Combination NFC tag and reader and communication method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combination NFC tag and reader comprising: an NFC reader antenna unit for short-range wireless communication; an NFC reader chip unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from the smart device; an NFC reader controller unit for controlling the operation of the NFC reader chip unit; an NFC tag antenna unit; an NFC tag chip unit for storing information; and an NFC tag switch unit capable of controlling a signal line between the NFC tag antenna unit and the NFC tag chip unit according to the control by the NFC reader controller unit.

Description

NFC tag binding reader and its communication method

[0001] The present invention relates to an NFC tag binding reader and a communication method thereof, and more particularly, to an NFC tag binding reader and a communication method thereof that enable two-way communication between any smart device and an NFC tag binding reader.

[0002] Generally, near field communication (NFC) has a frequency band of 13.56 MHz and is a technology for wireless communication over very close distances (including both contact and near-contact).

[0003] This NFC communication technology is used in various fields such as various payments, product information in shopping malls, transmission of various other information, transportation, access control, and locking devices.

[0004] NFC can act as a tag (HCE, Host Card Emulation) as needed, as well as a reader / writer that reads or writes tag information, and can also be used for P2P (Peer to Peer) information exchange between terminals equipped with NFC readers.

[0005] Compared to other short-range wireless communication methods, NFC communication typically operates within a range of less than 10 cm. This short communication range enables secure communication between devices activated by very close field proximity.

[0006] Smart devices are implemented in various forms, such as smartphones that users can carry around or wearable devices that can be attached to parts of the user's body.

[0007] For example, in the operation of an NFC transaction, a user "tap" a contactless device, such as an NFC-enabled smartphone, to an NFC reader on a POS system.

[0008] The reader then recognizes the NFC-enabled device when it comes within range, establishes a secure communication channel with the device, and initiates a payment transaction between the reader and the device. The duration of an NFC transaction is very short, and does not easily allow for the performance of other services or the exchange of other information during the transaction. Additionally, the contactless device (100) must remain in close proximity to the reader throughout the entire NFC transaction.

[0009] The NFC initiator attempts to detect the presence of an RF field, i.e. a change in magnetic field, in its surroundings. If an external RF field is detected, it will not generate its own RF field to prevent existing smart card infrastructure or NFC communication from being interfered with by the initiator. It will only generate its own RF field if no field is detected.

[0010] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a conventional smart device and an NFC reader.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, most smart devices (100) currently use NFC technology.

[0012] However, the reality is that not all NFC technologies applied to smart devices (100) can be used.

[0013] Therefore, instead of establishing direct communication between the two devices through a short-range wireless communication channel (140) between a smart device (100) and a general NFC reader (130), an additional step is taken to form another communication channel (150) by linking with an NFC tag (Passive tag), QR code, etc., and these are used in various ways.

[0014] There is a need for a method to enable short-range wireless communication (NFC) between such smart devices (100) and general NFC readers (130) even in smart devices (100) with different OSs.

[0015]

[0016] Meanwhile, most smart devices used recently include NFC functionality, but it is not being fully utilized in the various fields mentioned above.

[0017] For example, among smart devices, all terminals based on Android OS (Company S) can utilize NFC technology, but terminals based on iOS (Company A) have limited use of the technology, allowing only reading / writing to NFC tags.

[0018] Therefore, NFC transaction functionality is not fully utilized on smart devices. This hinders the development and distribution of various applications utilizing NFC technology used on smart devices.

[0019] Therefore, technology is needed to enable bidirectional communication between all smart devices and NFC readers without restrictions across the various fields mentioned above. In particular, technology is needed to enable bidirectional communication with NFC readers even on iOS (Company A)-based terminals.

[0020]

[0021] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an NFC tag combination reader and its communication method that enable two-way communication between all smart devices and NFC readers without restrictions in various fields, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0022] In addition, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an NFC tag combination reader and its communication method that enable the production and distribution of various apps using NFC technology on all smart devices regardless of the OS, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0023] The communication method of the NFC tag combination reader according to the features of the present invention for realizing the above purpose is as follows:

[0024] As a communication method of an NFC tag combination reader that performs short-range communication with a smart device,

[0025] A step of performing a standby mode (Idle mode) or sleep mode in which the NFC reader chip of the NFC tag binding reader does not generate an RF field on its own to detect an RF field when the smart device is tagged, but passively detects the presence of an RF field coming from the outside, and also performs a standby mode in which the NFC tag switch is in an OFF state;

[0026] A step in which the smart device performs tagging on the NFC tag binding reader in the standby mode;

[0027] A step in which the smart device recognizes tagging to the NFC tag binding reader in the standby mode and detects an RF field;

[0028] A step of turning the NFC tag switch unit to the ON state for recording the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader in the smart device;

[0029] A step of detecting valid polling of the smart device so that the NFC tag combination reader recognizes the record of the smart device in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state;

[0030] A step in which the NFC reader controller unit reads data recorded in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader in response to the smart device's recording of the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state;

[0031] A step in which the NFC reader controller unit reads data recorded in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader in response to the smart device reading the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state;

[0032] A step in which, in response to the smart device reading the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state, the NFC reader controller unit records data to be read by the smart device in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader;

[0033] A step in which the smart device performs a polling loop so that the smart device reads the record of the NFC reader controller unit for the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state;

[0034] A step in which the smart device reads the record of the NFC reader controller unit in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state;

[0035] After the read and write operations of the smart device and the NFC reader controller for the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader are completed, the NFC reader chip unit waits in idle mode or sleep mode, and also performs a standby mode in which the NFC tag switch unit is in an OFF state;

[0036]

[0037] The above method,

[0038] The process of activating the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module of the above smart device,

[0039] A process of transmitting and receiving NFC tag information with the controller through the activated NFC communication module;

[0040] Based on the above NFC tag information, a process of acquiring information for configuring wireless communication with the controller and executing a terminal application;

[0041] Based on the information obtained above, a process of setting a channel for the wireless communication with the controller,

[0042] Based on the above-set channel, the process of the controller receiving data according to the current status from the smart device,

[0043] Further comprising a process of executing the received data through the executed terminal application,

[0044] The above set channel is either WiFi, WiFi Direct, WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth, or UWB (Ultra WideBand).

[0045]

[0046] The communication method of the NFC tag combination reader according to the features of the present invention for realizing the above purpose is as follows:

[0047] As a communication method of an NFC tag combination reader that performs short-range communication with a smart device,

[0048] A step of performing a standby mode (Idle mode) or sleep mode in which the NFC reader chip of the NFC tag binding reader does not generate an RF field on its own to detect an RF field when the smart device is tagged, but passively detects the presence of an RF field coming from the outside, and also performs a standby mode in which the NFC tag switch is in an OFF state;

[0049] A step in which the smart device performs tagging on the NFC tag binding reader in the standby mode;

[0050] A step in which the smart device recognizes tagging to the NFC tag binding reader in the standby mode and detects an RF field;

[0051] A step of turning the NFC tag switch unit to the ON state for recording the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader in the smart device;

[0052] When the NFC tag switch unit is turned ON, a step of writing information transmitted by the smart device into the NFC tag chip memory in a valid RF field polling loop;

[0053] When the smart device succeeds in NFC communication between the NFC tag chip and the tag writing, the terminal application includes a step of displaying a message to the user indicating that the writing operation has been completed normally.

