JP2012104072A - Non-contact ic communication medium holder and non-contact communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention contributes to user convenience while suppressing the manufacturing cost of a non-contact IC communication medium itself.
A token holder includes a holding unit for receiving and holding an IC token, an inlet having a function of performing wireless communication with a reader / writer terminal separately from the IC token, and an internal part of the IC token. And a display 16 for receiving data from the reader / writer terminal and displaying the contents as visible information. Even if the IC token 12 does not have an expensive display function, if the user selects the use of the token holder 10 as an option, the display function can be used. Convenience can be improved.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-contact IC communication medium holder for holding a non-contact IC communication medium having a communication function, and a non-contact communication system using these.

  Conventionally, prior art 1 is known in which visible information can be printed and erased by forming a rewrite recording layer on the front or back surface of a non-contact IC communication medium such as an IC token (coin-type data carrier). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). According to this prior art 1, since information stored in the internal memory can be visually displayed in a state of being printed on the outer rewrite layer, the convenience for the user can be improved accordingly. The rewrite layer is provided in a recess formed on one side of the IC token. Since the IC token is sealed with a waterproof transparent film from above, the rewrite layer is damaged or the inside of the IC token. It is possible to prevent the water from being flooded.

  Since the above prior art 1 uses the rewrite layer, in order to display the internal data visually, it is necessary to go through a dedicated rewrite printer once. As another prior art 2 for this, there is an IC card with a display function that does not require a special equipment such as a rewrite printer (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  In this prior art 2, the internal data of an IC card is visually displayed by a display such as electronic paper. The IC card has a non-contact IC (contact type), an antenna coil, and an electronic paper display. A control CPU and a dedicated antenna coil are incorporated. When the IC card is coupled to the magnetic field of the non-contact reader / writer, the non-contact IC first communicates to rewrite internal data, and then switches the magnetic field coupling to the antenna coil of the display control CPU to drive voltage. The display control CPU receives the internal data (display data) and drives the electronic paper. Accordingly, it is considered that the internal data can be continuously displayed on the electronic paper even after the magnetic field coupling is finished without passing through a special equipment, and the convenience for the user can be further improved accordingly.

JP 2001-236488 A JP 2009-122877 A

  Prior art 1 described above still has the convenience of “displaying visible information” as long as the effort to pass through a dedicated rewrite printer is cleared. However, since it is necessary to form a rewrite layer on each non-contact IC communication medium or to seal with a waterproof transparent film, the manufacturing cost of the non-contact IC communication medium increases accordingly. There is.

  On the other hand, Prior Art 2 does not require the trouble of passing through a dedicated rewritable printing machine, and if it pays attention to the convenience of “IC card with display function” using electronic paper etc., certain added value is recognized there. It is done. However, since a display control CPU, a dedicated antenna coil, and even electronic paper are added to the product itself called “non-contact IC communication medium”, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of each product increases greatly. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can contribute to user convenience while suppressing the manufacturing cost of the non-contact IC communication medium itself.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following solutions.
The inventor of the present invention provides a non-contact IC communication medium holder that can be used while holding a “non-contact IC communication medium”. The non-contact IC communication medium holder includes a holding unit, and this holding unit holds a non-contact IC communication medium that performs wireless communication independently with a reader / writer communication device. The non-contact IC communication medium holder also includes a communication circuit and a display. Among these, the communication circuit has a function of performing wireless communication with the reader / writer communication device separately from the non-contact IC communication medium and receiving internal data recorded on the non-contact IC communication medium from the reader / writer communication device. is doing. The display has a function of displaying visible information based on internal data received by the communication circuit.

  According to the present invention, each “non-contact IC communication medium holder” that can be used at the same time while holding the “non-contact IC communication medium” itself has added value. User convenience can be improved while reducing the manufacturing cost of the product. That is, it is not necessary to add a special display function to the “contactless IC communication medium”, and it is only necessary to have an original communication function and a function for storing / rewriting internal data. In addition, since the “non-contact IC communication medium holder” has a function of displaying the internal data of the “non-contact IC communication medium”, by using these simultaneously, each user can be provided with convenience while Product costs can be minimized.

In addition, the following advantages are obtained from the present invention.
(1) For example, when applying a “non-contact IC communication medium” to a very large quantity of objects such as tickets (tickets) used in transportation, all of them have added value (display function) Attempting to do so results in an increase in cost as a whole, and is not very practical. Rather, it is preferable that the added value is selectively enjoyed by users who need it, and the operation cost burden equivalent to the added value should not be passed on to all users.

