JP5970804B2 - Plug device, plug device embedded device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a plug device that can be incorporated into various devices and a device incorporating the plug device, and more particularly to a plug device that performs non-contact communication with an irradiation radio wave from a reader / writer and a device incorporating the plug device.

  In recent years, the form of contactless data communication has spread. Originally, an IC tag (also referred to as a wireless tag, an RFID tag, a non-contact data carrier, etc.) and a reader / writer for writing or reading data on the IC tag are used. In this case, the IC tag emits radio waves from itself only when radio wave irradiation from the reader / writer side is used as power, and in that sense, the IC tag is passive. The IC tag is used by being attached to various devices and articles. As the reader / writer, an IC tag or a dedicated device is often used depending on the type of device or article to which the IC tag is attached. Recently, a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone is used as the reader / writer. Applications are also being considered.

  Conversely, a form in which a specific device or article side functions as a reader / writer and information necessary for the device or article is acquired by performing non-contact communication with a device equivalent to an IC tag is also used. A module to be incorporated in order to allow a specific device or article side to function as a reader / writer has been developed. As a device corresponding to an IC tag in this case, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone is also used. The smartphone at this time is passive.

  An IC tag is generally not electrically connected to a device or article to which the IC tag is attached. However, there is a configuration in which a part having a function similar to that of an IC tag is modularized and electrically incorporated (for example, Patent Documents). 1). On the other hand, the reader / writer is generally electrically connected to a device or an article component provided with the reader / writer.

JP 2010-134672 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-227954

  The present invention is a plug device that can be incorporated into various devices and devices incorporating the same, can perform non-contact communication with an irradiation radio wave from a reader / writer, and can be electrically connected to the device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a plug device capable of harmoniously performing an interoperation with a reader / writer side and an interoperation with a device side, and a device incorporating the plug device.

In order to solve the above problems, a plug device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a non-contact interface unit for performing wireless data communication with a reader / writer, and a wired interface for performing wired data communication with a device. A power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side, a power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source, and the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit Connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied, and a memory unit capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner and power supply from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit Connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit, and the non-contact interface unit and the wired interface. To the memory unit, which is connected to the unit, and to be written to the memory unit obtained through the non-contact interface, and to be written into the memory unit obtained through the wired interface Data write control is performed on the memory unit, and data read control to be sent to the reader / writer is performed on the memory unit to supply the data to the non-contact interface unit, and Based on the power generated by the power generation unit and the memory control unit that performs read control of data to be sent to the device to the memory unit and supplies the data to the wired interface unit, the reader / writer generating and electric field detection signal is the device the signals indicating that it is irradiated as an electromagnetic field detection signal Comprising a detection signal output unit for transmitting to the device regardless of whether performing data communication via the line interface unit, and a generator power output unit for delivering power to the power generation unit has occurred in the device It is characterized by that.

  This plug device is configured to be able to operate appropriately according to the combination of the operation state of the reader / writer and the operation state of the device. In other words, it is configured so that the mutual operation with the reader / writer side and the mutual operation with the device side are performed harmoniously. This is due to the following. That is, the memory unit and the memory control unit are provided on the premise that they include a “power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side” and a “power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source”. However, the power introduction unit and the power generation unit are connected so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit. In addition, a detection signal generation unit that generates a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer as an electromagnetic field detection signal, and a generated power output unit for sending the power generated by the power generation unit to the device doing.

  According to the present invention, in a plug device that can be incorporated into various devices and a device incorporating the plug device, non-contact communication can be performed with an irradiation radio wave from a reader / writer, and electrical connection with the device can be performed. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a plug device capable of harmoniously performing the interaction with the reader / writer side and the interaction with the device side, and a device incorporating the plug device.

The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the plug apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention with the positioning of the reader / writer (smartphone) and various apparatuses which cooperate. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation mode considered with the combination of the operation state of a reader / writer and the operation state of an apparatus in the plug apparatus shown in FIG. The typical top view which shows the structural example at the time of implement | achieving the plug apparatus shown in FIG. 1 using the wiring board.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, the wired interface unit may include a detachable connector unit for electrical connection with the device. By providing the connector portion in a detachable manner, the user can freely incorporate the plug device into the device as needed. The plug device can be commonly used for a plurality of devices.

  Based on the above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a plug device according to an embodiment, together with positioning of a reader / writer (smart phone) and various devices that cooperate with each other. As shown in the figure, the plug device 1 includes a coil antenna 10, a wireless side connection unit 11, a power generation unit 12, a memory control unit 13, a memory unit 14, a terminal unit 15, a wired side connection unit 16, and a power introduction unit. 17, a detection signal output unit 18, and a generated power output unit 19.