[0054]

[0055] The above method,

[0056] A step in which an RF field detection signal interrupt detected when NFC communication between the smart device and the NFC tag chip unit is successful in a valid RF field polling loop is transmitted to the NFC reader controller unit, and the NFC reader controller unit receiving this interrupt reads information recorded in the memory of the NFC tag chip unit by the smart device through the NFC reader chip unit after a certain period of time to perform data processing;

[0057] A step in which the NFC reader controller unit obtains information from the NFC tag chip memory through tag reading via NFC communication, and then, if necessary, immediately deletes the information recorded in the NFC tag chip memory through tag writing;

[0058] The above NFC reader controller unit further includes a step of switching to a standby state by sending an OFF switching signal command to the NFC tag switch unit after completing tag reading and tag writing of information in the NFC tag chip memory.

[0059]

[0060] An NFC tag combination reader according to the features of the present invention for realizing the above purpose is as follows:

[0061] As an NFC tag binding reader that communicates with an external smart device while the external smart device is tagged,

[0062] The above smart device and the NFC tag combination reader perform the above communication method.

[0063] The above NFC tag binding reader,

[0064] NFC reader antenna for short-range wireless communication,

[0065] NFC reader chip for transmitting and receiving data with the above smart device;

[0066] An NFC reader controller unit that controls the operation of the NFC reader chip unit;

[0067] NFC tag antenna section;

[0068] NFC tag chip for storing information;

[0069] It includes an NFC tag switch unit capable of controlling a signal line between the NFC tag antenna unit and the NFC tag chip unit according to the control of the NFC reader controller unit.

[0070]

[0071] For the above near field communication (NFC), the NFC tag antenna unit and the NFC reader antenna unit are located on one side within the effective communication RF field range (within approximately 10 cm).

[0072] The above NFC tag antenna portion is located on one side of the NFC reader antenna portion,

[0073] The above NFC tag switch portion prevents mutual interference between antennas when recognizing tagging of the smart device to the NFC tag combination reader, when writing data, and when reading data.

[0074]

[0075] The above smart device,

[0076] Includes terminal NFC reader chip and controller section,

[0077] The controller unit activates an NFC communication module of the terminal NFC reader chip unit, transmits and receives NFC tag information with the NFC tag binding reader through the activated NFC communication module, obtains information for configuring wireless communication with the NFC tag binding reader based on the NFC tag information, executes a terminal application, sets a channel for the wireless communication with the NFC tag binding reader based on the obtained information, and receives the data according to the current state of the NFC tag binding reader from the NFC tag binding reader through the terminal NFC reader chip unit based on the set channel, and executes the received data through the executed terminal application, wherein the set channel is any one of WiFi, WiFi Direct, WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth, or UWB (Ultra WideBand).

[0078]

[0079] According to the above-described configuration, in the embodiment of the present invention, a Tap and Go app can be created that can perform NFC transaction operations between all smart devices and NFC tag-coupled readers or electronic devices including NFC tag-coupled readers in various fields, and the effect of increasing user convenience can be obtained by accelerating the replacement of many NFC cards that still exist in physical wallets with digital wallets in smart devices.

[0080] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a conventional smart device, an NFC reader, and an electronic device.

[0081] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an NFC tag combination reader and electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of an NFC tag binding reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing another example of a chip portion and a switch portion in an NFC tag combination reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a process in which a smart device stores data in an NFC tag binding reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a process in which a smart device reads data stored in an NFC tag binding reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086]

[0087] Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted for clarity of description, and similar parts are designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0088] When a part of a specification is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise stated.

[0089] Since the present invention can be implemented in various different forms, it is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and parts unrelated to the description are omitted in the drawings.

[0090]

[0091] NFC is a contactless short-range wireless communication technology that uses inductive coupling to exchange data between tags and readers.

[0092] The process of an NFC reader writing data to an NFC tag involves first activating the tag by generating an RF field, and then writing data into the tag's memory.

[0093] This process typically follows the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) standard, which allows NFC readers such as smartphones to write and read NDEF records to tags.

[0094] The detailed process of how an NFC reader writes data to an NFC tag is as follows: The NFC reader activates a nearby NFC tag by generating a radio frequency (RF) field.

[0095] This field induces the tag's coil, powering the tag and enabling communication. The reader prepares the data to be transmitted. Typically, this follows the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) standard defined by the NFC Forum.

[0096] NDEF is a format capable of representing various data types (URLs, text, contact information, etc.). The reader transmits the prepared data to the NFC tag. During this process, the reader controls the data transmission and performs error detection and correction.

[0097] The transmitted data is recorded in the NFC tag's memory. Since the tag's memory capacity is limited, the size of the data to be transmitted must be considered. Once the data recording is complete, the reader receives a confirmation response from the tag.

[0098] Some leaders may take additional steps to ensure that data recording has been completed successfully.

[0099]

[0100] The process by which an NFC reader reads data from an NFC tag is as follows:

[0101] The NFC reader generates a magnetic field, which induces a current in the NFC tag, causing a current to flow through the tag's circuitry. This current activates the circuitry containing the tag's information, which then converts the signal containing the information back into a magnetic field and sends it to the NFC reader.

[0102] The reader receives this signal, interprets it as data, and processes it. The detailed process by which an NFC reader reads data from an NFC tag is as follows.

[0103] The NFC reader generates a magnetic field with a frequency of 13.56 MHz. When this magnetic field approaches the NFC tag's antenna, electromagnetic induction causes current to flow through the tag's circuitry.

[0104] The induced current activates the chip inside the tag, allowing the data stored on the chip to be read.

[0105] The activated chip modulates the reader's magnetic field signal to transmit data. This modulated signal is then transmitted to the reader in the form of a magnetic field.

[0106] The NFC reader detects and demodulates the modulated magnetic signal, converting it back into the original data. The reader interprets and processes the converted data into the required format. For example, it can process payment information, web page addresses, contact information, and more.

[0107] NFC Transaction refers to the process of exchanging data between two devices using near field communication (NFC) technology, and is frequently used for payment and authentication.

[0108] NFC is a wireless communication technology that uses the 13.56 MHz band, enabling data exchange between devices within a distance of 10 cm. Typical applications include mobile payments, transportation cards, access control, digital keys, and information sharing.

[0109] NFC transactions typically require two devices: an initiator and a responder. The initiator, such as a smartphone or card reader, initiates the transaction and sends the commands.

[0110] The target device (Target) is an NFC card, NFC tag, or smartphone that receives commands and responds. Using mobile payments as an example, the transaction process is as follows.

[0111] When a smartphone is brought close to a payment terminal, NFC is automatically activated. The smartphone transmits card information (e.g., a tokenized PAN: Primary Account Number) to the terminal. This information often follows the EMV standard (Visa / Mastercard).

[0112] The terminal transmits this information to the POS system and then forwards it to the card issuer via the payment network. The card issuer either approves or declines the transaction, and the result is returned to the terminal.

[0113] A message such as "Payment Completed" will appear on your smartphone, and the transaction is complete. Because NFC transactions handle sensitive data, various security technologies are used, as described below.

[0114] For example, SE (Secure Element: a hardware module that securely stores card information), HCE (Host Card Emulation: a technology in which a smartphone app acts as a card), Tokenization (a technology that uses a one-time token instead of an actual card number), encryption, and Mutual Authentication (to prevent eavesdropping through mutual authentication between the terminal and the device) can be used.

[0115]

[0116] Use cases for NFC transactions include contactless payments via mobile, easy boarding on buses and subways, access control and identity verification using NFC, sending business cards, and sharing URLs.

[0117] One way to determine when a smart device has been tagged to an NFC tag reader for communication between smart devices and electronic devices is to measure the strength of the wireless signal.

[0118] RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) is a value that indicates the strength of a wireless signal. It is commonly used to estimate distance based on signal strength in wireless communications such as RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee. A higher RSSI value indicates a stronger signal, while a lower value indicates a weaker signal.

