105' (HOST).

[0081] [Fig.6] illustrates, very schematically and in the form of blocks, a mode of implementation of the near-field communication device of [Fig.5].

[0082] [Fig.6A] illustrates, in more detail, a set of steps of the method of implementing [Fig.6].

[0083] In these figures, “Antl” refers to the antenna 125 dedicated to an NFC device 3 and “Ant2” refers to the antenna 127 dedicated to an accessory 2.

[0084] When in low power or standby mode, the NFC device 1 periodically activates (block 600, “LPTD”) interrogation loops on the two antennas 125 and 127 to detect a charge variation (block 602, “Detection?”) indicating the arrival or departure of an NFC device 2 or 3.

[0085] The interrogation loops 600 are repeated as long as no load variation is detected (output N of block 602).

[0086] In the case of variation detection (output Y of block 602), a field detector for detecting the presence of a device in reader mode is activated and a radiofrequency signal for detecting the presence of a device in card mode is emitted by the antenna 125 (blocks 610, “Field Det + Polling on Antl” and 612, “Antl Detection? "). Upon detection, the controller 110' issues an identification request in order to obtain the device identifier (generally a unique identifier - UID or Unique Identifier).

[0087] In the case of detection of an electromagnetic field (output "Field" of block 612), this means that the telephone 1 picks up an electromagnetic field and is probably in the field of a reader. The mobile telephone 1 then behaves in card mode. The circuits of the telephone are awakened so as to be able to enter into communication with an NFC device 3 reader (block 620 "Com with R / W"). A data exchange is then carried out in NFC between the telephone and the reader using the antenna 125. Once the exchange is finished (block 622 "R / W removal"), we return to step 610 of field detection and transmission of interrogation frames on the antenna 125.

[0088] In the absence of a field detected in step 610, the controller 110' transmits an interrogation frame on the antenna 125 so as to detect whether or not an electronic tag (NFC device in card mode) is present.

[0089] In the presence of a card detected by the antenna 125 (output “Tag” of block 612), the controller 110' compares its identifier (generally a unique identifier - UID or Unique Identifier) ​​obtained in step 610 to a potential unique identifier previously stored in memory (block 630 “Accessory UIDs known?”).

[0090] If the unique identifier is present in memory (output Y of block 630), this means that it is an accessory 2 and that it has already been taken into account by the antenna 127 (for example that the telephone has remained in its shell since the previous comparison). It is then considered that the impedance adaptation is correct and the device returns to standby mode, if necessary via a calibration phase which will be described later, until the next detection and interrogation frame (step 610).

[0091] If the unique identifier is not present in memory (output N of block 630), the circuits of the telephone and in particular its main processor 105' (HOST) are woken up and the telephone communicates with the NFC device to determine whether it is an accessory 2 or an NFC device 3 (641, “Read Tag” and 642, “Accessory or Legacy?”, [Fig.6A]).

[0092] In the case where one of the antennas detects that the device present in the field emitted by the telephone is an NFC device 3 (output “Legacy” of block 642), the device must use the antenna 125. It is then checked (block 643, “Antl?”) whether it is with the antenna 125. If so (output Y of block 643), the telephone 1 behaves in reader mode and the NFC device 3 behaves in card mode. The circuits of the telephone are woken up so as to be able to enter into communication with the NFC device 3 (block 644 “Com with Tag”). A data exchange then takes place in NFC between the card and the reader (telephone). Once the exchange is complete (block 645 "Tag removal"), the tag is in practice removed from the telephone ("Tag removed") and the host circuit 105' communicates to the NFC controller 110' to select the two antennas (block 646 "NCI param. Antl + Ant2") for subsequent interrogation frames. The method is repeated for example in step 610 to probe for the presence of another NFC device and any addition or removal of an accessory 2 that may have occurred since the last interrogation frame.

[0093] If, in step 642, one of the antennas 125, 127 detects that the device present in the field emitted by the telephone is an accessory 2 (output “Accessory” of block 642), that is to say a device intended to remain associated with the mobile telephone in a permanent manner, the device uses the antenna 127. It is then checked (block 647, “Ant2?”) whether it is with the antenna 127. If not (output N of block 647), the host circuit 105’ communicates to the NFC controller 110’ to select the antenna 127 (block 648 “NCI param. Ant2”).

[0094] The selection of the antenna 127 (“Ant2 Sel.”) leads, for example, to the mobile telephone 1 transmitting interrogation frames via the antenna 127 so as to detect whether or not an electronic tag (NFC device in card mode) is present (block 660 “Polling on Ant2”).

