Communication system between master and slave devices

Abstract

Title: Communication system between master and slave devices The invention relates to a communication system comprising at least one master device (100) and at least one slave device (200) in the form of a mobile support, in which the slave device (200) is passive and is intended to be electrically powered by the master device (100) integrating a power supply means, the slave device (200) integrating a non-volatile electronic memory and the master device (100) integrating a reader, controlled by an electronic unit (110), intended to access in reading and / or writing the data contained in the non-volatile memory. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Communication system between master and slave devices Technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of systems enabling devices to communicate.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a communication system between a plurality of devices, including a master device and slave devices. State of the art

[0003] Devices are known which are described as slaves because they are dependent on at least one master device, at least for example for a question of electrical power supply.

[0004] Radio-identification tags, comprising a microchip and an antenna, form slave devices that can be read by ad hoc master transmitter-receiver devices. The transmitter-receiver devices are designed to emit an electromagnetic wave that powers and activates the radio-identification tag, allowing the latter to send information back to the transmitter-receiver device.

[0005] This type of system allows to manage a plurality of slave devices with a master device, however, it has disadvantages: • its behavior is uncertain when several labels are presented above a reader; • the fact that it is powered by its antenna imposes consumption constraints on the part of the on-board components resulting in a low quantity of on-board memory; • by the nature of its operation it is subject to the vagaries of its environment in terms of radio frequencies, both emitted and received. • if no additional security system is provided, the information contained on a label is vulnerable to short-range cyberattacks. Technical problem

[0006] The invention aims in particular to overcome these drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a communication system between a master device and slave devices forming an alternative to systems implementing a radio-identification technique.

[0008] The invention also aims to provide such a system which makes it possible to po locate multiple slave devices above a reader while allowing them to be read.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide such a system which avoids the use of a technique for wireless transmission of data by electromagnetic waves. Summary of the invention

[0010] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a communication system comprising at least one master device and at least one slave device in the form of a mobile support, in which the slave device is passive and is intended to be electrically powered by the master device integrating an electrical power supply means, the slave device integrating a non-volatile electronic memory and the master device integrating a reader, controlled by an electronic unit, intended to access in reading and / or writing the data contained in the non-volatile memory, characterized in that the master device has a primary electrical input terminal and a primary electrical output terminal, connected by means of a power supply, and also has a primary data transmission terminal, the primary electrical input terminal, the primary electrical output terminal and the primary data transmission terminal being electrically contactable from outside the master device, and in that the system comprises at least two slave devices in the form of a mobile support, each slave device having: • a first electrical input slave terminal, a first electrical output slave terminal, and a first data transmission slave terminal, electrically contactable from a first face of each slave device, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with respectively the primary electrical input terminal, the primary electrical output terminal and the primary data transmission terminal of the master device; • a second electrical input slave terminal, a second electrical output slave terminal and a second data transmission slave terminal, electrically contactable from a second face of each slave device, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with respectively the first electrical input slave terminal, the first electrical output slave terminal, and the first data transmission slave terminal of another slave device.

[0011] Thanks to the system according to the invention, it is possible to stack a plurality of dis positive slaves to a master device, so that the slave devices are powered and communicate with the master device.

[0012] Stacked slave devices exhibit predictable and secure behavior due to established physical connections. In addition, it does not present consumption constraints for its components due to its power supply being of the “wired” type. Similarly, it is possible that these slave devices have a larger amount of onboard memory than “wireless” type devices.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the slave devices are devoid of antenna.

[0014] In this way, the security of the slave device is reinforced, as it cannot be hacked remotely using electromagnetic wave communication.

[0015] Preferably, each slave device has its first face opposite its second face.

[0016] Stacking of devices and slaves is thus facilitated.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment variant, for at least one slave device, called a reversible slave device, the terminals presented on the first face of the slave device have an arrangement identical to the terminals presented on the second face of the slave device, the slave device having an architecture allowing a non-polarized electrical supply of the slave device.

[0018] It is thus possible to read a slave device which would be positioned in reverse on another slave device already powered or on the master device.

