JP2007006029A - RFID built-in electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent radio communication that is not intended by a user effectively in equipment capable of radio communication with a reader/writer in a non-contact manner. <P>SOLUTION: Electronic equipment with a built-in RFID comprises a first casing 2 with a built-in member having a shielding function, and a second casing 1 that is connected to the first casing 2 openably and closably and has a built-in antenna for the radio communication with the reader/writer. As for an arrangement position to the second casing 1 of an antenna 16 for RFID, the shielding function 10a in the first casing 2 prevents the radio communication with the reader/writer when closed with respect to the first casing 2, radio communication with an adjacent reader/writer is established when opened with respect to the first casing 2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device having a built-in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) having a short-range wireless communication function called a non-contact type IC card suitable for application to, for example, a mobile phone terminal.

  In recent years, the use of non-contact type IC cards is rapidly spreading as transportation tickets, membership cards, employee cards, cards for payment methods at stores, and the like. Non-contact type IC card performs authentication processing by performing wireless communication with a nearby reader / writer, so it can be used in a wallet, pass case, etc., and is easier to use than a magnetic card. Is good.

  On the other hand, such a non-contact type IC card (or a circuit component having the same function as the IC card) is built in a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone terminal, and these devices are used in the same manner. Proposals have been made to enable authentication and settlement. An IC card that performs wireless communication with a reader / writer is also referred to as an RFID.

  When it is configured to incorporate an IC card in a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone terminal, a case where a functional unit as an IC card is incorporated in a state where it cannot be taken out from the mobile terminal, and a card slot prepared in the mobile terminal, Although it is assumed that an IC card is mounted, it can be used in any case in a state where it is attached to a portable terminal. When the IC card function unit is incorporated into the mobile terminal, the IC card function unit is not necessarily in the shape of a card. However, in the following description, the IC card function unit is particularly described when referred to as an IC card. Unless otherwise specified, it includes a portion having an IC card function. In addition, this type of non-contact type IC card is also referred to as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or a wireless IC tag. Even when used alone, there are various types such as a label type, a coin type, and a stick type in addition to the card type. Here, it is referred to as an IC card for convenience.

  When the IC card function unit performs wireless communication with the reader / writer, the IC card function unit is activated by electromagnetic induction from the reader / writer. That is, on the IC card side, a process of tuning to a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency output from the reader / writer is performed, and the detected carrier wave is modulated by ASK (Amplitude shift keying) modulation or the like, and the reader / writer side is modulated. I am trying to send data.

Patent Document 1 discloses a case for a non-contact type IC card.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-201517 (FIG. 1)

  Wireless communication between the IC card function unit and the reader / writer is basically performed by electromagnetic induction from the reader / writer, and the IC card function unit itself does not have a power source such as a battery. Since it is independent of the power supply on the mobile phone terminal side, information is transmitted and received just by approaching the reader / writer regardless of the intention of the user.

  For this reason, even when a mobile phone terminal with a built-in non-contact IC card is inserted in the pocket or back, the reader / writer can react or the balance, ID, etc. May be displayed. In addition, there is a possibility that the information on the non-contact IC card is eavesdropped (skinned) without being noticed by a malicious eavesdropper.

  The present invention has been made in view of this point, and an object of the present invention is to effectively prevent wireless communication unintended by a user in a device capable of wireless communication without contact with a reader / writer.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an RFID-equipped electronic device that detects a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency output from a reader / writer and performs short-range wireless communication. And a second housing with a built-in antenna that performs wireless communication with the reader / writer, and the antenna is disposed in the second housing as a first position. When closed with respect to the first housing, the shield function on the first housing side prevents wireless communication with the reader / writer and closes when the first housing is open. The position where wireless communication with the reader / writer is performed.

  By doing so, wireless communication with the reader / writer is possible when the second casing is open, and when the second casing is closed, the first casing is in the first state. The shield function on the housing side disables wireless communication with the reader / writer, and the opening / closing of the housing constituting the device enables / disables wireless communication with the reader / writer.

  According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an RFID built-in electronic device that detects a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency output from a reader / writer and performs short-range wireless communication, and a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the reader / writer, And a switch unit configured to enable wireless communication in the wireless communication unit and to disable wireless communication in the off state.

  By doing so, it is possible to enable / disable wireless communication with the reader / writer by setting on / off of the switch unit.

  According to the first invention, it is possible to enable / disable wireless communication with the reader / writer by opening and closing the casing that constitutes the device, and by closing the casing when stored, the user can Unintended RFID reading can be effectively prevented.