[0119] Generally, an RSSI value close to -30 dBm is considered a strong signal, while a value below -90 dBm is considered a very weak signal. NFC energy harvesting can also be used to determine tagging.

[0120] When a smartphone attempts to read or write to an NFC passive tag, there are limitations to whether other nearby NFC readers can detect the signal, depending on physical principles, protocol architecture, and security design.

[0121] The smartphone acts as an NFC reader, generating a 13.56 MHz electromagnetic field to communicate with passive tags. This electromagnetic field propagates through the surrounding air, so it's theoretically possible for another nearby reader with the appropriate receiving circuitry to "detect" the field.

[0122] NFC is designed for short-range use, with a communication range of a few centimeters. Because communication primarily relies on very weak signals (particularly load modulation in passive tags), the reader must be very close to receive the signal. While the data a smartphone writes to a tag is strong, the tag's response to the reader (smartphone) is very weak, making it difficult for other readers to receive it.

[0123] Therefore, while it is theoretically possible for another NFC reader nearby to "detect" the electromagnetic field when a smartphone approaches and reads / writes an NFC tag, in practice it is very difficult and limited to decode the communication or accurately detect whether a tag has been tagged.

[0124] When a smartphone reads or writes to an NFC passive tag, and another NFC reader is brought within 5 cm to detect the strength of the electromagnetic signal, the reader chip of the nearby NFC reader does not act as a passive sensing device, but basically performs the role of "periodic polling" and "magnetic field generation".

[0125] However, for this purpose, the key question is whether a standard NFC reader chip can be used as a signal receiver, or in other words, whether it can function as such. If a smartphone (NFC reader) wants to detect the strength of the electromagnetic field generated while communicating with a tag using another reader, what role would the reader chip in that other NFC reader play in this situation?

[0126] A typical NFC reader chip generates a magnetic field to activate the tag, detects the tag's load modulation to receive data, controls communication according to protocols such as ISO 14443, and periodically generates a magnetic field to search for surrounding tags.

[0127] In this scenario, the standard behavior of other NFC reader chips is to periodically generate a magnetic field and operate in a polling mode, which can interfere with the magnetic field created by the smartphone, so it is more likely to "disturb" the magnetic field rather than "detect" it.

[0128] So, since there is no ability to interpret the communication between the smartphone and the tag or simply measure the electromagnetic field strength, if you want to detect the strength of the electromagnetic field using another NFC reader chip, you will need to do one of the following:

[0129] This method utilizes the RF chip's receiving function to measure magnetic field strength. Some NFC reader chips (including RF front-ends) can measure RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) or RF field strength values. Alternatively, chips with a "Field Detection Mode" (such as FRMS, which detects the RF Field On / Off status of ISO14443) can detect the presence of electromagnetic fields.

[0130] In this case, the reader chip must stop polling and switch to receive detection mode. This involves directly using the chip's analog receive circuitry (non-standard usage), accessing the reader chip's internal receive circuitry or ADC to measure the received voltage level or amplitude.

[0131] This approach varies depending on the chip design and may not be accessible through a standard SDK. Therefore, its role in standard mode is limited.

[0132] In normal reader operation mode, the device is not designed to detect a smartphone's magnetic field. If a simultaneous magnetic field is present, reception is blocked or a collision error is processed for ISO14443 collision avoidance.

[0133] The reader chips in other NFC readers typically play an active role, generating and polling magnetic fields. However, using special modes or chip features (such as RSSI and field detection), they can be used to detect the strength or presence of NFC magnetic fields generated by smartphones, but only in a limited way.

[0134] In terms of using RSSI, Bluetooth / Wi-Fi RSSI is useful for distance measurement and can detect value changes smoothly, but NFC has RSSI that changes rapidly over short distances and signal strength measurement is difficult and limited.

[0135] To address this, NFC chips with RF Field Detection capabilities are utilized. These chips can detect RF activity from nearby smartphones or tags through external magnetic field detection, RSSI measurement, and field on / off detection.

[0136] Simply put, the principle of the NFC RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measurement circuit of the NFC chip is a structure that measures the size of the RF signal induced from the antenna in an analog or digital manner and determines the strength of the signal.

[0137] This architecture is utilized for functions such as distance estimation of proximity tags, collision detection, or unauthorized communication detection. The core of the RSSI measurement circuit in analog NFC chips is voltage rectification and peak detection.

[0138] NFC reader chips with digital mode (embedded RSSI) have RF measurement circuits built into the chip, which provide RSSI measurement results to a digital register.

[0139] The NFC RSSI measurement circuit of the NFC chip is structured to detect the amplitude of the RF electromagnetic field and digitize the signal strength, and provides the RSSI value through antenna → rectification → detection → ADC or chip-embedded digital circuit.

[0140] This can be applied to distance estimation, collision detection, and proximity detection. There are several ways to detect electromagnetic field strength by having another nearby NFC reader chip act as a "passive receiver" when a smartphone is performing a read / write operation on an NFC passive tag.

[0141] The key here is to use the existing NFC reader chip as a passive receiver or detector, rather than an active transmitter (magnetic field generator). Utilizing the RF Field Detection feature, the NFC reader chip's RF circuitry switches from polling mode to receive-only mode when it detects the presence (on / off) of an external magnetic field. This then detects the moment the smartphone generates a magnetic field through an on-chip register or interrupt.

[0142] This is simple and low-power, but it cannot measure intensity, only simple ON / OFF detection. By directly measuring RSSI (Received Signal Strength Index), advanced NFC chips provide a digital value representing the amplitude of the RF received signal.

[0143] The chip is set to receiver mode, periodically samples the strength of the surrounding RF magnetic field, and can estimate the signal strength (and even the relative distance). However, only some chips support it, and the precision is limited. The energy harvesting-based measurement (Passive Rectification method) method uses an NFC reader chip or a separate antenna coil to induce power from a magnetic field, configures a rectification circuit (diode + capacitor) to output a DC voltage, and measures the voltage with an ADC → uses it as an indirect indicator of the magnetic field strength. This can be implemented with a simple circuit, but it is affected by RF noise and has difficulty detecting dynamic changes.

[0144] Charge time-based distance detection estimates the magnetic field strength by the time it takes for the rectified voltage to reach a certain capacitor capacity (e.g., charge time from 0.5 V to 2 V = shorter for stronger magnetic fields). This allows for relatively precise field strength discrimination, but has limitations in response speed depending on the capacitor value.

[0145] The antenna resonance intensity change detection method configures a resonant circuit (RLC) in the antenna circuit, measures the resonance amplitude / phase change by the smartphone magnetic field, and can be measured (highly difficult) with advanced RF analysis equipment or an IQ demodulator, and very precise magnetic field intensity tracking is possible, but it is difficult at the general reader chip level because the circuit is complex.

[0146] The hybrid approach (energy harvesting + RSSI) utilizes both the harvesting circuit and the NFC reader chip simultaneously, detecting basic intensity with the harvesting signal and detailed temporal changes with the RSSI of the reader chip.

[0147]

[0148] In the present invention, as an example, an external magnetic field detection method among the functions of an NFC chip is explained.

[0149] The NFC chip has the ability to automatically wake up from sleep mode (Power Down Mode) when it detects an external RF field (e.g. NFC field of a smartphone).

[0150] This function monitors the presence of an RF field in the internal hardware (RF field presence detection) circuit and generates a wake-up interrupt when the value exceeds a certain threshold.

[0151] When the NFC chip is in sleep mode (Power Down Mode), activating the RF Field Detection function enables wake-up via the IRQ pin.