[0019] Preferably, the architecture comprises means for determining which of the first face or the second face is electrically in contact with the terminals of the master device or with the terminals of a slave device, located between the reversible slave device and the master device, and electrically in contact directly or indirectly with the master device.

[0020] Thus, it is known by which side the reversible slave device rests on an already powered slave device or on a master device.

[0021] According to a preferred characteristic, the master device has a primary terminal for detecting electrical contact with a slave device, electrically contactable from outside the master device, and in that each slave device has on its first face a slave electrical contact detection terminal electrically contactable from outside the slave device, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the primary electrical contact detection terminal.

[0022] In this way, the power supply of a slave device is detected by the master device.

[0023] In this case, advantageously, the slave electrical contact detection terminal is electrically connected to the slave electrical input terminal, the electronic unit of the master device being configured to activate the reader in the event of detection of an electrical voltage coming from the primary electrical contact detection terminal.

[0024] This prevents the reader from being activated in the absence of positioning of a slave device on the master device.

[0025] According to one conceivable embodiment, the electronic unit of the master device integrates an electronic clock, the master device having a primary clock terminal electrically contactable from outside the master device, and in that each slave device has, on each of its first face and its second face, a slave clock terminal electrically contactable from outside the slave device in the form of a mobile support, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the primary clock terminal or with a slave clock terminal of another slave device.

[0026] This allows for a slave device to communicate synchronously with the master device.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the slave devices are associated with containers, preferably at least partially transparent playing card sleeves.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the slave devices are formed by playing cards. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of different preferred embodiments of the invention, given as illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the appended drawings among which: • [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a master device of a communication system according to the invention; • [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a slave device of a communication system according to the invention • [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of stacking two slave devices on a master device; • [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation illustrating the reversibility of a slave device in a stack of slave devices, as well as asynchronous slave devices and a master device; • [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation illustrating slave devices stacked on a master device with a synchronous architecture. Detailed description

[0030] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, a communication system according to the invention is shown. This communication system comprises at least one master device 100, and at least two slave devices 200.

[0031] Each slave device 200 takes the form of a mobile support.

[0032] As will be seen below, each slave device 200 is passive and is intended to be electrically powered by the master device 100 when positioned directly on, or stacked on, the master device 100. The master device 100 is a "reader" designed to be able to access a non-volatile memory of a slave device 200 positioned directly on, or stacked on, the master device 100.

[0033] A single master device 100 with two stacked slave devices 200 are shown in [Fig. 3]. However, the communication system is not limited to this configuration and the slave devices 200 can also be used with other master devices 100 not shown, and the slave devices 200 can be more numerous while remaining stackable and, for example, be 56 in number, or even more than a hundred.

[0034] A master device 100 is described more precisely hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0035] This master device 100 has a support surface 101 on which a slave device 200 must be placed to allow it to be read by the master device 100.

[0036] The master device 100 may also have means for centering a slave device 200 on the support surface 101.

[0037] The master device 100 integrates a power supply means.

[0038] This power supply means is advantageously connectable to an electricity supply network, in particular by means of a mains socket, or a universal charger.

[0039] The power supply means may also correspond to an electric accumulator.

[0040] Advantageously, the power supply means comprises an electric accumulator rechargeable by means of a connection to an electricity supply network.

[0041] This power supply means is designed to supply electricity to the master device 100, but also to the slave device(s) 200 stacked on it.

[0042] For this purpose, the master device 100 has a primary electrical input terminal 120 and a primary electrical output terminal 130, connected to the electrical power supply means. This primary electrical input terminal 120 and this primary electrical output terminal 130 are flush with the support surface 101.

[0043] The master device also integrates: - an electronic unit 110; - a reader controlled by the electronic unit 110.

[0044] The reader is intended to access in reading and / or writing to data contained in the non-volatile memory of the slave devices 200 stacked on the master device 100.

[0045] For this purpose, the master device 100 also has a primary data transmission terminal 140.

[0046] According to the present embodiment, the master device 100 also has a secondary data transmission terminal 150.

[0047] These data transmission terminals are flush with the support surface 101.

