NFC Multi-Antenna Control for Selective IC Card Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antenna technologies face difficulties in extending and controlling multiple IC card antennas in conjunction with a mobile terminal's NFC reader/writer, limiting their functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device with a mobile terminal antenna, multiple IC card antennas, and a control circuit that uses power from the NFC reader/writer to enable or disable each IC card antenna based on commands, allowing for the extension and control of multiple antennas without external power, and includes features like polling disable functions and switch control for precise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single reader/writer antenna is used in a mobile terminal, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to extend and control multiple IC card antennas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple independent IC card antennas (first IC card antenna and second IC card antenna) that can be independently controlled. Each antenna can be selectively enabled or disabled based on communication needs, allowing the system to handle multiple IC cards simultaneously while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The single reader/writer antenna in the mobile terminal serves multiple functions by communicating with multiple different IC card antennas. The system can switch between different antenna configurations and modes to accommodate various communication scenarios, making the antenna system versatile without requiring multiple reader/writer units
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IC card antennas are enabled simultaneously, then communication capability with multiple IC cards is improved, but interference from eddy currents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the enabling and disabling of individual IC card antennas based on real-time communication requirements. The mobile terminal can selectively activate only the necessary antennas for current operations, avoiding the persistent interference that would occur if all antennas remained continuously active. This dynamic control reduces eddy current interference while maintaining multi-card communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors communication status and antenna performance to determine which IC card antennas should be active. Based on feedback from the communication environment and card detection, the system adjusts antenna enabling states to optimize performance and minimize interference from eddy currents generated by simultaneously active antennas
3Area of stationary object
If IC card antennas are extended beyond the mobile terminal, then NFC communication coverage is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine the correct placement area for IC cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as LED lights or display elements) that change color or illuminate to indicate the active antenna region and proper IC card placement area. When a specific IC card antenna is enabled, the corresponding visual indicator guides users to place their IC cards in the correct location, solving the orientation problem created by extended antenna coverage
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and precise control of multiple IC card antennas, enhancing NFC communication capabilities and reducing interference from eddy currents, while maintaining stable communication performance and allowing for user feedback through LED indicators.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile terminal antenna that receives a radio wave output by a reader/writer provided in a mobile terminal
Implementation Method 2
a control circuit that operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio wave output by reader/writer
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an antenna device, a control method, and a program that control enabling or disabling of a plurality of IC card antennas by using a mobile terminal. The antenna device includes: a mobile terminal antenna that receives a radio wave output by a reader/writer provided in a mobile terminal; a plurality of IC card antennas that communicates with an IC card including an IC chip for the IC card that reads/writes data in a contactless manner in response to a command transmitted by the reader/writer; and a control circuit that operates by using power generated when the mobile terminal antenna receives the radio wave output by the reader/writer and controls enabling or disabling of each of the IC card antennas in response to the command transmitted by the reader/writer. The present technology is applicable to a playmat used for a card game using a smartphone having an NFC function and an IC card.