[0152]

[0153]

[0154] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an NFC tag combination reader and an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an NFC tag combination reader according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a chip unit and a switch unit in an NFC tag combination reader according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a timing diagram showing a process in which a smart device stores data in an NFC tag combination reader according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a timing diagram showing a process in which a smart device reads data stored in an NFC tag combination reader according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, an NFC tag binding reader according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0156] As an NFC tag binding reader (340) that communicates with an external smart device while the smart device is tagged,

[0157] The above NFC tag combination reader (340) is

[0158] NFC reader antenna unit (341) for short-range wireless communication;

[0159] NFC reader chip unit (343) for tagging detection with the above smart device and data transmission and reception with the NFC tag chip unit;

[0160] An NFC reader controller unit (345) that controls the operation of the NFC reader chip unit;

[0161] NFC tag antenna section (342);

[0162] NFC tag chip portion (346) for storing information;

[0163] It includes an NFC tag switch unit (344) that can control the signal line between the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) under the control of the NFC reader controller unit (345).

[0164]

[0165] For the above-mentioned near field communication (NFC), the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC reader antenna unit (341) are located on one side within the effective communication RF field range (within about 10 cm).

[0166] The above NFC tag antenna unit (342) is located on one side of the NFC reader antenna unit (341).

[0167] The above NFC tag switch unit (344) prevents mutual interference between antennas when recognizing tagging of the smart device (100) to the NFC tag combination reader (340), when recording data, and when reading data.

[0168]

[0169] The above smart device (100) is,

[0170] It includes a terminal reader chip unit (116) and a control unit (114).

[0171] The control unit (114) activates the NFC communication module of the terminal reader chip unit (116), transmits and receives NFC tag information with the NFC tag combination reader (340) through the activated NFC communication module, acquires information for establishing wireless communication with the NFC tag combination reader (340) based on the NFC tag information, executes a terminal application, sets a wireless communication channel (220) for the wireless communication with the NFC tag combination reader (340) based on the acquired information, and receives the data according to the current state of the NFC tag combination reader (340) from the NFC tag combination reader (340) through the terminal reader chip unit (116) based on the set channel, and executes the received data through the executed terminal application (112), wherein the set wireless communication channel (220) is one of WiFi, WiFi Direct, WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth, or UWB (Ultra WideBand).

[0172]

[0173] Figure 2 represents the communication relationship between the smart device (100), the NFC tag combination reader (340), and the electronic device (300) configured in the present invention.

[0174] In order to implement near field communication (NFC) between a smart device (100) and an NFC tag reader (340), it is necessary to detect that the smart device (100) is tagging the NFC tag reader (340).

[0175] Therefore, among the various methods for detecting an RF field when a smart device (100) is tagged to an NFC tag combination reader (340) as described above, a function for generating an interrupt and waking up when an external RF field is detected in the sleep mode (power down mode) of the NFC reader chip (343) is used to perform short-range wireless communication (NFC).

[0176] By using the function of operating in sleep mode (power down mode) of the NFC reader chip unit (343) in the NFC tag binding reader (340), the electromagnetic field of the NFC reader antenna unit (341) is deactivated and it waits in a passive receiver state until an external RF field is detected.

[0177] In an embodiment of the present invention, by connecting an NFC tag switch unit (344) between an NFC tag antenna unit (342) and an NFC tag chip unit (346) with a modified configuration of an NFC tag and controlling a switching signal (349), the function of the NFC tag antenna unit (342) can be controlled.

[0178] In the NFC communication (210) between a smart device (100) and an NFC tag combination reader (340), in order for the NFC tag combination reader (340) to detect tagging of the smart device (100), the NFC tag combination reader (340) must first be in a sleep mode with its own electromagnetic field disabled, and at this time, in order to preferentially detect tagging of the smart device (100) when the smart device (100) attempts to read or write data to the memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346), the NFC tag switch unit (344) must be turned to the OFF state so as not to interfere with tagging detection of the smart device (100).

[0179]

[0180] When tagging of a smart device (100) is detected as valid, the NFC reader chip unit (343) generates an interrupt and transmits a detection signal (347) to the NFC reader controller unit (345). At this time, the NFC reader controller unit (345) switches the NFC tag switch unit (344) to the ON state so that NFC communication (210) can be performed normally between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0181] In order to avoid interference with communication while NFC communication (210) is taking place between a smart device (100) and an NFC tag chip unit (346), the electromagnetic field in the NFC reader antenna unit (341) is kept in a deactivated state.

[0182] When NFC communication (210) is completed between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346), the NFC reader controller unit (345) issues a read / write (348) command to the NFC reader chip unit (343), and NFC communication (210) is performed between the NFC reader chip unit (343) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) through the NFC reader antenna unit (341) and the NFC tag antenna unit (342).

[0183] When NFC communication (210) is completed between the NFC reader chip unit (343) and the NFC tag chip unit (346), the NFC reader controller unit (345) processes data on its own or transmits and receives data with the host controller unit (330) of the electronic device (300) via the host data bus (332), and at this time, the host application (320) can process the data.

[0184] When NFC communication (210) is completed between the NFC reader chip unit (343) and the NFC tag chip unit (346), the NFC reader controller unit (345) switches the NFC tag switch unit (344) to the OFF state.

[0185]

[0186] In Fig. 2, the smart device (100) generally acts as a reader or initiator in NFC communication and is responsible for the direction and control of communication.

[0187] When communicating with an NFC tag-binding reader (340), a smart device (100) generates an RF magnetic field through a reader antenna (118) and a reader chip (116) to activate a passive tag or device. This magnetic field not only transmits data but also supplies power to the passive tag.

[0188] NFC communication usually operates with one side as the Initiator and the other side as the Target.

[0189] The smart device (100) typically acts as an initiator, sending commands to the NFC tag binding reader (340) and receiving responses.

[0190] The smart device (100) can operate in three modes: reader / writer mode, card emulation mode, and peer-to-peer mode, which read or write NFC tags depending on the situation. After NFC communication (210), the smart device interprets the data, executes an application (112) or OS, and processes subsequent operations.

[0191] The application (112) plays a key role in controlling NFC communication (210), processing data, and providing functions through a user interface. The application (112) activates the NFC reader function or sets a specific mode (e.g., reader / writer, P2P, card emulation) through the NFC API of the OS. Upon contact with a tag or other NFC device, the application (112) checks the type of tag (e.g., NDEF, Mifare, ISO14443) and reads or writes data using an appropriate protocol.

[0192] Additionally, the application (112) analyzes the read data to determine subsequent actions, and informs the user of the NFC processing status or requests additional input. When handling sensitive data, the application (112) handles encryption / decryption, user authentication, and authorization verification.

[0193] The control unit (114), also referred to as the AP (Application Processor), is responsible for overall control of NFC communication, high-level data processing, and application (112) execution. Simply put, it acts as a “brain” to control NFC operations. The control unit (114) activates or controls the NFC reader function through the application (112) executed by the user. The control unit (114) exchanges commands and data with the reader chip unit (116) through interfaces such as I2C, SPI, and UART. The reader chip unit (116) interprets the NFC data received and performs necessary follow-up tasks, and when security is required, the control unit (114) processes authentication, encryption, and user authorization verification. It manages system power, and if an NFC event (such as RF Field detection) occurs even during sleep mode, the control unit (114) can detect it and wake up the system to perform tasks.

[0194] The reader chip (116, NFC controller, NFC chip) is a core component that actually performs the physical, low-level operations of NFC communication. The term "reader chip" is used interchangeably with "NFC controller." The reader chip (116) generates a magnetic field (RF field) to power passive NFC tags or cards and enable communication.