  The “non-contact IC communication medium holder” of the present invention does not use itself as a “non-contact IC communication medium”, but can be easily used as a display function by being used simultaneously with the “non-contact IC communication medium”. Provide added value to the user. And since the “non-contact IC communication medium holder” of the present invention can be selectively purchased and used by users who need it, it is necessary to pass on the operation cost burden equivalent to added value to all users. Absent.

(2) Further, in the present invention, the “non-contact IC communication medium” is not used alone, but can be used simultaneously with being held in the “non-contact IC communication medium holder”. It is possible to improve the convenience when passing such a small medium through an automatic ticket gate, and to contribute to preventing the loss thereof. Especially for visually impaired people, if a small medium is removed, it will be difficult to find and pick it up. However, if it is held in a “non-contact IC communication medium holder”, it can also be prevented from being removed. In fact, in the unlikely event that it is dropped, the discovery can be facilitated.

(3) In addition, since a small medium such as an IC token is held in different ways by individual users, the usage form (especially the angle and direction of the antenna) when holding it over the reading unit of an automatic ticket gate is uniform. It is hard to become. If the “non-contact IC communication medium holder” of the present invention is used at the same time, the usage pattern is limited to some extent, so that variations in usage pattern by the user can be minimized.

The communication circuit may perform wireless communication with the reader / writer communication device in a mode in which at least one of the frequency band or the communication method is different from the wireless communication performed between the non-contact IC communication medium and the reader / writer communication device. preferable. That is, the wireless communication performed between the communication circuit and the reader / writer communication device is different from the wireless communication performed between the non-contact IC communication medium and the reader / writer communication device when (1) the frequency band is different, and (2) the frequency When the band is the same and the communication system is different, (3) When the frequency band and the communication system are different, a plurality of modes are included. The “communication system” includes, for example, a modulation system and an encoding system.
Thereby, even if the "non-contact IC communication medium" and the "non-contact IC communication medium holder" perform wireless communication separately with the same reader / writer communication device, mutual interference can be prevented, The communication quality can be maintained.

  The non-contact IC communication medium holder of the present invention may further include a holder body having a card shape. At this time, the holding portion is recessed in the thickness direction from the outer surface of the holder body, and has a recessed shape capable of receiving a non-contact IC communication medium therein. The communication circuit is formed on an IC inlet installed (or embedded) inside the holder main body, and the display is arranged with the display surface exposed on the outer surface of the holder main body.

  In this case, when the non-contact IC communication medium is held by the holder of the holder main body, these are in the form of a card as a whole, and a display surface is formed on the outer surface thereof. For this reason, for example, even a coin-type non-contact IC communication medium can be recognized by the user as a familiar card-like medium, and the ease of handling and the convenience of use can be improved.

  The present invention also provides a non-contact communication system as an industrial facility, for example. The non-contact communication system mainly includes (1) a reader / writer communication device, (2) a non-contact IC communication medium, and (3) a non-contact IC communication medium holder.

  The reader / writer communication device of the non-contact communication system performs processing for requesting transmission of internal data to at least the non-contact IC communication medium (S102), and internal data transmitted from the non-contact IC communication medium in response to the request (S104). Are received and recorded (S105, S106), and the recorded internal data is sent to the non-contact IC communication medium holder (S110). In addition, when the internal data transmitted from the reader / writer communication device is received by the communication circuit, the non-contact IC communication medium holder executes a process (S111) of displaying visible information on the display based on the internal data.

  According to the non-contact communication system of the present invention, the reader / writer communication device mediates between the non-contact IC communication medium and the non-contact IC communication medium holder, so that it can be transmitted through a single communication opportunity (one action for the user). Allows visual display of data. Thereby, the improvement of the convenience using the display function of a non-contact IC communication medium holder is realizable, suppressing the manufacturing cost of a non-contact IC communication medium.

  Further, when the reader / writer communication device of the system records the internal data transmitted from the non-contact IC communication medium (S104), the content is converted (S107), and the converted content is recorded as the recorded internal data. A process of transmitting to the contact IC communication medium holder (S110) is executed. When the non-contact IC communication medium holder receives the converted internal data transmitted from the reader / writer communication device by the communication circuit, the non-contact IC communication medium holder displays the visible information on the display unit based on the converted internal data (S110). ) Is preferably performed. Note that internal data recording and conversion (processing) by the reader / writer communication device may be performed by an arithmetic device.