[0048] In other words, the primary electrical input terminal 120, the primary electrical output terminal 130, the primary data transmission terminal 140, and the secondary data transmission terminal 150 are electrically contactable from outside the master device 100.

[0049] The master device 100 has a primary electrical contact detection terminal 160 with a slave device 200.

[0050] This primary electrical contact detection terminal 160 is electrically contactable from outside the master device.

[0051] More precisely, this primary electrical contact detection terminal 160 is flush with the support surface 101.

[0052] The electronic unit 110 of the master device 100 is configured to activate the reader in the event of detection of an electrical voltage coming from the primary electrical contact detection terminal 160.

[0053] As detailed below, the placement of a slave device 200 on the support surface 101 results in the establishment of an electrical connection and the supply of electrical power to the slave device 200 via the primary electrical input terminal 120 and the primary electrical output terminal 130 of the slave device 200.

[0054] This electrical supply of the slave device 200 also causes a terminal of the slave device 200 to be energized in contact with the primary electrical contact detection terminal 160, which thus enables the reader to be activated.

[0055] A slave device 200 is more precisely described below with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4.

[0056] As mentioned previously, a slave device 200 is a passive device, that is to say that it uses the power supply means of the master device 100 to supply itself with electricity and activate its functions.

[0057] Each slave device 200 comprises on-board electronic means, comprising at least one non-volatile electronic memory.

[0058] The slave device 200 has two faces, including a first face 201 and a second face 202. These two faces are in this case opposite each other.

[0059] For illustrative purposes, an arrow F is shown on the slave device 200. This arrow symbolizes the orientation of the slave device 200. The arrow F starts from the first face 201 and extends towards the second face 202 of the slave device 200.

[0060] The slave device 200 is designed to be placed on the master device 100, and more precisely on the support surface 101 of the master device 100, by means of its first face 201.

[0061] For this purpose, the first face 201 has a relief complementary in shape to the relief of the support surface 101 of the master device 100. In this case, the support surface 101 and the first face 201 are flat.

[0062] In addition, each slave device 200 has: • a first electrical input slave terminal 211; • a first electrical output slave terminal 212; • a first slave data transmission terminal 213, and according to the present embodiment a third data transmission slave terminal 214.

[0063] These terminals are flush with the first face 201, that is to say they are electrically contactable from the first face 201 of the slave device.

[0064] The first electrical input slave terminal 211, the first electrical output slave terminal 212, the first data transmission slave terminal 213, and according to the present embodiment the third data transmission slave terminal 214, are thus configured to be brought into electrical contact with respectively the primary electrical input terminal 120, the primary electrical output terminal 130, the primary data transmission terminal 140 of the master device, and the secondary data transmission terminal 150.

[0065] The slave device 200 is designed to be able to support another slave device 200 on its second face 202, in order to allow stacking of slave devices 200 on a master device 100.

[0066] For this purpose, the second face 202 has a relief complementary in shape to the relief of the first face 201 of the slave device 200. In this case, the second face 202 is flat.

[0067] In addition, each slave device 200 also has: - a second electrical input slave terminal 221; - a second electrical output slave terminal 222; - a second slave data transmission terminal 223, and according to the present embodiment a fourth data transmission slave terminal 224.

[0068] These terminals are flush with the second face 202, that is to say they are electrically contactable from the second face 202 of the slave device 200.

[0069] The second electrical input slave terminal 221, the second electrical output slave terminal 222, the second data transmission slave terminal 223, and according to the present embodiment the fourth data transmission slave terminal 224 are configured to be brought into electrical contact with respectively the first electrical input slave terminal 211, the first electrical output slave terminal 212, the first data transmission slave terminal 213, and the third data transmission slave terminal 214 of another slave device.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, each slave device 200 has on its first face 201 a slave electrical contact detection terminal 215 electrically contactable from outside the slave device, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the primary electrical contact detection terminal 160.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 is electrically connected to the electrical input slave terminal. This allows the transmission of a voltage to the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 directly when the first face 201 of the slave device 200 is brought into contact with the support surface 101 of the master device.