  According to the second invention, it is possible to set whether the wireless communication with the reader / writer is possible or not by setting the on / off of the prepared switch, for example, the switch is turned on by some key operation. Thus, as long as the user does not perform key operations, it is possible to effectively prevent reading of the RFID unintended by the user.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In this example, a non-contact type IC card function called RFID is incorporated in a mobile phone terminal device which is an electronic device. Referring to the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the mobile phone terminal device includes a radio telephone circuit block 10 to which a radio telephone antenna 11 is connected, and the antenna 11 is used to communicate with a radio base station. The wireless communication is configured. The radio telephone circuit block 10 is connected to a speaker 12 and a microphone 13 for calling, and the speaker 12 and the microphone 13 can be used to make a call with a partner connected via a radio telephone line.

  Further, the wireless telephone circuit block 10 is supplied with operation information from the operation keys 14 and can perform various operations based on user operations. In addition, a display unit 15 is connected to the radio telephone circuit block 10, and the display unit 15 can display the state of incoming / outgoing calls of a radio telephone and display of outgoing mail, incoming mail, and the like.

  The RFID function included in the mobile phone terminal device of this example will be described. A loop antenna 16 for performing near field communication with a reader / writer is provided. The loop antenna 16 is disposed at a position close to a predetermined surface of a casing constituting the mobile phone terminal device. A specific arrangement example will be described later. One end and the other end of the loop antenna 16 are connected to the analog circuit unit 20 in the RFID circuit block. The analog circuit unit 20 receives and accumulates a carrier wave from the reader / writer to obtain a power source, a detection circuit 22 that detects the carrier wave from the reader / writer, and a transmission / reception circuit that performs transmission / reception with the reader / writer 23.

  Data received by the analog circuit unit 20 is sent to the digital circuit unit 30. Further, when a power source is obtained by receiving a carrier wave from the analog circuit unit 20, the power source is also sent to the digital circuit unit 30. The digital circuit unit 30 stores a data processing circuit 31 for processing received data and data to be transmitted, an encryption / decryption circuit 32 for processing encryption and decryption of data to be transmitted and received, and data held by the RFID. And a memory 33.

  In the configuration of FIG. 1, the radio telephone circuit block 10 and the RFID circuit block are completely separated from each other. However, for example, a part of the circuit unit on the radio telephone circuit block 10 side (for example, the digital circuit unit 30). With regard to, a circuit provided on the radio telephone circuit block 10 side may be provided. Further, the power required by the digital circuit unit 30 and the like may be supplied from a battery (not shown) that operates the radiotelephone circuit block 10.

  Next, the device shape of the mobile phone terminal device of this example will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, the mobile phone terminal device has a configuration in which an upper housing 1 and a lower housing 2 are connected in an openable / closable manner. That is, FIG. 2A shows a state in which the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are closed. In this state, the surface of the lower housing 2 overlaps the back surface of the upper housing 1. , Hidden. On the surface of the upper housing 1, operation keys 14 a and a display panel constituting the display unit 15 are arranged. The main circuit components for performing wireless telephone communication are assembled on a circuit board (not shown) disposed in the lower housing 2. A shield member 10a (see FIG. 2 (c)) made of an aluminum plate or the like is attached to the surface of the circuit board in the lower housing 2, and the components on the circuit board have an adverse effect on the outside. There is no way.

  FIG. 2B shows a state in which the upper housing 1 and the lower housing 2 are opened. Here, the state in which the upper housing 1 is opened is a state in which one end of the upper housing 1 is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the lower housing 2. By rotating in this way, the operation keys 14b arranged on the surface of the lower housing 2 are exposed, and an operation can be performed. Normally, the terminal device is used in this open state. However, when a relatively simple operation or display is performed, it may be used in a closed state.

  In such a configuration, FIG. 2C shows a state where the casings 1 and 2 in the opened state as shown in FIG. 2B are shown from the back side. The loop antenna 16 for the RFID function shown in FIG. 1 is arranged inside the upper casing 1 on the back side shown in FIG. A shield member 10 a is disposed in the lower housing 2. 2A, when the housings 1 and 2 are viewed from directly above in the closed state, the shield member 10a completely covers the position where the loop antenna 16 is disposed and is closed. In the state, transmission and reception by the loop antenna 16 are blocked by the shield member 10a.

  FIG. 3 is a view of the mobile phone terminal device of this example as viewed from the side, FIG. 3A shows a closed state, and FIG. 3B shows an opened state. In the closed state, even when the casings 1 and 2 constituting the mobile phone terminal device are brought close to the reader / writer, the radio wave from the reader / writer is shielded by the shield member 10a, and the loop antenna for the RFID function. 16 is in a state where it cannot receive normally. In the open state, as shown in FIG. 3B, the loop antenna 16 is positioned at a position away from the position where the shield member 10a is disposed. Can be received and transmitted as well.