  If it is said aspect, when the content of the internal data is converted as a result of the radio | wireless communication performed between the reader / writer communication apparatus and the non-contact IC communication medium (including the case where it is converted by the arithmetic unit) The content after the conversion is transmitted from the reader / writer communication device to the non-contact IC communication medium holder and visually displayed, so that the latest visible information can be provided to the user.

  The system further includes an arithmetic device that records or converts internal data in response to a request from the reader / writer communication device, and an external device that operates in response to an operation command from the arithmetic device. The arithmetic device of the system can output an operation command to the external device based on the result of the wireless communication performed between the reader / writer communication device and the non-contact IC communication medium (S113).

  In this case, for example, valuable information is recorded in the internal data of the non-contact IC communication medium, and when the valuable information is received by the reader / writer communication device, the arithmetic device performs subtraction corresponding to the necessary fee from the valuable information. Thus, it is possible to realize a usage form such as outputting an appropriate operation command to the external device.

  As described above, according to the non-contact IC communication medium holder and the non-contact communication system of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the cost increase of individual products and improve the convenience for the user. Further, by providing the non-contact IC communication medium holder together with the non-contact IC communication medium, it is possible not only to suppress the manufacturing cost of the non-contact IC communication medium but also to add another added value thereto.

It is the perspective view which showed the token holder which is one Embodiment of a non-contact IC communication medium holder. It is the top view (A) and longitudinal cross-sectional view (B) showing both the token holder and the IC token. It is a top view which shows the state by which the IC token was latched in the holding | maintenance part of the token holder. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the internal structure of a token holder. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a procedure of the process using the radio | wireless communication performed between a reader / writer terminal and an IC token or a token holder. It is the flowchart which showed the example of the procedure of the holder display process. It is the sequence diagram which showed the flow of the process performed as the whole non-contact communication system. It is the top view (A) and longitudinal cross-sectional view (B) which show the form example which applied the additional element to the token holder.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, in addition to one embodiment as a non-contact IC communication medium holder, one embodiment as a non-contact communication system is included.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a token holder 10 which is an embodiment of a non-contact IC communication medium holder. The token holder 10 is suitable for use for holding a coin-type IC token 12, for example. The IC token 12 is an example of a non-contact IC communication medium.

[Configuration of IC token holder]
The token holder 10 has a holder main body (not shown) having a card shape (rectangular flat plate shape), and the holder 14 and the display 16 are arranged on the holder main body. Moreover, the inlet 18 is arrange | positioned (embedded) in the inner layer part seen in the thickness direction at the holder main body.

[Holding part]
The holding portion 14 is formed so as to be recessed in the thickness direction from one surface (for example, the surface) of the holder main body. This recess has a size capable of receiving (inserting) the IC token 12 therein. The token holder 10 can be used simultaneously with the IC token 12 by holding the IC token 12 in a state where it is received in the recess of the holding unit 14. The depth of the recess of the holding portion 14 is smaller than the thickness of the holder body, and a flat bottom surface 14a exists in the recess.

〔display〕
The indicator 16 is provided at a position adjacent to the holding portion 14 in the longitudinal direction of the holder body. For example, a known electronic paper, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), or the like can be used for the display 16. In this embodiment, for example, a microcapsule type electronic paper is used. Electronic paper is particularly suitable as the display 16 because it can maintain the display state of visible information only with the driving power during operation.

[Inlet]
The inlet 18 is disposed in the inner layer portion of the holder body as described above. The inlet 18 has, for example, a form in which an antenna coil and an IC chip are mounted on a resin film base (film base such as PET, PEN).

[IC token]
The IC token 12 is a coin-type non-contact IC communication medium as described above. Such an IC token 12 also has a structure in which an inlet (not shown) is arranged in a resin casing. Similarly, the inlet of the IC token 12 has a form in which an antenna pattern and an IC chip are mounted on a film substrate. The IC token 12 has a holding groove 12a formed on the entire outer peripheral edge thereof. In this example, it is assumed that the thickness of the IC token 12 is set larger than the thickness of the holder body.