[0072] In addition, each slave device 200 has on its second face 202 an additional slave terminal for detecting electrical contact 225 which can be electrically contacted from outside the slave device, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the slave terminal for detecting electrical contact 215 of another slave device 200 stacked directly on the second face 202 of the slave device 200.

[0073] When a slave device 200 is stacked on another slave device 200 (when contacting the first face 201 of the overlying slave device 200 on the second face 202 of the underlying slave device 200), because the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 is electrically connected to the electrical input slave terminal, then if the underlying slave device 200 is powered with electricity, the latter supplies electricity to the overlying slave device 200, and it is allowed to transmit a voltage from the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 to the auxiliary electrical contact detection slave terminal 225 of the underlying device, which retransmits this voltage and the power supply information of the overlying badge to the master device 100.

[0074] The terminals of the slave devices 200 and of the master device 100 are made of electrically conductive materials, for example copper.

[0075] To facilitate electrical contact between the terminals of the first face 201 of a slave device 200 and the terminals of the master device 100 or the terminals of the second face 202 of another slave device, it is conceivable that the terminals have suitable reliefs, or means for facilitating these contacts. For example, the terminals of the first face 201 of the slave devices 200 may be embossed while the terminals of the second faces of the slave devices and the terminals of the master device are flat.

[0076] These slave devices are advantageously devoid of antenna. This makes it possible to avoid wireless hacking of the slave devices.

[0077] A slave device 200 may be designed to be reversible.

[0078] In this case, the slave device 200 can be placed indifferently by means of its first face 201 or its second face 202 on the support surface 101 of the master device 100 or on a stack of slave devices 200 resting on the support surface 101 of the master device 100.

[0079] More specifically, the terminals presented on the first face 201 of the slave device then have an arrangement identical to the terminals presented on the second face 202 of the slave device.

[0080] For example, the first face 201 and the second face 202 of the slave devices 200 may have a square or rectangular shape, and identical dimensions, in this way the stacking and alignment of the slave devices brings the faces of the slave devices facing each other into complete contact.

[0081] In this case, terminals centered on the width and length of the faces will always be in contact during this stacking.

[0082] Other terminals may have the shape of a circle aligned with the centered terminals.

[0083] Such arrangements allow slave devices 200 to be stacked without regard to which side is facing down, and without regard to the orientation of the slave device.

[0084] According to another embodiment, each face of a slave device 200 may have a front / rear orientation, and the slave devices 200 must then be stacked in accordance with this front / rear orientation. The arrangement of the terminals is then carried out in accordance with this front / rear orientation of the faces of the devices.

[0085] The alignment of the terminals in Figures 1 to 5 is for simplification and illustrative purposes only.

[0086] Two types of master devices and slave devices are described below: asynchronous devices, and synchronous devices. These devices implement the characteristics of the slave devices presented above.

[0087] With reference to [Fig.3], asynchronous devices are illustrated.

[0088] These devices in fact make it possible to create an asynchronous communication loop based on a microcontroller 230 of the on-board electronic means, a part of a non-volatile memory of the microcontroller 230 forming the non-volatile memory of the slave device 200.

[0089] The microcontrollers 230 present in the slave devices 200 communicate with each other by means of asynchronous universal transceivers, with a connection for reception and a connection for transmission on each of the faces of the slave device, these connections being formed by the first slave data transmission terminal 213 and by the third slave data transmission terminal 214 for the first face 201, and by the second slave transmission terminal and the fourth slave transmission terminal for the second face 202 of the slave device 200.

[0090] A flow of a scenario for connecting two slave devices 200 to a master device 100 is described below with reference to [Fig.3].

[0091] Initially, no slave device is positioned on the master device 100.

[0092] A first slave device 200, called the first slave, is placed on the master device 100. More precisely, the first slave is placed on the support surface 101 of the master device 100 via its first face 201.

[0093] The first slave is then electrically powered by the master device 100: the primary electrical input terminal 120 and the primary electrical output terminal 130 of the master device 100 are in electrical contact with respectively the first electrical input slave terminal 211 and the first electrical output slave terminal.

[0094] The first slave then initializes an asynchronous link with the first slave data transmission terminal 213 assigned for reception and the third slave data transmission terminal 214 assigned for transmission.