  The coil antenna 10 and the wireless-side connection unit 11 constitute a non-contact interface unit, and this non-contact interface unit is used for wireless data communication between the apparatus 1 and the reader / writer 50. Further, the terminal unit 15 and the wired side connection unit 16 constitute a wired interface unit, and the wired interface unit is used for performing wired data communication between the apparatus 1 and various devices (host CPU) 60.

  The coil antenna 10 senses an irradiation radio wave (electromagnetic field, radio) from the reader / writer 50 and transmits the energy and information contained therein to the radio side connection unit 11. In addition, as a response to the irradiation radio wave, an electromagnetic field to be irradiated to the reader / writer 50 is generated by the power on which information is superimposed supplied via the wireless side connection unit 11.

  The wireless side connection unit 11 separates the energy transmitted from the coil antenna 10 and the information contained therein, sends the energy to the power generation unit 12, and supplies the information to the memory control unit 13. In addition, the power generated by the power generation unit 12 is received and supplied to the coil antenna 10, and information that is read data of the memory unit 14 supplied from the memory control unit 13 is superimposed on the power. The power on which the information is superimposed is transmitted from the wireless side connection unit 11 to the coil antenna 10.

  The power generation unit 12 generates power to be supplied to the memory control unit 13 and the memory unit 14 in addition to the wireless side connection unit 11 using the wireless energy transmitted via the wireless side connection unit 11 as a source. In addition, the power generation unit 12 sends the generated power (a part thereof) to the generated power output unit 19. Further, it notifies the detection signal output unit 18 that power has been generated.

  The memory control unit 13 is connected to the power introduction unit 17 and the power generation unit 12 so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit 12 in addition to the power introduction unit 17. The power introduction unit 17 is a power introduction unit from the various devices 60 side via the wired side connection unit 16.

  The memory control unit 13 is connected to a non-contact interface unit (wireless side connection unit 11) and a wired interface unit (wired side connection unit 16). Thereby, the write control of the data to be written to the memory unit 14 obtained via the wireless side connection unit 11 is performed on the memory unit 14 and the data should be written to the memory unit 14 obtained via the wired side connection unit 16 Data write control is performed on the memory unit 14. In addition, read control of data to be sent to the reader / writer 50 is performed on the memory unit 14, this data is supplied to the wireless side connection unit 11, and read control of data to be sent to the various devices 60 is stored in the memory. The data is supplied to the wired side connection unit 16 by performing the processing on the unit 14.

  The memory unit 14 is a memory that is connected to the power introduction unit 17 and the power generation unit 12 so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit 12 in addition to the power introduction unit 17 and can write and read data in a nonvolatile manner. There is (for example, EEPROM). Data writing and reading are controlled by the memory control unit 13.

  The terminal unit 15 is a physical component having a large number of terminals for electrical connection between the apparatus 1 and various devices 60. In general, a connector for permanently incorporating the plug device 1 into various devices 60 can be used. Alternatively, connectors that can be attached to and detached from the various devices 60 may be used. By providing the connector in a detachable manner, the user can freely incorporate the plug device 1 into the various devices 60 as necessary. In addition, one plug device 1 can be commonly used for various devices 60.

  The wired side connection unit 16 is connected to each terminal of the terminal unit 15 and the memory control unit 13, thereby buffering (mediating) the flow of data (information) between the terminal unit 15 and the memory control unit 13. . Further, the power supplied from the various devices 60 side through the terminal unit 15 is sent to the power introduction unit 17. Further, mediation for transmitting a signal (electromagnetic field detection signal described later) generated by the detection signal output unit 18 to the terminal unit 15 is performed, and in addition, mediation for transmitting the power output from the generated power unit output unit 19 to the terminal unit 15 is performed. Do.

The power introduction unit 17 is a power introduction unit that uses the various devices 60 as a source. In order to supply the introduced power to the memory control unit 13 and the memory unit 14 , the wired side connection unit 16 and the memory control unit 13 and the memory unit 14 . As the hardware, more specifically, for example, a step-down power supply circuit, a ripple suppression decoupling filter circuit, or a simple lead wire can be considered.