[0195] Conversely, it also has the function of detecting an electromagnetic field (RF field) generated from the outside. When transmitting data, it modulates a digital signal into an RF signal, and when receiving data, it demodulates the RF signal back into a digital signal. In addition, it processes various NFC protocols such as ISO / IEC 14443, ISO 15693, FeliCa, and NFC Forum Type 1~5 at the hardware level. The NFC reader chip supports Reader / Writer mode, Card Emulation mode, and Peer-to-Peer mode, and communicates with the control unit (114, AP or MCU) of the smart device (100) through interfaces such as I2C, SPI, and UART. It also has NFC tag detection and wake-up functions.

[0196] The reader antenna (118) generates and receives an electromagnetic field (RF Field) for wireless communication. It is the most physical contact point and essential component of NFC communication (210). It receives high-frequency current from the reader chip (116), converts it into a magnetic field (13.56 MHz), and radiates it into the air. This magnetic field powers a passive NFC tag or card, initiating communication. It receives a signal (modulated magnetic field) transmitted through the magnetic field by an external NFC tag or another NFC device. The received signal is then transmitted to the reader chip, where it is demodulated and converted into digital data. The size, shape, quality, and resonant circuit tuning of the antenna significantly affect the range (typically 0-5 cm), signal sensitivity, and speed of NFC communication. Small smartphone antennas have limited range and sensitivity, and performance can be optimized using coils or ferrite materials. When coupled with some reader chips, the antenna serves as a means of detecting changes in the magnetic field (e.g., tag proximity).

[0197]

[0198] The RF field polling loop (200, polling loop) is an operation in which a smart device (100) repeatedly generates and detects an RF field through a reader antenna (118) and detects a tag when communicating (reading and writing) with an NFC passive tag. This operation is called a “polling loop.”

[0199] NFC communication (210) refers to a logical and physical connection path formed to exchange data between two NFC devices, and is a communication path that exchanges information between two devices at a very close distance (within a few centimeters) through electromagnetic waves or electromagnetic induction. In other words, it refers to a two-way communication path created between an initiator (e.g., an NFC reader) and a target (e.g., an NFC tag).

[0200] The wireless communication channel (220) refers to a wireless communication channel such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or UWB (Ultra-Wideband). The electronic device (300) may be a smartphone and tablet, a POS terminal (payment terminal), an access control system, an ATM and a kiosk, a smart vending machine, a healthcare device, or the like, and may refer to all devices that communicate with an NFC tag combination reader (340) using a wired or wireless interface depending on the system configuration and hardware design.

[0201] The host application (320) is software with a user interface and logic that actually utilizes NFC hardware functions. It handles NFC operation control, tag or device detection processing, data interpretation and UI integration, security and authentication processing, status monitoring, and log recording. The host application (320) can be executed on the host controller unit (330).

[0202] The host controller unit (330) is a core control unit (microcontroller, MCU) that processes information with the NFC tag binding reader (340) via a wired or wireless interface, controls hardware operation, processes interfaces with users or higher-level systems, and monitors and responds to the status of the device. The host controller unit (330) may also include a processor, memory, a display, input / output interfaces, and communication interfaces.

[0203] The host data bus (332) is a path for transmitting and receiving data between the host controller unit (330) and the NFC reader controller unit (345) of the NFC tag combination reader (340), and communicates via I2C, SPI, UART, etc.

[0204] The NFC tag combination reader (340) is a system configuration that combines an NFC tag (NFC tag antenna part + NFC tag switch part + NFC tag chip part) with a general NFC reader (NFC reader antenna part + NFC reader chip part + NFC reader controller part). Depending on the system configuration and hardware design, it can be applied to smartphones and tablets, POS terminals (payment terminals), access control systems, ATMs and kiosks, smart vending machines, healthcare devices, etc., and can also be connected to other electronic devices (300) via a wired or wireless interface to transmit and receive information.

[0205] The NFC reader antenna unit (341) is a core hardware component that generates or receives an electromagnetic field (RF field) to exchange data. It serves as an input / output window for transmitting and receiving wireless signals when communicating with the reader antenna (118) or NFC tag antenna unit (342) of a smart device (100), and is composed of an antenna coil, a matching circuit, a filter circuit, a protection circuit, etc.

[0206] The NFC tag antenna unit (342) plays a key role in collecting power and transmitting and receiving data in wireless communication between the reader antenna (118) of the smart device (100) and the NFC reader antenna unit (341). Since the passive tag does not have its own power source, the NFC tag antenna unit (342) receives the electromagnetic field radiated by the reader to obtain power and is used to simultaneously transmit and receive data.

[0207] The NFC reader chip unit (343) performs electromagnetic field generation, signal transmission and reception, communication protocol processing, mode switching, etc. so that the NFC reader can communicate with a tag or other NFC device, and is also responsible for the NFC reader controller unit (345) and interface (I2C, SPI, UART, etc.).

[0208] The NFC tag switch unit (344) is located between the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC tag chip unit (346), and receives a switching signal (349) from the NFC reader controller unit (345) to connect or disconnect the signal lines of the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0209] The NFC reader controller unit (345) controls the overall operation of the NFC reader module and issues commands, and can receive commands from the host application (320) and transmit requests such as read / write (348) to the NFC reader chip unit (343). It also processes and interprets data received from the NFC reader chip unit (343) and connects it to the upper host controller unit (330) interface. When the NFC tag combination reader (340) is used as a standalone device, the NFC reader controller (345) unit may include components such as an MCU, a communication interface (USB, BLE, Wi-Fi, etc.), a power circuit and battery, a display (LCD, LED, Buzzer, etc.), memory, and a protection circuit.

[0210] The NFC tag chip (346) is a core component that stores data in internal memory and transmits and receives the data through communication with a reader. This NFC tag chip (346) generally does not have its own power source and operates using power supplied from the electromagnetic field of the reader.

[0211] The RF field detection signal (347) detects whether there is a 13.56 MHz RF field radiated by another reader (or smartphone, etc.) in the vicinity when the NFC reader chip unit (343) is not radiating an electromagnetic field on its own. The presence of an electromagnetic field is detected through an analog circuit or sensor inside the NFC reader chip unit (343). When the NFC reader chip unit (343) is in a low-power sleep mode, if an RF field enters from the outside, it transmits an interrupt signal and wakes up to prepare for communication. (Example: A smart door lock is normally in a sleep state → when a smartphone comes near, it detects RF and then activates.)

[0212] NFC tag reading / writing (348) refers to a process in which an NFC reader performs wireless communication with an NFC tag via an electromagnetic field (RF field) to read data stored in the tag or write new data.

[0213] The NFC tag antenna switching signal (349) is a signal that controls the switch unit (344) to disconnect the connection between the antenna unit (342) of the NFC tag and the NFC tag chip unit (346) when the NFC reader chip unit (343) attempts to detect an external RF field as a passive mode receiver. By doing so, the NFC tag does not interfere with the signal while the NFC reader chip unit (343) detects the RF field.

[0214]

[0215] Figure 2 represents communication between an NFC tag combination reader (340) configured in the present invention and a smart device (100) and an electronic device (300).

[0216] In FIG. 2, NFC communication (210) and another wireless communication channel (220, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, etc.) can be configured between a smart device, an NFC tag combination reader (340), and an electronic device (300).

[0217] The NFC tag switch unit (344) controls the signal connection between the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) by connecting an ON / OFF switching signal (349) through the NFC reader controller unit (345).

[0218] The NFC reader controller unit (345) receives and processes an RF field detection interrupt signal from the NFC reader chip unit (343) when detecting an RF field signal received from the NFC reader antenna unit (341).