[Locking IC token]
The holding part 14 has a region (open area as viewed on the surface) larger than the IC token 12 in plan view, and the whole holding part 14 extends in the short side direction along the surface of the holder body. It has a circular shape. The outer shape (opening contour) of the holding portion 14 as seen on the surface of the holder body has an arc portion located on one end side of the ellipse having a radius that is substantially the same (or slightly larger) as the IC token 12. The radius of the arc portion located on the end side is smaller than that of the IC token 12.

  On the other hand, on the bottom surface 14 a of the holding portion 14, the arc portions located at both ends of the ellipse have almost the same radius as the IC token 12. That is, on the other end side of the ellipse, there is a step between the surface position of the holder main body and the position of the bottom surface 14a. There is no. The holding portion 14 is formed with an overhanging portion 14b in order to provide such a step. The overhanging portion 14b does not exist at the position of the other end of the ellipse, and is provided so as to form a pair at a position away from the other end in the circumferential direction. Further, the size of the overhanging portion 14b (the overhanging length) decreases toward the one end side of the ellipse, and disappears at a position in contact with the arc on the one end side.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the IC token 12 can be fitted into the recess of the holding portion 14 on one end side of the ellipse. When the IC token 12 is slid from the one end side to the other end side in the recess, the circumferential groove 12a is caught by the overhanging portion 14b (the overhanging portion 14b enters the circumferential groove 12a), and the IC token 12 is engaged. It is to be stopped. Thereby, the holding | maintenance force of the IC token 12 by the holding | maintenance part 14 can be improved, and the dropping-off of the IC token 12 can be prevented reliably.

  FIG. 2 is a plan view (A) and a longitudinal sectional view (B) showing both the token holder 10 and the IC token 12. In FIG. 2B, the IC token 12 is shown detached from the token holder 10.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 16 has, for example, a rectangular display surface (display region), and the area thereof is about half of the surface of the holder body. The display 16 can display, for example, ticket face information such as the date of issue of the IC token 12, the issuer, and the boarding section. In this example, visible information such as “20XX.XX.XX” is issued as the date of issue, “Tokyo Subway” as the issuer, and “Midoya → 160 yen” as the boarding section is displayed. The process of displaying the internal data of the IC token 12 by the display 16 will be further described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the IC token 12 has the inlet 12b as described above, and the inlet 12b and the circumferential groove 12a interfere with each other when viewed in the radial direction of the IC token 12. Not in a positional relationship. Here, for convenience, the cross section of the IC token 12 other than the inlet 12b is illustrated as being uniform, but the IC token 12 has at least a three-layer structure of an upper lid layer, an inlet 12b layer, and a lower lid layer.

  As described above, the indicator 16 of the token holder 10 is arranged on the surface of the holder body in a state where the display surface is exposed. One inlet 18 is embedded in the inner layer portion of the holder body. Similarly, for convenience, the token holder 10 is illustrated with a uniform cross section of the holder main body, but the holder main body is, for example, a multilayer in which a core sheet, a printed sheet, an oversheet, etc. are stacked in addition to the inlet 18 It has a structure.

  2B shows a cross section of the portion where the holding portion 14 has a step as described above. As shown in FIG. 2 (A), the IC token 12 fits into the recess of the holding portion 14 on one end side of the ellipse, and slides from there to the other end side, as described above. The groove 12a is hooked on the overhanging portion 14b, whereby the IC token 12 is locked.

[IC token locking state]
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the IC token 12 is locked by the holding portion 14 of the token holder 10. In FIG. 3A, visible information displayed on the display unit 16 when the IC token 12 is used as, for example, a reserved seat express ticket on a railway is displayed. FIG. 3B shows visible information displayed on the display 16 when the IC token 12 is used as, for example, electronic money (valuable medium).

[Initial use]
3A: In the initial use (when new) of the token holder 10 or the IC token 12, the IC token 12 is slightly slid into the other end of the ellipse within the recess of the holding part 14 The portion 14b is caught in the circumferential groove 12a.

[After long-term use]
In FIG. 3, (B): Thereafter, when the token holder 10 and the IC token 12 are repeatedly used, the contact portions of the overhanging portion 14b and the circumferential groove 12a are worn away. However, as described above, since the holding portion 14 has a small-diameter arc portion on the other end side of the ellipse viewed on the surface of the holder body, the IC token 12 in the recess is in a state where wear has progressed. By increasing the slide amount, it is possible to maintain the state where the overhanging portion 14b is continuously caught in the circumferential groove 12a.