[0095] The first slave then indicates to the master device 100 that it is present, and ready to communicate by sending a voltage corresponding to a “high” state on the slave electrical contact detection terminal 215. The master device 100 detects this state via its primary electrical contact detection terminal 160. The first slave and the master device 100 can now communicate.

[0096] A second slave device 200, called the second slave, is now stacked on the first slave.

[0097] As the first slave is powered, the second slave is also powered by the second electrical input slave terminal 221 and the second electrical output slave terminal 222 which are respectively connected to the first electrical input slave terminal 211 and the first electrical output slave terminal 212.

[0098] The second slave also initializes an asynchronous link with its first data transmission slave terminal 213 assigned for reception and its third data transmission slave terminal 214 assigned for transmission.

[0099] The second slave then indicates to the first slave that it is present, and ready to communicate by sending a voltage corresponding to a “high” state on its electrical contact detection slave terminal 215. The first slave detects this state via its auxiliary electrical contact detection slave terminal 225, located on its first face 201, which is in electrical contact with the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 of the first slave, which is located on its second face 202.

[0100] The first slave, following this detection, closes its initial asynchronous link with only the master device and establishes two new asynchronous links: an asynchronous link with its first data transmission slave terminal 213 in reception and its second data transmission slave terminal 223 in transmission, and an asynchronous link with the fourth data transmission slave terminal 224 in reception, and the third data transmission slave terminal 214 in transmission.

[0101] The first slave then receives the data taken from the master device through its first slave data transmission terminal 213, transmits data through its second slave data transmission terminal 223 to the second slave, receives data from the second slave through its fourth slave data transmission terminal 224, and returns the data as is to the master device 100 through the third data transmission terminal 214.

[0102] An asynchronous loop is created where the master and slave devices can communicate in one direction only.

[0103] In the devices described above, on each face, one terminal is used for reception and another terminal is used for transmission for the data, however it is possible for a single data transmission terminal to be used for reception and transmission of data, alternating these functions.

[0104] As previously mentioned, the slave devices 200 may be reversible. This is now more precisely described with reference to [Fig.4].

[0105] In addition to the terminals having an identical arrangement, the slave devices comprise an architecture allowing a non-polarized electrical supply of the slave device 200.

[0106] This architecture comprises means for determining which of the first face 201 or the second face 202 of the slave device 200 is electrically in contact with the terminals of the master device 100 or with the terminals of a slave device 200, located between the reversible slave device 200 and the master device 100, and electrically in contact directly or indirectly with the master device 100.

[0107] The aforementioned determination means employ the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 and the auxiliary electrical contact detection slave terminal 225.

[0108] The architecture includes: - the microcontroller 230, having a positive power supply terminal 231 and a ground 232; - a non-polarized power supply component 240, having a power supply terminal 241, a ground terminal 242, a terminal A, a terminal B, and a polarity terminal 250.

[0109] The positive power supply terminal 231 and the ground 232 of the microcontroller 230 are respectively connected to the power supply terminal 241 and the ground terminal 242 of the non-polarized power supply component 240.

[0110] Terminal B of the non-polarized power supply component 240 is connected to the first electrical input slave terminal 211 and the second electrical input slave terminal 221, while terminal A is connected to the first electrical output slave terminal 212 and the second electrical output slave terminal 222.

[0111] The non-polarized power supply component 240 is designed to always correctly power the microcontroller 230 via its power terminal and its ground terminal, regardless of how the terminals A and B are connected to the slave electrical input and output terminals, i.e., regardless of which side the slave device 200 rests on, another slave device 200 or on the master device 100.

[0112] The determination means integrate the polarity terminal. Indeed, the polarity terminal is connected to the microcontroller 230 and allows the latter to know in which direction it is placed.

[0113] Thus, the microcontroller 230 takes into account the direction in which the slave device 200 is placed, to adjust its software operation.

[0114] With reference to [Fig.5], synchronous devices are illustrated.

[0115] In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic unit 110 of the master device 100 integrates an electronic clock.