  Therefore, according to the present example, the RFID function can be used or not used by opening and closing the casing constituting the mobile phone terminal device. By setting the closed state, the RFID function cannot be used, and reading of the RFID unintended by the user can be effectively prevented.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper casing 1 is applied to a terminal that opens (closes) by rotating (rotating) with respect to the lower casing 2. The present invention can also be applied to a housing of another connection mechanism such as a mechanism that slides linearly with respect to the side housing 2.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. This embodiment is also an example in which a non-contact type IC card function is incorporated in a mobile phone terminal device, and the same members as those in FIG. 1 described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. It is.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration in the present embodiment. The basic configuration shown in FIG. 4 is the same as that of the mobile phone terminal device shown in FIG. In other words, a radio telephone circuit block 10 is provided, a radio telephone antenna 11 is connected, and the antenna 11 is used to perform radio communication with a radio base station. The radio telephone circuit block 10 is connected to a speaker 12 and a microphone 13 for calling, and the speaker 12 and the microphone 13 can be used to make a call with a partner connected via a radio telephone line.

  Further, the wireless telephone circuit block 10 is supplied with operation information from the operation keys 14 and can perform various operations based on user operations. In addition, a display unit 15 is connected to the radio telephone circuit block 10, and the display unit 15 can display the state of incoming / outgoing calls of a radio telephone and display of outgoing mail, incoming mail, and the like.

  As a configuration of the RFID function, a loop antenna 16 for performing near field communication with a reader / writer is provided. The loop antenna 16 is disposed at a position close to the back surface of the casing constituting the mobile phone terminal device. A specific arrangement example will be described later. One end and the other end of the loop antenna 16 are connected to the analog circuit unit 20 in the RFID circuit block. The analog circuit unit 20 receives and accumulates a carrier wave from the reader / writer to obtain a power source, a detection circuit 22 that detects the carrier wave from the reader / writer, and a transmission / reception circuit that performs transmission / reception with the reader / writer 23.

  Data received by the analog circuit unit 20 is sent to the digital circuit unit 30. Further, when a power source is obtained by receiving a carrier wave from the analog circuit unit 20, the power source is also sent to the digital circuit unit 30. The digital circuit unit 30 stores a data processing circuit 31 for processing received data and data to be transmitted, an encryption / decryption circuit 32 for processing encryption and decryption of data to be transmitted and received, and data held by the RFID. And a memory 33.

  Here, in the present example, the open / close switch 17 is arranged in the middle of a supply path for supplying power from the power regulator 21 in the analog circuit unit 20 to the digital circuit unit 30. The opening / closing switch 17 is a switch that is turned on while an operation key 17a described later is being pressed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the casing constituting the mobile phone terminal device of this example. In this example, the terminal device main body is constituted by one housing 3, and the operation keys 14 and the display unit 15 are arranged on the surface of the housing 3. An RFID loop antenna 16 is built in the back side of the housing 3. On the side surface of the housing 3, an operation key 17a for operating the RFID is arranged. In the case of this example, while the operation key 17a is pressed, the digital circuit unit 30 and the analog circuit unit 20 are connected and operate while being close to the reader / writer.

  With this configuration, the RFID function can be activated only while the operation key 17a disposed on the side surface of the housing 3 is being pressed. Accordingly, when the user of this terminal device is brought close to the reader / writer, the wireless communication can be surely performed by pressing the operation key 17a and the processing such as charging and authentication using the RFID function can be performed. In the stored state, the operation key 17a is not pressed, so that reading unintended by the user can be effectively prevented.

  In the above description, the open / close switch 17 is turned on while the operation key 17a is pressed. However, for example, when the operation key 17a is pressed once, the open / close switch 17 is turned on for a predetermined time (for example, It may be turned on for several tens of seconds. In this way, it is not necessary to keep pressing the key continuously.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the switch 17 is provided in the supply path for supplying power from the analog circuit unit 20 to the digital circuit unit 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the loop antenna 16 and the analog circuit unit are provided. An open / close switch 18 may be connected between the switch 20 and the switch 18 so that the switch 18 is turned on by any key operation, and may be turned off in other cases.

  Further, as an operation key for making the RFID function operable, an operation key prepared in advance for operating a certain function by the terminal device may also be used. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the mobile phone terminal device is a terminal device including a camera block 40. The camera block 40 includes a photographing unit 41 including a lens and an image sensor (CCD imager or the like), an image processing unit 42, and a memory 43 that accumulates photographed image data.