[Internal structure of IC token holder]
Next, FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the token holder 10. Here, the internal configuration of the token holder 10 mainly corresponds to the display 16 and the inlet 18 is shown.

  On the inlet 18 of the token holder 10, the above-described IC chip 20 and antenna coil 22 are mounted. The antenna coil 22 is formed, for example, by printing a conductive pattern such as an aluminum foil or a copper foil on a film base material. Further, it is assumed that the IC chip 20 is mounted on, for example, a film base material and is connected to the antenna coil 22 at the land portions at both ends.

  The antenna coil 22 can generate electric power in a magnetic field emitted from a reader / writer terminal (reader / writer communication device) (not shown) and supply driving power (voltage) to the IC chip 20 and the display 16. In FIG. 4, the power feeding paths from the antenna coil 22 to the IC chip 20 and the display 16 are indicated by thick solid lines.

  The IC chip 20 on the inlet 18 has, for example, a control CPU 24 and a memory 26. The control CPU 24 has a function of performing arithmetic processing, and the memory 26 has a nonvolatile storage area.

  As indicated by solid arrows in FIG. 4, the control CPU 24 outputs a control command (for example, a command for reading, writing, erasing, etc.) to the memory 26. On the other hand, the memory 26 receives the control command from the control CPU 24 and transfers the display data to the display 16 as indicated by the broken arrow in FIG. In addition, the control CPU 24 outputs a display command to the display device 16, and in response to this, the display device 16 displays visible information based on the display data.

[Communication circuit]
Although not particularly illustrated, the IC chip 20 includes a communication circuit (matching circuit), and the communication circuit performs wireless communication by magnetic field coupling with the reader / writer terminal through the antenna coil 22. Can do.

  In this embodiment, the communication circuit of the IC token 12 and the communication circuit of the token holder 10 use different frequency bands (for example, LF: 125 kHz band, HF: 13.56 kHz band, UHF band, SHF band, etc.). Wireless communication with the reader / writer terminal. Alternatively, the IC chip (not shown) built in the IC token 12 and the IC chip 20 built in the token holder 10 may have different communication standards (Type) (for example, Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, etc.). Due to these types, the IC token 12 and the token holder 10 can perform wireless communication with the reader / writer terminal by using different communication methods (modulation method / encoding method). In any case, even if the IC token 12 and the token holder 10 perform wireless communication with a common reader / writer terminal as long as at least one (or both) of the frequency band or the communication method is different. , Do not cause mutual interference and malfunction.

[Communication standard]
As short-distance communication standards that can be used in the present embodiment, for example, the following (by band) defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) can be cited.
(1) LF band: ISO11784, ISO11785
(2) HF band: ISO14443, ISO14443A, ISO14443B, ISO18092
(3) UHF band: ISO15693, ISO18000, ISO18000-6, ISO18000-6A, ISO18000-6B, ISO18000-6C

  As described above, when different types are used for the IC token 12 and the token holder 10, for example, ISO14443A and ISO14443B can have different types even in the same HF band. Alternatively, for the UHF band, the Type can be made different, such as ISO18000-6A, ISO18000-6B, ISO18000-6C. Therefore, even if the IC chip built in the IC token 12 and the IC chip 20 built in the token holder 10 use the same band, if the types are different, mutual communication interference can be suppressed satisfactorily. Can do.

[Process flow]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of processing using wireless communication performed between the reader / writer terminal and the IC token 12 or the token holder 10. The following description will also clarify an embodiment of a contactless communication system including the reader / writer terminal, the IC token 12, and the token holder 10. In the following example, it is assumed that the IC token 12 and the token holder 10 perform wireless communication with the reader / writer terminal 30 using different frequency bands.

  Step S10: With the start of processing, a magnetic field output command is issued from a reader / writer terminal (not shown). The process may be started based on a start trigger signal generated inside the reader / writer terminal, for example.

Step S12: In response to the previous magnetic field output command, the reader / writer terminal outputs a magnetic field in the frequency band for the IC token 12.
Step S14: In the reader / writer terminal, it is determined whether or not the IC token 12 exists within the effective range of the magnetic field (presence / absence). For example, the presence / absence of talkback from the communication circuit built in the IC token 12 (on the inlet) is confirmed.