  The detection signal output unit 18 generates, as an electromagnetic field detection signal, a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer 50 based on the power generated by the power generation unit 12. The generated electromagnetic field detection signal is sent to the wired side connection unit 16. This electromagnetic field detection signal is a signal for informing the various devices 60 that the apparatus 1 is communicating with the reader / writer 50 (see below). More specifically, the hardware of the detection signal output unit 18 may be a buffer circuit or a simple conductor.

  The generated power output unit 19 is a functional part for sending out the power generated by the power generation unit 19 to various devices 60. Even when the various devices 60 are powered off, this power is used to shift a small part of the various devices 60 to the power-on state when communication with the reader / writer 50 is performed. Output intentionally (see below). As the hardware, for example, a buffer circuit or a simple conductor may be considered. The generated power output unit 19 and the detection signal output unit 18 described above can be configured as a single functional part that also serves as both, and the idea that the output is also a single common signal can be adopted.

  The configuration of the plug device 1 has been described above. As the various devices 60 in which the plug device 1 can be incorporated, for example, the following can be assumed. For example, there are digital televisions, cooking utensils such as ovens and microwave ovens, navigation systems, portable music players, personal computers, digital photo frames, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the various devices 60 can be considered both in the case of AC power supply driving and in the case of battery driving.

  Next, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode that can be considered by a combination of the operation state of the reader / writer 50 and the operation state of various devices 60 in the plug device 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation mode of the plug device 1 can be roughly divided into two depending on the state of the reader / writer 50. Further, in each of these, the various devices 60 are turned off, turned on, turned on. And when the plug device 1 is in an access state, three states are conceivable. This shows a total of six operating modes.

  Mode numbers 1 to 3 are modes when the reader / writer 50 is not accessing the plug device 1 (that is, the reader / writer 50 is not in proximity to the plug device 1). In this case, if the various devices 60 are powered off, the plug device 1 naturally does not perform any operation (mode number 1). If the various devices 60 are powered on, power is supplied to the plug device 1 from the various devices 60 side, and communication (access) with the various devices 60 is possible at any time (mode number 2). There may also be a state in which the various devices 60 are powered on and are actually accessing the plug device 1 and performing predetermined communication (mode number 3).

  Next, mode numbers 4 to 6 are modes when the reader / writer 50 is accessing the plug device 1 (that is, the reader / writer 50 is close to the plug device 1). In this case, when the various devices 60 are powered off, the plug device 1 and the reader / writer 50 can communicate with each other with the power using the reader / writer 50 as an energy source (mode number 4). The advantage of non-contact communication is that various devices 60 can communicate with the plug device 1 incorporated therein even when the power is off (the battery may be dead). In addition, the plug device 1 can power on a part of the various devices 60 via the plug device 1 at this time. This point is due to the function of the generated power output unit 19 described above.

  How the various devices 60 that receive the output of the generated power output unit 19 use this power depends on the design of the various devices 60. In general, the power generated by the generated power output unit 19 is not large. Based on this point, power is supplied only to an operable range. For example, it is conceivable that the various devices 60 are designed so that power is supplied to the final buffer memory (and a control circuit for accessing the same) for connection with the plug device 1. According to this, the target of non-contact communication between the reader / writer 50 and the plug device 1 can be extended to a part of the various devices 60 even when the various devices 60 are powered off.

  When the reader / writer 50 comes close to the plug device 1, the various devices 60 may be powered on (mode number 5). In this case, non-contact communication is performed as usual with the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. This is because non-contact communication is triggered by the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. In the non-contact communication in this case, since the plug device 1 is constantly supplied with power from the various devices 60 side, it does not need to be driven by power using the reader / writer 50 as an energy source.

  In this case, the plug device 1 further sends a signal (electromagnetic field detection signal) indicating that the reader / writer 50 is receiving radio waves from the plug device 1 to the various devices 60. This is due to the function of the detection signal output unit 18 as described above. The various devices 60 that have received this signal can thereby recognize that the plug device 1 is performing some non-contact communication. With this knowledge, for example, the various devices 60 can take measures such as refraining from accessing the plug device 1 so that competition with non-contact communication does not occur. Such a measure is based on the design of the various devices 60 that have received the electromagnetic field detection signal.

  Finally, when the reader / writer 50 comes close to the plug device 1, the various devices 60 may be powered on and the plug device 1 and the various devices 60 may actually be communicating (accessing). Obtain (mode number 6). Also in this case, as in the case of the mode number 5, the non-contact communication is started with the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. This is because non-contact communication is triggered by the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. In the non-contact communication in this case, since the plug device 1 is always supplied with power from the various devices 60 side, it does not need to be driven by power using the reader / writer 50 as an energy source.