[0219] The NFC reader controller unit (345) communicates with and controls the NFC reader chip unit (343).

[0220] In the NFC tag combination reader (340), the NFC reader controller unit (345) has a standby mode that commands the NFC reader chip unit (343) to enter sleep mode and turns the NFC tag switch unit (344) off.

[0221] The NFC tag binding reader (340) is not necessarily included as an interface device of an electronic device (300) but is configured independently and can be used as a device that performs short-range wireless communication (NFC) with a smart device (100).

[0222] Referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the NFC tag combination reader (340) is expressed more specifically, and the switching signal (349) of the NFC tag switch unit (344) and the NFC reader controller unit (345) connected between the NFC tag chip unit (346) and the NFC tag antenna unit (342) is shown, and the configuration of the NFC reader antenna unit (341) and the NFC tag antenna unit (342) is expressed in the form of two antennas being combined.

[0223] Here, the switch refers to an analog switch chip, relay, etc., and an electronic component that can physically and electrically disconnect the signal line between the NFC tag chip portion (346) and the NFC tag antenna portion (342).

[0224]

[0225] Referring to Fig. 4, more specific changes in the configuration of the NFC tag binding reader (340) are expressed.

[0226] The NFC tag chip unit (346) and the NFC tag switch unit (344) are generally used singly, but there is a weakness in that the number of times the internal memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346) can be written is limited during repeated communication processes between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag combination reader (340). To compensate for this, an NFC tag switch module (354) is configured by applying multiple NFC tag switch units (344) to a single NFC tag antenna unit (342), and an NFC tag chip module (356) is configured by applying multiple NFC tag chip units (346). This increases memory utilization, thereby increasing the communication lifespan between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag combination reader (340) and enabling long-term use. For reference, the number of times that the NFC tag chip can be written is approximately 100,000 to 1,000,000 times.

[0227] The memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346) for data storage is generally a non-volatile memory (NVM), for example, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). When implemented as an EEPROM, the memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346) erases internal data by applying an electrical signal, so a dedicated eraser for data deletion is not required, and recording and deletion can be performed using a single writer. Such an EEPROM may have a limitation on the number of repeated writes of approximately 100,000 to 1,000,000 times.

[0228] An electronic device (300) configured to interface with an NFC tag combination reader (340) can be used in a variety of ways, including, for example, a POS machine, a smart door lock, and an automatic entry door.

[0229] An electronic device (300) configured to interface with an NFC tag combination reader (340) will be able to widely utilize NFC technology using a smart device (100) in everyday life.

[0230] When configuring an NFC tag combination reader (340), the configuration of the NFC reader antenna unit (341) and the NFC tag antenna unit (342) can be modified in various ways. Depending on the design and structure of the NFC tag combination reader (340) and the electronic device (300), a need for modification in an appropriate manner may arise, and the NFC tag combination reader (340) may be configured to be included in the electronic device (300) or may be configured separately as in FIG. 2.

[0231] When constructing an NFC tag combination reader (340), the NFC reader antenna unit (341) and the NFC tag antenna unit (342) can be manufactured in the form of a meander line. In addition, the NFC reader antenna unit (341) and the NFC tag antenna unit (342) are configured as a loop antenna, and the loop antenna can be implemented as a PCB, FPCB, or general wire.

[0232] As an example, looking at the configuration of Fig. 3, the NFC tag antenna part (342) can be configured on the inside and the NFC reader antenna part (341) on the outside, or vice versa.

[0233] In addition, when configuring an NFC tag combination reader (340) according to the shape of the electronic device (300) in FIG. 4, the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC reader antenna unit (341) may be configured on the same layer of the substrate or on different layers depending on the situation. In addition, the NFC tag antenna unit (342) may be used by fixing it to one side using an NFC tag antenna unit (370) different from the NFC reader substrate (360) or a loop coil antenna.

[0234] In Fig. 4, the NFC tag combination reader (340) can also represent a structure in which the “NFC tag chip + NFC tag switch + NFC tag antenna” is separated and configured as another substrate (360) on one side to connect the signal lines.

[0235] In Fig. 4, only the NFC tag antenna part can be separated (370) and configured on one side, and the signal line of the NFC tag antenna part (342) can be connected to the NFC reader board.

[0236] The configuration of the NFC tag antenna unit (342) and the NFC reader antenna unit (341) must be fixedly positioned on one side of the effective communication range. (Within approximately 10 cm) The NFC tag antenna unit (342) is configured on one side of the NFC reader antenna unit (341) to enable smooth mutual communication.

[0237] Therefore, the NFC tag antenna unit (342) is positioned on one side of the NFC tag combination reader (340) substrate (the substrate is formed by applying PCBs of various materials) in the same layer or a different layer, or is formed separately on a different substrate, and is positioned on one side that can communicate with the NFC reader antenna unit (341).

[0238]

[0239] The process of storing data in an NFC tag binding reader (340) according to an embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration is described as follows.

[0240] First, the process in which the NFC reader controller (345) of the NFC tag combination reader (340) reads and processes data written by the smart device (100) to the NFC tag chip (346) memory of the NFC tag combination reader (340) while the smart device (100) is tagged to the NFC tag combination reader (340) is described.

[0241] This process describes a process in which a smart device (110) executes an application (112) to record service requested information in an NFC tag chip unit (346), and the NFC reader controller unit (345) confirms that the smart device (110) has recorded the information in the NFC tag chip unit (346), and then reads the information from the NFC tag chip unit (346) and the NFC reader controller (345) reads and processes the service requested by the smart device (110). In this embodiment, the NFC tag combination reader (340) has information on the smart device (100) in advance, and can be used as a basis for judgment when processing information recorded by the smart device (100) in the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0242]

[0243] Referring to FIG. 5, first, when the NFC reader controller unit (345) of the NFC tag combination reader (340) commands the NFC reader chip unit (343) to enter sleep mode, the NFC reader antenna unit (341) turns off its own RF field and waits as a passive mode receiver until an external RF field is detected, under the control of the NFC reader chip unit (343). At the same time, when the NFC reader controller unit (345) commands the NFC tag switch unit (344) to enter an OFF state with a switching signal (349), the NFC tag switch unit (344) also waits for tagging of the smart device (100) in the OFF state and in the standby mode.

[0244] Here, if the NFC tag switch unit (344) is in the ON state when the smart device (100) attempts to tag the NFC tag combination reader (340), there may be a case where NFC communication (210) occurs between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) before the NFC reader chip unit (343) detects the RF field, and thus the NFC reader chip unit (343) may fail to detect the RF field, and normal communication may not occur between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag combination reader (340). Therefore, it is important that the NFC tag switch unit (344) waits in the OFF state when the smart device (100) attempts to tag.

[0245]

[0246] When a user executes (550) an application (112) of a smart device (100) in this standby state, the control unit (114) of the smart device (100) activates the reader chip unit (116) to initiate an RF field polling loop (200) that repeats RF field ON (502) / OFF at a certain cycle (512) in order to communicate with the NFC tag chip unit (346) through the reader antenna (118).

[0247] Then, the user brings the smart device (100) in which the RF field polling loop (200) is initiated close to the NFC tag binding reader (340) to start tagging (552).

[0248] If the smart device (100) continues the polling loop (200) for a certain period of time while tagging is maintained, but fails to complete communication with the NFC tag chip (346) and the time elapses (514), the application (112) generates a timeout error.

[0249] Meanwhile, while the smart device (100) maintains tagging, the NFC reader chip (343) generates an RF field detection signal (347) interrupt (520) and transmits the RF field polling loop (200) signal received from the NFC reader antenna (341) to the NFC reader controller (345).