[0116] The master device 100 also has a primary clock terminal 170 electrically contactable from outside the master device.

[0117] The slave devices 200, for their part, have, on each of the first face 201 and the second face 202, a clock slave terminal 216 electrically contactable from outside the slave device 200, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the primary clock terminal 170.

[0118] A scenario flow for connecting two slave devices 200 to a master device 100 is described below with reference to [Fig.5].

[0119] Initially, no slave device is positioned on the master device 100. The primary electrical output terminal 130 and the primary electrical contact detection terminal 160 of the master device are at 0V.

[0120] A first slave device 200, called the first slave, is placed on the master device 100. More precisely, the first slave is placed on the support surface 101 of the master device 100 via its first face 201.

[0121] The first slave is then electrically powered by the master device 100: the primary electrical input terminal 120 and the primary electrical output terminal 130 of the master device 100 are in electrical contact with the first electrical input slave terminal 211 and the first electrical output slave terminal 212 respectively.

[0122] The signal from the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 changes to 5V which is transmitted to the electrical contact detection primary terminal 160, thus allowing the master device 100 to know that a slave device 200 has just been installed.

[0123] Further, the first slave and the master device 100 share a clock signal via the electrical contact established between the clock slave terminal 216 and the primary clock terminal 170.

[0124] Finally, an electrical contact is established between the primary data transmission terminal 140 and the first slave data transmission terminal 213, as well as another electrical contact between the secondary data transmission terminal 150 and the third slave data transmission terminal 214. Thus, the reader of the master device 100 can now send commands to the first slave to access its memory, and the first slave can respond to the master device 100.

[0125] The first slave and the master device 100 now form a synchronous communication loop.

[0126] A second slave device 200, called the second slave, is now stacked on the first slave.

[0127] As the first slave is powered, the second slave is also powered through the second electrical input slave terminal 221 and the second electrical output slave terminal 222 which are respectively connected to the first electrical input slave terminal 211 and the first electrical output slave terminal 212.

[0128] The signal from the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215 of the second slave changes to 5V, which is transmitted to the auxiliary electrical contact detection slave terminal 225 located on the second face 202 of the first slave. This allows the first slave to know that a second slave has been placed on it, and the master device 100 to know that a slave device 200 has been placed on the first slave.

[0129] In this case (thanks to the signal from the electrical contact detection slave terminal 215), the data output from the first slave is sent directly to the second data transmission slave terminal 223 on the second face 202 of the first slave, and thus to the first data transmission slave terminal 213 of the second slave. The second slave does not have a slave placed on it so it sends its data back to its third data transmission slave terminal 214 located on its first face 201, and thus to the fourth data transmission slave terminal 224 of the first slave. As the first slave is covered, the data signal of the second slave is directly returned to the third data transmission slave terminal 214 of the first slave located on its first face 201, and thus to the reader of the master device 100.

[0130] This creates a new synchronous communication loop where each party can send a message to its next direct neighbor.

[0131] The communication loop(s) previously described allow the slave devices 200 to exchange data between them, and in particular to determine their respective positions in the stack from an initial command sent by the master device 100, and modified and retransmitted from slave device 200 to slave device 200.

[0132] Various examples of application of the communication system are now described.

[0133] According to a first example, the slave devices 200 are associated with containers. The electrically contactable terminals are located on two opposite faces of the container.

[0134] The positioning of the terminals on the containers can be achieved using a first plate presenting the terminals of the first face 201, and a second plate presenting the terminals of the second face 202. In this case, the two plates must be coupled on the two appropriate faces of the container, respecting the position that the terminals must adopt.

[0135] The terminals can also be formed by a self-adhesive strip having conductive tracks on its external face.

[0136] It is thus possible to stack several containers and establish connections to allow a reader to take cognizance of information located on the non-volatile memories of the slave devices 200. For example, a “logistical” use of the system is possible. Each slave device 200 can integrate information relating to the contents: delivery address, nature of what is contained, arrival date, etc.

[0137] In this example, it is also understood that the slave device is integrated inside the container.

[0138] It is conceivable to use, for example, rails to guide the containers relative to each other, in order to ensure good electrical contact between the terminals presented by the different containers.