  If it is determined that the IC token 12 does not exist (none) in the reader / writer terminal, the process returns to the first step S10 to reissue the magnetic field output command, and determines whether the magnetic field output (step S12) and the IC token 12 are present (step S14). repeat.

  Step S16: When it is determined that the IC token 12 exists (is present), a session between the reader / writer terminal and the IC token 12 is started. During this session, the reader / writer terminal and the IC token 12 can execute wireless communication based on, for example, a predetermined communication protocol.

  Step S18: When a session is started, the IC token 12 outputs (transmits) internal data in response to a request from the reader / writer terminal. At this time, the internal data includes, for example, ticket surface information and valuable information stored in an internal memory (not shown) of the IC token 12.

Step S20: The reader / writer terminal stores the internal data received from the IC token 12.
Step S22: Then, the reader / writer terminal ends the session established with the IC token 12. Thereby, wireless communication with the IC token 12 becomes inactive.

  Step S24: After the session ends, a holder display process is executed in the non-contact communication system. This predefined process is for displaying visible information on the display 16 of the token holder 10. The contents of the holder display process will be further described later using another flowchart.

  Step S26: After the session ends, for example, a processing command is issued outside the reader / writer terminal in parallel with the holder display processing. In the embodiment in which the reader / writer terminal is mounted on the automatic ticket gate, for example, this processing command corresponds to a command for instructing an opening operation or a closing operation of the gate.

[Holder display processing]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the holder display process. By executing this holder display processing, visible information is displayed on the display 16 of the token holder 10.

Step S30: A magnetic field output command is issued from the reader / writer terminal in response to the holder display processing call.
Step S32: Upon receiving a magnetic field output command, the reader / writer terminal outputs a magnetic field in the frequency band for the token holder 10 this time.

  Step S34: At the reader / writer terminal, it is determined whether or not the token holder 10 exists within the effective range of the magnetic field (presence / absence). For example, the presence or absence of talkback from a communication circuit built in the token holder 10 is confirmed.

  If it is determined that the token holder 10 does not exist (none) in the reader / writer terminal, the process returns to the first step S30 to reissue the magnetic field output command, and determines whether the magnetic field output (step S32) and the token holder 10 are present (step S34). repeat.

  Step S36: When it is determined that the token holder 10 exists (is present), a session is started between the reader / writer terminal and the token holder 10 this time. During this session, the reader / writer terminal and the token holder 10 can execute wireless communication based on a different communication protocol.

  Step S38: When the session is started, the token holder 10 displays the internal data on the display 16 in response to a request from the reader / writer terminal. Specifically, a display control command is output from the control CPU 24 to the display 16 and display data (for example, ON / OFF data for each pixel) is transferred from the memory 26 to the display 16. Is done. As a result, the display 16 displays visible information (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

  Step S40: The reader / writer terminal ends the session established with the token holder 10. As a result, wireless communication with the token holder 10 becomes inactive.

  When the holder display process described above is completed, the subsequent procedure returns to the process flow of FIG. 5 and ends. If the electronic paper is used for the display device 16 as described above, visible information continues to be displayed after this, so that the user of the token holder 10 can easily visually recognize the visible information.

  The above is a case where the IC token 12 and the token holder 10 use different frequency bands. Apart from this, when both use different types, the reader / writer terminal outputs a magnetic field in a frequency band compliant with the communication standards of the IC token 12 and the token holder 10, and the communication method defined by each communication standard. The internal data is demodulated / decoded and modulated / coded based on the above.

[Processing sequence of the entire system]
FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of processing executed as the entire contactless communication system. The non-contact communication system exemplified here includes, for example, an arithmetic device 40 and an external device 50 in addition to the token holder 10, the IC token 12, and the reader / writer (RW) terminal 30. At this time, the IC token 12 is used while being held in the token holder 10. Further, it is assumed that the arithmetic device 40 has a built-in database (DB), and the external device 50 is, for example, an automatic ticket gate.

  Step S100: In the system, the reader / writer terminal 30 first outputs a magnetic field for the IC token 12. Thereby, a session (wireless communication) is started between the reader / writer terminal 30 and the IC token 12 as described above.

[RW → IC token]
Step S102: With the start of the session, an internal data transmission request is issued from the reader / writer terminal 30 to the IC token 12.
Step S103: When a transmission request is received, an event occurs in the IC token 12 (inlet IC chip), and internal data transmission preparation (modulation processing) is performed.