[0250] Then, the NFC reader controller unit (345) instructs the NFC tag switch unit (344) to turn ON after a certain period of time (532).

[0251]

[0252] When the NFC tag switch unit (344) is switched to the ON state (536), information transmitted by the smart device (100) in the valid RF field polling loop (200) is written to the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory (554) through NFC communication (210). When the smart device (100) successfully completes (504) the tag writing (554) through NFC communication (210) with the NFC tag chip unit (346), the application (112) displays a message to the user indicating that the writing operation has been completed normally. At this time, the RF field polling loop (200) of the smart device (100) is also terminated (504).

[0253] The user can confirm completion message after the RF field polling loop (200) ends (504) and a certain period of time (517), release tagging, and terminate the application (112) after a certain period of time (518) (558).

[0254]

[0255] Meanwhile, when the NFC tag switch unit (344) is switched to the ON state (536) (560), an RF field detection signal (347) interrupt (522) detected when NFC communication (210) is successful between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) in a valid RF field polling loop (200) is transmitted to the NFC reader controller unit (345), and the NFC reader controller unit (345) receiving this interrupt (522) reads the information recorded in the memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346) by the smart device (100) through the NFC reader chip unit (343) after a certain period of time, and performs data processing (564). At this time, the information acquired by the NFC reader controller unit (345) may be processed by the NFC reader controller unit (345) itself, depending on the hardware configuration of the NFC tag combination reader (340), or may be transmitted to the host controller unit (330) of the electronic device (300) using the host data bus (332) so that the host application (320) may process the information.

[0256]

[0257] After the NFC reader controller unit (345) obtains information from the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory through NFC communication (210) and tag reading (540), the information recorded in the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory can be deleted immediately by tag writing (542) if necessary.

[0258] And after the NFC reader controller unit (345) completes tag reading (540) and tag writing (542) of the information in the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory, it sends an OFF switching signal (349) command to the NFC tag switch unit (344) to switch to a standby state. In the above process, the NFC reader chip unit (343) waits in sleep mode, and when an external RF field is detected, it transmits an RF field detection signal (347) to the NFC reader controller unit (345), and only when a tag reading (540) or tag writing (542) command is sent to the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory, the NFC reader controller unit (345) temporarily activates the RF field through the NFC reader antenna unit (341) to perform NFC communication (210) with the NFC tag chip unit (346), and then deactivates the RF field and waits again.

[0259]

[0260] In the above process, the NFC reader controller unit (345) can calculate the cycle of the RF field polling loop (200) transmitted by the smart device (100) through the RF field detection signal (347), and can calculate an appropriate time period accordingly. In addition, the calculated time period is used to control the switching signal (349) of the NFC tag switch unit (344), and can be used to apply a time period that does not interfere with the NFC communication (210) between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346), and the NFC communication (210) between the NFC reader chip unit (343) and the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0261]

[0262] The above method is an example of a method that utilizes a smart device to write data to an NFC tag-linked reader. When a smart device is tagged to a door lock or access terminal equipped with an NFC reader, the system determines whether to allow access using authentication information (e.g., encrypted key, ID, etc.) stored in the smart device, and denies entry to users with unauthorized smart devices.

[0263]

[0264] Below, a process for reading data from an NFC tag binding reader (340) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0265] FIG. 6 illustrates a process in which, when a smart device (100) is tagged to an NFC tag combination reader (340), the NFC tag combination reader (340) reads data written to the NFC tag chip (346) memory of the NFC tag combination reader (340) by a smart device (100) that has completed mutual authentication with the NFC tag combination reader (340) in advance, and then, when the smart device that has completed mutual authentication requests information, the NFC tag combination reader (340) records the requested information again in the NFC tag chip (346) memory, and the smart device (100) reads the data.

[0266] This example describes a process in which a smart device (110) records information requested by an application (112) for a service in an NFC tag chip unit (346), an NFC reader controller unit (345) confirms that the smart device (110) has recorded information in the NFC tag chip unit (346), reads information from the NFC tag chip unit (346), and when the request of the smart device (110) that has completed mutual authentication is confirmed, the requested information is recorded in the NFC tag chip unit (346), and the smart device reads the information and the application (112) performs the process. In this embodiment, the NFC tag combination reader (340) has information on the smart device (100) in advance, and can be used as a basis for making a judgment and processing the requested information when processing the information recorded by the smart device (100) in the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0267]

[0268] Referring to FIG. 6, first, when the NFC reader controller unit (345) of the NFC tag combination reader (340) commands the NFC reader chip unit (343) to enter sleep mode, the NFC reader antenna unit (341) turns off its own RF field and waits as a passive mode receiver until an external RF field is detected, and at the same time, commands the NFC tag switch unit (344) to an OFF state switching signal (349) to wait for tagging of a smart device (100) in the standby mode.

[0269] Here, if the NFC tag switch unit (344) is in the ON state when the smart device (100) attempts to tag the NFC tag combination reader (340), there may be a case where NFC communication (210) occurs between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) before the NFC reader chip unit (343) detects the RF field, and thus the NFC reader chip unit (343) may fail to detect the RF field, and normal communication may not occur between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag combination reader (340). Therefore, it is important that the NFC tag switch unit (344) waits in the OFF state when the smart device (100) attempts to tag.

[0270]

[0271] When a user executes (650) an application (112) of a smart device (100) in this standby state, the control unit (114) of the smart device (100) activates the reader chip unit (116) to initiate an RF field polling loop (200) that repeats RF field ON (602) / OFF at a certain cycle (612) in order to communicate with the NFC tag chip unit (346) through the reader antenna (118).

[0272]

[0273] Then, the user brings the smart device (100) in which the RF field polling loop (200) is initiated close to the NFC tag binding reader (340) to start tagging (652).

[0274] If the smart device (100) continues the polling loop (200) for a certain period of time while tagging is maintained, but fails to complete communication with the NFC tag chip (346) and the time elapses (614), the application (112) generates a timeout error.

[0275]

[0276] Meanwhile, while the smart device (100) maintains tagging, the NFC reader chip (343) generates an RF field detection signal (347) interrupt (620) and transmits the RF field polling loop (200) signal received from the NFC reader antenna (341) to the NFC reader controller (345).

[0277] Then, the NFC reader controller unit (345) instructs the NFC tag switch unit (344) to turn ON after a certain period of time (632).

[0278] When the NFC tag switch unit (344) is switched to the ON state (636), information transmitted by the smart device (100) in a valid RF field polling loop (200) is written to the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory (653) through NFC communication (210). When the smart device (100) succeeds (604) in the NFC tag chip unit (346) and the tag writing (653) through NFC communication (210), the application (112) recognizes that the writing operation has been completed normally, the application (112) terminates the writing session, and after a certain period of time (615), the application (112) initiates a reading mode (654) session to read information from the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0279]

[0280] Meanwhile, when the NFC tag switch unit (344) is switched to the ON state (636) (660), an RF field detection signal (347) interrupt (622) detected when the NFC communication (210) is successful between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) in the valid RF field polling loop (200) is transmitted to the NFC reader controller unit (345), and the NFC reader controller unit (345) that receives this interrupt (622) reads the information recorded in the memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346) by the smart device (100) through the NFC reader chip unit (343) after a certain period of time, and when the data is read, if it is confirmed as an information request from a smart device (100) that has been approved in advance by the NFC reader controller unit (345), it processes the information on its own according to the content of the information, or requests information from the host controller unit (330) of the electronic device (300) and then transmits the NFC tag Data can be recorded on the chip (346) by tag writing (642) and NFC communication (210).