  As described above, when the non-contact communication between the reader / writer 50 and the plug device 1 is started during the communication between the plug device 1 and the various devices 60, the electromagnetic field detection signal is transmitted from the plug device 1 to the various devices 60 as described above. To send. In response to this signal, the various devices 60 recognize that the plug device 1 is performing some non-contact communication, and in this case, to the plug device 1 so as not to cause a conflict with the non-contact communication. Access can be interrupted. Such a measure is based on the design of the various devices 60 that have received the electromagnetic field detection signal.

  Thus, according to the idea that the non-contact communication between the plug device 1 and the reader / writer 50 is given priority over the communication between the plug device 1 and the various devices 60, the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1 is reduced. It is always a start trigger for non-contact communication, and easy-to-use non-contact communication is realized. However, the point of priority is based on the design on the various devices 60 side, and can also be as follows. That is, instead of interrupting the access to the plug device 1 by various devices 60 that have received the electromagnetic field detection signal, the reader / writer 50 indicates that non-contact communication has been refused by, for example, issuing a warning sound without interruption. There may be an idea of notifying a person.

  The plug device 1 described above differs from a simple non-contact data carrier in the following points. That is, the data written in the memory unit 14 is not limited to data derived from non-contact data communication, but may be data derived from the various devices 60 side. That is, data handled by non-contact data communication can be dynamic data (variable values) linked to various devices 60. Therefore, the various devices 60 in which the plug device 1 is incorporated are not only different from those in which the various devices 60 are provided with the non-contact data carrier, but also when viewed from the various devices 60 side, information from the outside is obtained. It is equipped with a convenient non-contact communication medium that can be easily incorporated.

  Some examples of the application of the plug device 1 based on such advantages are shown below together with various devices to be incorporated.

  As the various devices 60, a digital television connected to the cloud is considered. In this case, by acquiring in advance a specific content identifier (ID) and an automatic reproduction command with the smart phone which is the reader / writer 50 and passing it to the plug device 1 by non-contact communication, the content on the smart phone is obtained. Playback and content playback on a digital television can be automatically synchronized. Content reproduction on a smartphone can be used, for example, as a monitor screen at a room position that is a blind spot for watching TV.

  As the various devices 60, a digital television with a recording function is considered. In this case, when the specific program ID and its automatic reproduction command taken in the smart phone which is the reader / writer 50 are transferred to the plug device 1 by non-contact communication, recording of the program and subsequent program reproduction (time (Shifted playback) can be automatically performed on the television.

  As various devices 60, a cooking utensil such as an oven is considered. In this case, the cooking recipe imported on the smart phone which is the reader / writer 50, information such as the necessary oven setting temperature information, and the cooking start command are transferred to the plug device 1 by non-contact communication. According to this, the setting of the oven and the start of cooking can be performed automatically.

  A personal computer and a navigation system are considered as various devices 60. In this case, first, a specific map is checked on the personal computer together with its ID. If the plug device 1 is incorporated in a personal computer, a pull-out command can be sent to the personal computer from the smartphone as the reader / writer 50 by non-contact communication, and the map ID can be taken into the reader / writer 50 via the plug device 1 from the personal computer. Then, if the reader / writer 50 is held over the navigation system in which the plug device 1 is incorporated and non-contact communication is performed with the plug device 1, an operation command can be sent from the smartphone as the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. Thus, the map can be displayed on the navigation system or the navigation search can be performed.

  A digital photo frame is considered as the various devices 60. In this case, in relation to the image data that the digital photo frame currently has, the ID and various function operation commands are imported from the plug device 1 to the smartphone that is the reader / writer 50 by non-contact communication. Functions according to image display and function operation commands can be executed. Examples of the function based on the function operation command include music playback, automatic web upload, mail activation, and image attachment.

  Further, when the various devices 60 are considered as household electrical appliances in general, an application that facilitates wireless LAN connection between the various devices 60 and the smartphone that is the reader / writer 50 is also conceivable. In this case, the smartphone is an access point, and the various devices 60 are terminals. The wireless LAN connection requires an access point ID (SSID) and a password on the terminal side, and is sent from the smartphone to the plug device 1 together with the wireless LAN activation command. Thereby, the wireless LAN connection between the various devices 60 and the smartphone as the access point can be smoothly performed.