  When a shooting key 44 corresponding to a shutter button is pressed, a still image or a moving image is shot. Here, in this example, a power supply path between the analog circuit unit 20 and the digital circuit unit 30 is connected via the photographing key 44. In the configuration of FIG. 7, the signal path for instructing to start shooting of the shooting key 44 and the power supply path on the RFID side are connected in common, but may be configured to be separated into different signal lines.

  With this configuration, when the photographing key 44 provided in the mobile phone terminal device is pressed, the RFID function can be used. Note that the shooting key 44 is configured to function as a shutter button only when the terminal device is operated in the camera mode, and in the state where the terminal mode is not set, shooting is performed even when the key 44 is pressed. There is nothing.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8, an open / close switch 51 for connecting a power supply path between the analog circuit unit 20 and the digital circuit unit 30 is turned on / off by a command from the control unit on the radio telephone circuit block 10 side. As a configuration to perform, when a predetermined key in the operation key 14 or the like connected to the radio telephone circuit block 10 is operated (pressed), the open / close switch 51 is turned on so that the RFID function can be used. It is good.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of a housing configuration in the case of the configuration of FIG. In this case, a plurality of operation keys 18a, 18b, 18c for telephone functions are arranged on the side surface of the housing 3. As the operation keys 18a, 18b, and 18c, for example, various keys such as a lock key that locks the operation of the terminal, a manner mode setting key, and a camera function key are assumed. In the case of this example, when any of these operation keys 18a, 18b, and 18c is operated, the open / close switch 51 is turned on for a certain period to enable the RFID function.

  In the above description, the RFID function can be used when a key arranged on the side surface is simply pressed as a key operation. For example, the RFID function may be used only when the user inputs such as. Alternatively, the personal authentication may be performed using a fingerprint or the like. Further, it may be combined with a process that cannot be used because it is shielded by opening and closing the casing shown in FIGS.

  Furthermore, in the description so far, the RFID function is set to be in a state where it can be used collectively and in a state where it cannot be used. However, a specific function among the functions prepared as the RFID function is as follows. Regardless of the key operation or the like, it may be possible to always use it by approaching the reader / writer. For example, if a single terminal device has a plurality of functions such as an RFID function as a transit ticket (commuter pass), an electronic money function, an employee card function, etc., as a transit ticket The RFID function may be configured so that it can always be used regardless of key operations, and only functions related to personal information such as an electronic money function and an employee card function may be turned on / off by key operations. When such selective control is performed, it is necessary to adopt a configuration in which software control is performed, for example, in the digital circuit section 30 instead of providing the physical opening / closing switch shown in each drawing.

  In each of the embodiments described so far, the example is applied to a mobile phone terminal device, but a mobile terminal device other than the mobile phone terminal device (for example, a portable information processing terminal such as PDA: Personal Digital Assistance) or the like. The present invention can also be applied to a case where an RFID unit that functions as an IC card or IC tag is built in or attached to an electronic device.

It is a block diagram which shows the example by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the example of the open / closed state of the terminal by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the opening-and-closing state of the terminal by the 1st Embodiment of this invention on the side. It is a block diagram which shows the example by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the terminal shape example by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the modification by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another example by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows another example by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the terminal shape example in the case of the example of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Upper housing | casing, 2 ... Lower housing | casing, 3 ... Housing | casing 10 ... Radio telephone circuit block, 10a ... Shield member, 16 ... Loop antenna, 17, 18 ... Switch, 17a, 18a, 18b, 18c ... Key 20 ... RFID analog circuit part, 30 ... RFID digital circuit part, 40 ... camera block

Claims (5)

In an RFID built-in electronic device that detects a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency output from a reader / writer and performs short-range wireless communication,
A first housing containing a member having a shielding function;
An antenna that is connected to the first housing in an openable and closable state and that performs wireless communication with the reader / writer is built-in. In this case, the shield function on the first housing side prevents wireless communication with the reader / writer, and when the reader / writer is in an open state with respect to the first housing, An electronic apparatus with a built-in RFID, comprising: a second housing that is positioned for communication. The electronic device with built-in RFID according to claim 1,
The antenna is arranged in the second casing in the vicinity of a surface where both the casings are in contact when the first casing and the second casing are closed. RFID Built-in electronic equipment. In an RFID built-in electronic device that detects a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency output from a reader / writer and performs short-range wireless communication,
A wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the reader / writer;
An RFID built-in electronic device, comprising: a switch unit configured to enable wireless communication with the wireless communication unit in an on state and to disable wireless communication in an off state. The electronic device with built-in RFID according to claim 3,
The electronic device with built-in RFID, wherein the switch unit is turned on when a key disposed on a side surface of a housing housing the electronic device is pressed. The electronic device with built-in RFID according to claim 3,
An RFID built-in electronic device, wherein a key disposed on a side surface of the housing is a key for operating a predetermined function of the device.

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