[0139] According to an exemplary implementation, the containers are at least partially transparent playing card sleeves.

[0140] According to another exemplary implementation, the slave devices 200 are formed by playing cards. A microchip of the on-board electronic means can for example be integrated into the cardboard of the playing card.

[0141] These implementation examples make it possible, for example, to detect all the cards in a stack of playing cards. The non-volatile memory of each slave device 200 can then integrate different information about the card, such as its value. The reader thus has the ability to determine the position of a card in the stack, and / or to determine the orientation of the card in the stack, i.e. to know which of the first face or the second face of the card is oriented towards the master device 100.

[0142] These types of implementations make it possible to combat cheating and to study statistical improbabilities.

[0143] These types of implementation also allow the improvement and digitalization of card games by creating an interface between physical cards and a digital console.

Claims

1. Claims Communication system comprising at least one master device (100) and at least one slave device (200) in the form of a mobile support, in which the slave device (200) is passive and is intended to be electrically powered by the master device (100) integrating a power supply means, the slave device (200) integrating a non-volatile electronic memory and the master device (100) integrating a reader, controlled by an electronic unit (110), intended to access in reading and / or writing the data contained in the non-volatile memory, characterized in that the master device (100) has a primary electrical input terminal (120) and a primary electrical output terminal (130), connected to the power supply means, and also has a primary data transmission terminal (140), the primary electrical input terminal (120),the primary electrical output terminal (130) and the primary data transmission terminal (140) being electrically contactable from outside the master device (100), and in that the system comprises at least two slave devices (200) in the form of a mobile support, each slave device (200) having:, • a first electrical input slave terminal (211), a first electrical output slave terminal (212), and a first data transmission slave terminal (213), electrically contactable from a first face (201) of each slave device (200), and configured to be brought into electrical contact with respectively the primary electrical input terminal (120), the primary electrical output terminal (130) and the primary data transmission terminal (140) of the master device (100); • a second electrical input slave terminal (221), a second electrical output slave terminal (222) and a second data transmission slave terminal (223), electrically contactable from a second face (202) of each slave device (200), and configured to be brought into electrical contact with respectively the first electrical input slave terminal (211), the first terminal electrical output slave (212), and the first data transmission slave terminal (213) of another slave device (200).

2. Communication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the slave devices (200) are devoid of antenna.

3. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each slave device (200) has its first face (201) opposite its second face (202).

4. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, for at least one slave device (200), called reversible slave device, the terminals presented on the first face (201) of the slave device (200) have an arrangement identical to the terminals presented on the second face (202) of the slave device (200), the slave device (200) having an architecture allowing a non-polarized electrical supply of the slave device (200).

5. Communication system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the architecture comprises means for determining which of the first face (201) or the second face (202) is electrically in contact with the terminals of the master device (100) or with the terminals of a slave device (200), located between the reversible slave device and the master device (100), and electrically in contact directly or indirectly with the master device (100).

6. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the master device (100) has a primary electrical contact detection terminal (160) with a slave device (200), electrically contactable from outside the master device (100), and in that each slave device (200) has on its first face (201) a slave electrical contact detection terminal (215) electrically contactable from outside the slave device (200), and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the primary electrical contact detection terminal (160).

7. Communication system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical contact detection slave terminal (215) is electrically connected to the electrical input slave terminal (211), the electronic unit (110) of the master device (100) being configured to activate the reader in the event of detection of an electrical voltage coming from the primary electrical contact detection terminal (160).

8. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic unit (110) of the master device (100) integrates an electronic clock, the master device (100) having a primary clock terminal (170) electrically contactable from outside the master device (100), and in that each slave device (200) has, on each of its first face (201) and its second face (202), a slave clock terminal (216) electrically contactable from outside the slave device, and configured to be brought into electrical contact with the primary clock terminal (170) or with a slave clock terminal (216) of another slave device (200).

9. Communication system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slave devices (200) are associated with containers, preferably at least partially transparent playing card sleeves.

10. Communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the slave devices (200) are formed by playing cards.

Images