  As described above, when the plug device 1 is incorporated in various devices 60, the mutual operation with the reader / writer 50 side and the mutual operation with the various devices 60 side can be performed harmoniously. Can contribute to various applications as described above. Unlike the reader / writer 50, the plug device 1 is passive and does not emit a radio wave of a strong electric field. In addition, the smartphone that is the reader / writer 50 can be functionally linked to the various devices 60, and close cooperation can be achieved between the various devices 60 via the smartphone. It is also easy to link various devices 60 to information on the cloud or SNS.

  Next, a configuration example when the plug device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is realized using a wiring board will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing an example of a wiring board that achieves such an implementation. In FIG. 3, the same or corresponding elements as those shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, this plug device is configured by using a wiring board 21 and mounting necessary electrical elements thereon. The coil antenna 10 is provided in a spiral shape by a wiring pattern formed on the wiring substrate 21. The wiring board 21 may be a double-sided board provided with wiring layers on both sides, or a multilayer wiring board provided with three or more wiring layers. In these cases, the coil antenna 10 may include a plurality of these wirings. It can be formed into one loop across the layers. Reference numeral 10a denotes a matching variable capacitor, which is connected and mounted in parallel with the coil antenna 10 for power matching in a used frequency band (for example, 13.56 MHz).

In this plug device, the wireless side connection unit 11, the power generation unit 12, the memory control unit 13, the memory unit 14, the wired side connection unit 16, the power introduction unit 17, the detection signal output unit 18, and the generated power output unit 19 are provided as one. A communication control IC 100 with a built-in nonvolatile memory integrated on a chip is used. This results in a very compact unit. The memory unit 14 can be provided with an identification ID that cannot be rewritten, thereby enabling identification as a plug device from the reader / writer side. The rewritable area of the memory unit 14 is open to the user. The capacity is, for example, 2 kB to 8 kB. The IC 100 can be configured by using, for example, I ² C as a wired interface protocol, and using, for example, ISO 15693 as a wireless interface standard.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Plug apparatus, 10 ... Coil antenna, 10a ... Variable capacitor for matching, 11 ... Wireless side connection part, 12 ... Electric power generation part, 13 ... Memory control part, 14 ... Memory part, 15 ... Terminal part, 16 ... Wire side Connection unit 17 ... Power introduction unit 18 ... Detection signal output unit 19 ... Generated power output unit 21 ... Wiring board 50 ... Reader / writer (smartphone) 60 ... Various devices (host CPU) 100 ... Non-volatile memory Built-in communication control IC.

Claims (3)

A non-contact interface unit for wireless data communication with the reader / writer, and
A wired interface unit for performing wired data communication with the device;
A power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side;
A power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source;
A memory unit that is connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit, and that can write and read data in a nonvolatile manner, and
In addition to the power introduction unit, connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit, and connected to the non-contact interface unit and the wired interface unit, Write control of data to be written to the memory unit obtained via the non-contact interface is performed on the memory unit, and write control of data to be written to the memory unit obtained via the wired interface is performed on the memory And reading control of data to be sent to the reader / writer is performed on the memory unit to supply the data to the non-contact interface unit, and data to be sent to the device Read control is performed on the memory unit and the data is supplied to the wired interface unit. And a memory control unit,
Based on the power generated by the power generation unit, a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer is generated as an electromagnetic field detection signal, and the device detects the electromagnetic field detection signal via the wired interface unit. A detection signal output unit that communicates to the device regardless of whether or not data communication is performed ;
And a generated power output unit for sending out the power generated by the power generation unit to the device.   The plug device according to claim 1, wherein the wired interface unit includes a detachable connector unit for electrical connection with the device. A non-contact interface unit for performing wireless data communication with a reader / writer; a wired interface unit for performing wired data communication with a device; and a power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side; A power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source; connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit A memory unit capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner; connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit; and The non-contact interface unit and the wired interface unit connected to the non-contact interface and obtained through the non-contact interface Write control of data to be written to the memory unit is performed on the memory unit, and write control of data to be written to the memory unit obtained via the wired interface is performed on the memory unit, and Read control of data to be transmitted to the reader / writer is performed on the memory unit, the data is supplied to the non-contact interface unit, and read control of data to be transmitted to the device is performed on the memory unit. A memory control unit configured to supply the data to the wired interface unit; and based on the power generated by the power generation unit, generate a signal indicating that the reader / writer is irradiated with radio waves as an electromagnetic field detection signal. and whether crab the electric field detection signal is the device is performing data communication via the wired interface unit A plug device having; a detection signal output unit for transmitting to the device unchanged; and generating power output unit for delivering power to the power generation unit has occurred in the device
The plug device-embedded device comprising: the device into which the plug device is to be incorporated.

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