[0095] In the presence of a device detected by the antenna 127 (output “Tag” of block 662 “Ant2 Detection?”), the controller 110’ compares its identifier to a potential unique identifier previously stored in the memory of the host circuit 105’ (block 665 “Accessory UIDs known?”).

[0096] If the unique identifier is present in memory (output Y of block 665), this means that it is an accessory 2 already taken into account (for example that the telephone has remained in its shell since the previous comparison). It is then considered that the impedance adaptation is correct and we return to standby mode (blocks 600 and 602), if necessary via a calibration phase.

[0097] If the unique identifier is not present in memory (output N of block 665), the circuits of the telephone and in particular its main processor 105' (HOST) are woken up and the telephone communicates with the NFC device, as in the case described previously with the antenna 127, to determine whether there is an accessory 2 or an NFC device 3 (blocks 641 and 642, [Fig.6A]).

[0098] In the case where the tag in the field of the antenna 127 is an NFC device 3 (output "Legacy" of block 642), the host circuit 105' communicates to the NFC controller 110' to select the antenna 125, after having verified (block 643, "Antl?") that the antenna 127 is activated (output N of block 643). The selection of the antenna 125 (block 649 "NCI param. Antl") results in the mobile telephone not continuing the communication with the NFC device 3 and returning to step 610 to perform a detection with the antenna 125 ("Antl Sel").

[0099] In the case where the tag in the field of antenna 127 is an accessory 2 (output "Accessory" of block 642), after having verified (block 647, "Ant2?") that one is indeed using antenna 127 (output Y of block 647), the accessory is identified and its identifier is stored (block 650, "Authent. + Save UID") by the host microcontroller 105' of the telephone. The storage of the identifier will be used later (during subsequent interrogation frames) in steps 630 and 665 to establish whether a device in card mode present in the field of device 1 is a new device entered into the field since the previous detection loop or corresponds to an accessory remaining in the field.

[0100] Once the storage is carried out, the host circuit 105' communicates to the NFC controller 110' to select the two antennas (block 651 “NCI param. Antl + Ant2”) for the subsequent interrogation frames.

[0101] Following this memorization of a new accessory (“Acc. Authenticated”), the device 100′ implements a usual calibration process (steps 670 corresponding to step 360) in order to adjust the amplitude levels to the new environment of the telephone.

[0102] The mobile telephone 1 then returns to standby mode by emitting regular LPTD loops (block 600) as long as no field variation is detected.

[0103] If, during step 612 of detection by the antenna 125, no field or digital label is detected (output N of block 612), interrogation frames are emitted only by the antenna 127 (block 660). If no accessory is detected from the field emitted by the antenna 127 (output N of block 662), this means that no accessory is near the device 1. Any identifier, which had been recorded, is then erased from the memory of the device (block 680, “All known UID clear”). If necessary, information is sent to the host circuit 105' (HOST) for a potential notification to the user of the device that the accessory is no longer detected.

[0104] The thresholds taken into account by the LPTD interrogation loops are again calibrated (block 670) to take into account the absence of an accessory and the device returns to standby mode with periodic interrogation frames (blocks 600 and 602).

[0105] In the embodiment of Figures 4 to 6A, the impedance matching circuit 120' of the antenna 125 can, as in the first aspect, be adjustable between two values ​​depending on whether or not an accessory is present. Alternatively, the corresponding adaptation is carried out during the calibration phases. The same can be provided on the circuit 130' side, although this is less useful since when communication with this antenna is needed, it is because an accessory is present.

[0106] As with the embodiments described in relation to the first aspect (Figures 1 to 3A), in the embodiments described above in relation to the second aspect (Figures 4 to 6A), it is provided that the accessory can be placed in mute mode or that its NFC communications are in type V.

[0107] An advantage of the described embodiments is that they avoid the use of a magnetometer.

[0108] Another advantage of the described embodiments using Type V for accessory-to-phone NFC communications is that they are compatible with any accessory without the need for a particular command set.

[0109] Various embodiments and variations have been described. Those skilled in the art will understand that certain features of these various embodiments and variations could be combined, and other variations will occur to those skilled in the art. In particular, each antenna loop may contain one or more turns. In addition, although not specified, the antennas of the applications covered by the present description are formed from planar windings.

[0110] Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variants described is within the reach of the person skilled in the art from the functional indications given above. In particular, with regard to the dimensioning of the antennas or antenna loops.

[0111] Other examples of embodiments of the present description are explained below.