[0281]

[0282] After the application (112) initiates a read mode (654) session, after a certain period of time (616), it attempts NFC communication (210) with the NFC tag chip (346) to read the tag (655), and when the communication is completed (606), the application (112) executes (656) the read information. At this time, the RF field polling loop (200) of the smart device (100) is also terminated (606).

[0283] The user can check the message after the RF field polling loop (200) ends (606) and after a certain period of time (617), the user untags and terminates the application (112) after a certain period of time (618) (658).

[0284] Meanwhile, when the application (112) attempts NFC communication (210) with the NFC tag chip unit (346) and tag reading (655), and at this time, when the NFC communication (210) between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346) is successful in a valid RF field polling loop (200), the RF field detection signal (347) interrupt (624) detected is transmitted to the NFC reader controller unit (345), and the NFC reader controller unit (345) receiving this interrupt (624) determines that the information recorded in the memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346) by the smart device (100) has been read by the tag reading (540) NFC communication (210) through the NFC reader chip unit (343) after a certain period of time, and the NFC reader controller unit (345) deletes the data by writing the tag (645) to the memory of the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0285] Meanwhile, after the RF field detection signal (347) interrupt (624), the NFC reader controller unit (345) completes tag reading (644) and tag writing (645) of the information in the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory, and then issues an OFF switching signal (349) command to the NFC tag switch unit (344) to switch to a standby state.

[0286] In the above process, the NFC reader chip unit (343) waits in sleep mode, and when an external RF field is detected, it transmits an RF field detection signal (347) to the NFC reader controller unit (345), and when a tag read (640, 644) or tag write (642, 645) command is given to the NFC tag chip unit (346) memory, the NFC reader controller unit (345) temporarily activates the RF field through the NFC reader antenna unit (341) to perform NFC communication (210) with the NFC tag chip unit (346), and then deactivates the RF field and waits again.

[0287] In the above process, the NFC reader controller unit (345) can calculate the cycle of the RF field polling loop (200) transmitted by the smart device (100) through the RF field detection signal (347), and can calculate an appropriate time period accordingly. In addition, the calculated time period is used to control the switching signal (349) of the NFC tag switch unit (344), and can be used to apply a time period that does not interfere with the NFC communication (210) between the smart device (100) and the NFC tag chip unit (346), and the NFC communication (210) between the NFC reader chip unit (343) and the NFC tag chip unit (346).

[0288]

[0289] The following is an example of healthcare device linkage (NFC-based smart device authentication) using the above method of an approved smart device (100) reading data from an NFC tag binding reader (340).

[0290] When applied to a personal blood glucose meter or digital thermometer, a healthcare device with a built-in NFC tag combination reader (340) can request authentication of a smart device (100) before transmitting data, and secure communication can be performed by allowing only devices registered as a specific user (smart device) to read the data.

[0291]

[0292] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A communication method of an NFC tag combination reader that performs short-range communication with a smart device, A step of performing a standby mode in which the NFC reader chip of the NFC tag binding reader does not generate an RF field on its own to detect an RF field when the smart device is tagged, but instead passively detects the presence of an RF field coming from the outside, while also performing a standby mode in which the NFC tag switch is in an OFF state; A step in which the smart device performs tagging on the NFC tag binding reader in the standby mode; A step in which the smart device recognizes tagging to the NFC tag binding reader in the standby mode and detects an RF field; A step of turning the NFC tag switch unit to the ON state for recording the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader in the smart device; A step of detecting valid polling of the smart device so that the NFC tag combination reader recognizes the record of the smart device in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state; A step in which the NFC reader controller unit reads data recorded in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader in response to the smart device's recording of the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state; A communication method of an NFC tag combination reader, comprising: a step of performing a standby mode in which the NFC reader chip unit waits in a passive receiver state (standby mode or sleep mode) after the writing and reading operations of the smart device and the NFC reader controller unit for the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader are completed, and the NFC tag switch unit is also in an OFF state.

2. In paragraph 1, The process of activating the NFC (Near Field Communication) communication module of the above smart device, A process of transmitting and receiving NFC tag information to and from the NFC reader controller through the activated NFC communication module; Based on the above NFC tag information, a process of acquiring information for configuring wireless communication with the NFC reader controller and executing a terminal application; Based on the information obtained above, a process of setting a channel for the wireless communication with the NFC reader controller unit, Based on the above-set channel, the NFC reader controller receives data according to the current status from the smart device, Further comprising a process of executing the received data through the executed terminal application, The above set channel is a communication method of the NFC tag binding reader, which is one of WiFi, WiFi Direct, WiFi Hotspot, Bluetooth, or UWB (Ultra WideBand).

3. A communication method of an NFC tag combination reader that performs short-range communication with a smart device, A step in which the NFC reader controller unit reads data recorded in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader in response to the smart device reading the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state; A step in which, in response to the smart device reading the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state, the NFC reader controller unit records data to be read by the smart device in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader; A step in which the smart device performs a polling loop so that the smart device reads the record of the NFC reader controller unit for the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state; A step in which the smart device reads the record of the NFC reader controller unit in the NFC tag chip memory of the NFC tag combination reader while the NFC tag switch unit is in the ON state; A communication method of an NFC tag combination reader, comprising: a step of performing a standby mode in which the NFC reader chip unit waits in a passive receiver state (standby mode or sleep mode) after the read and write operations of the smart device and the NFC reader controller unit for the NFC tag chip unit memory of the NFC tag combination reader are completed, and the NFC tag switch unit is also in an OFF state.

4. In paragraph 3, A step in which an RF field detection signal interrupt detected when NFC communication between the smart device and the NFC tag chip unit is successful in a valid RF field polling loop is transmitted to the NFC reader controller unit, and the NFC reader controller unit receiving this interrupt reads information recorded in the memory of the NFC tag chip unit by the smart device through the NFC reader chip unit after a certain period of time to perform data processing; A step in which the NFC reader controller unit obtains information from the NFC tag chip memory through tag reading via NFC communication, and then, if necessary, immediately deletes the information recorded in the NFC tag chip memory through tag writing; A communication method of an NFC tag combination reader, further comprising a step of switching to a standby state by giving an OFF switching signal command to the NFC tag switch unit after the NFC reader controller unit completes tag reading and tag writing of information in the NFC tag chip memory.

5. As an NFC tag binding reader that communicates with an external smart device while the external smart device is tagged, NFC reader antenna for short-range wireless communication, NFC reader chip for transmitting and receiving data with the above smart device; An NFC reader controller unit that controls the operation of the NFC reader chip unit; NFC tag antenna section; NFC tag chip for storing information; It includes an NFC tag switch unit that can control the signal line between the NFC tag antenna unit and the NFC tag chip unit according to the control of the NFC reader controller unit. An NFC tag combination reader that performs the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 4, and the smart device and the NFC reader controller unit.

6. As an NFC tag binding reader that communicates with an external smart device while the external smart device is tagged, NFC reader antenna for short-range wireless communication, NFC reader chip for transmitting and receiving data with the above smart device; An NFC reader controller unit that controls the operation of the NFC reader chip unit; NFC tag antenna section; NFC tag chip for storing information; It includes an NFC tag switch unit that can control the signal line between the NFC tag antenna unit and the NFC tag chip unit according to the control of the NFC reader controller unit. For the above near field communication (NFC), the NFC tag antenna unit and the NFC reader antenna unit are located on one side within the effective communication RF field range (within approximately 10 cm). The above NFC tag antenna portion is located on one side of the NFC reader antenna portion, The NFC tag switch section is an NFC tag combination reader that prevents mutual interference between antennas when recognizing tagging of the smart device to the NFC tag combination reader, when recording data, and when reading data.

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