[0112] Example 1: A mobile device comprising a near-field communication router (110') and two antennas (125, 127) connected to the router via a selector (140'), wherein: a first antenna (125) is dedicated to a first mode of operation with a first type of NFC devices (3), a second antenna (127) is dedicated to a second operating mode with a second type of NFC device (2), the selection of one or the other antenna being carried out following a detection carried out during interrogation frames (600) transmitted by one or the other of the antennas.

[0113] Example 2: A method of near-field communication of a mobile device comprising a near-field communication router (110') and two antennas (125, 127) connected to the router via a selector (140'), wherein: a first antenna (125) is dedicated to a first mode of operation with a first type of NFC devices (3), a second antenna (127) is dedicated to a second operating mode with a second type of NFC device (2), the selection of one or the other antenna being carried out following a detection carried out during interrogation frames (600) transmitted by one or the other of the antennas

[0114] Example 3: apparatus according to example 1, or method according to example 2, in which the second type of device corresponds to an accessory (2) of the apparatus (1).

[0115] Example 4: apparatus according to example 1 or 3, or method according to example 2 or 3, in which the communication with the first type of device (3) is carried out in reader or card mode with the first antenna (125).

[0116] Example 5: Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1, 3 and 4, or method according to any one of Examples 2 to 4, wherein an identification of a device of the second type is performed with the apparatus in reader mode communicating with the second antenna (127).

[0117] Example 6: apparatus or method according to example 5, in which an identification (650) of a device of the second type (2) is carried out by a microcontroller (105') of the apparatus, distinct from the router (110'), the microcontroller then stores a unique identifier (650) of the device of the second type.

[0118] Example 7: Apparatus or method according to example 6, in which if no device is detected by either antenna during an interrogation frame, the microcontroller erases any unique identifier (680) of a device of the second type present in memory.

[0119] Example 8: Apparatus or method according to any one of examples 5 to 7, in which, following an identification (650) of an NFC device of the second type by the second antenna (127), thresholds of a low-power detector are recalibrated (670).

[0120] Example 9: Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1, 3 to 8, or method according to any one of Examples 2 to 8, wherein, if a previously identified second type NFC device (650) is no longer detected by either antenna during an interrogation frame, thresholds of a low-power detector are recalibrated (670).

[0121] Example 10: Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1, 3 to 9, or method according to any one of Examples 2 to 9, in which if a device of the second type whose identifier has not been stored by the microcontroller is identified (650) by the first antenna (125), the antennas are switched (648) so that the detection is carried out on the second antenna (127).

[0122] Example 11: Apparatus or method according to Example 10, in which the antenna (127) intended for the devices of the second type surrounds or is surrounded by a magnet (16) for aligning the respective antennas of the apparatus and the device of the second type.

[0123] Example 12: Apparatus according to any one of Examples 1, 3 to 11, or method according to any one of Examples 2 to 11, in which the devices of the second type are of type V.

Claims

Claims

1. Mobile apparatus comprising a near-field communication router (110) and an antenna (12), connected to the router via at least one impedance matching circuit between at least two impedance values ​​(120 and 130), wherein: a first impedance value is selected to communicate with a near-field communication device of a first type (3) in the presence of a near-field communication device of a second type (2), a second impedance value is selected to communicate with a near-field communication device of the first type in the absence of a near-field communication device of the second type, the presence or absence of a near-field communication device of the second type being determined from interrogation frames (370) transmitted by the antenna.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second type of device corresponds to an accessory (2) of the apparatus (1).

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication with the first type of device (3) is carried out in reader or card mode.

4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an identification of a device of the second type is performed with the apparatus in reader mode.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the identification of a device of the second type (2) is carried out by a microcontroller (105) of the apparatus, distinct from the router (110), the microcontroller storing (358) a unique identifier of the device of the second type.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein if no device of the first or second type is detected during a polling frame (310), the microcontroller erases (390) any unique identifier of a device of the second type present in memory.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, following identification of an NFC device of the second type, thresholds of a detector in sleep mode are recalibrated (360).

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, if a previously identified second type NFC device is no longer detected (output N of block 310), thresholds of a detector in standby mode are recalibrated (360).

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the antenna (12) comprises two electrically series-connected loops (121 and 123), respectively intended for devices of the first (3) and second type (2).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the loop (123) intended for the devices of the second type (2) surrounds or is surrounded by a magnet (16) for aligning the respective antennas of the apparatus and the device of the second type.

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the NFC communications between the apparatus and devices of the second type (2) are of type V.

12. A near field communication method implementing a mobile device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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