[IC token → RW]
Step S104: When preparation for transmission is completed, internal data is transmitted from the IC token 12 to the reader / writer terminal 30.
Step S105: The reader / writer terminal 30 executes internal data reception processing (demodulation processing).

[RW → arithmetic unit]
Step S106: In the automatic ticket gate in the system, a data storage / processing request is issued from the reader / writer terminal 30 to the computing device 40.
Step S107: An event occurs in the arithmetic unit 40, and internal data is stored and processed (converted). In this processing, for example, withdrawal of a necessary fee equivalent amount, boarding section, confirmation of entry / exit records, etc. are performed, and the results are reflected in internal data.

[Calculation device → RW]
Step S108: After the data is stored and processed, the internal data after the content conversion is transmitted from the arithmetic unit 40 to the reader / writer terminal 30.
Step S109: The reader / writer terminal 30 prepares for transmission (modulation processing) for the converted internal data. At this time, a session between the reader / writer terminal 30 and the token holder 10 is started.

[RW → Token holder]
Step S110: The converted internal data is transmitted from the reader / writer terminal 30 to the token holder 10 during the session.
Step S111: When the token holder 10 receives the converted internal data, a process for driving the display device 16 (the above holder display process) is executed based on the internal data. Thereby, the visible information based on the converted internal data is displayed on the display 16 of the token holder 10.

  Step S112: In the system, processing for generating an operation command to the external device 50 is performed by the arithmetic device 40. The operation command generated here is, for example, a command for opening the gate of the automatic ticket checker when entering.

[Calculation device → External device]
Step S113: The operation command (external device activation) generated by the arithmetic device 40 is output to the external device 50.
Step S114: The external device 50 is activated (activated) based on the activation command. Thereby, for example, the actuator is operated in the automatic ticket gate, and the gate is opened.

  As described above, according to the token holder 10 of the present embodiment, the token holder 10 can be used at the same time as desired by the user without adding a display function such as a rewrite layer or electronic paper to each IC token 12. The required information can be displayed visually. As a result, the convenience of the user can be improved without significantly increasing the manufacturing cost of the IC token 12 upon introduction into the transportation facility.

  Further, the token holder 10 is not forced to be used for all users, and can be purchased by each person as an option. For this reason, even if it is a case where the non-contact communication system of this embodiment is introduce | transduced in a transportation system, a burden is not forced uniformly with respect to the user who does not require the token holder 10 especially.

  On the other hand, when the user purchases the token holder 10 as an option, the added value (display function) corresponding to the price can be easily enjoyed, and the IC token 12 is also convenient to carry. It can be greatly improved.

  In addition, if the user removes the coin-type IC token 12 mentioned in the present embodiment, there is a possibility that the coin-type IC token 12 may roll unintentionally. Especially for visually handicapped persons and the like, if the IC token 12 is removed, it becomes difficult to find and pick it up. However, if the IC token 12 is held in the token holder 10 of the present embodiment, it will be removed. Even if this happens, the subsequent search becomes easy.

[Additional elements]
Further, for example, the following elements can be added to the token holder 10 of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a plan view (A) and a longitudinal sectional view (B) showing an embodiment in which an additional element is applied to the token holder 10.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the token holder 10 can be used as an attachment hole for a strap or a key holder by forming a through hole 10a in a corner portion of the holder body, for example. it can. For example, if the neck strap 11 or the like is attached to the token holder 10 using the attachment hole 10a, the user can use it by putting it on his neck or his arm. For this reason, the convenience of the token holder 10 can be further improved, and the token holder 10 and the IC token 12 can be prevented from being lost.

  The holding portion 14 can be provided with a convex portion 14c on the bottom surface 14a, for example. In addition, a recess 12 c can be provided on the outer surface of the token 12. The position where the convex portion 14c is provided is that the IC token 12 is locked by the circumferential groove 12a and the overhanging portion 14b when the IC token 12 is fitted into the holding portion 14 and then slid to the other end side of the oval The position is preferred. Accordingly, when the token 12 is slid and locked in the holding portion 14, the convex portion 14c is fitted into the concave portion 12c at the appropriate locking position, and a clear click feeling can be given to the user. Furthermore, since a clear clicking sound can be generated at this time, such as “click”, the user can feel that “the IC token 12 has been securely held”, and comfort and security during use can be realized. A feeling can be given.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications. In one embodiment, the coin-shaped IC token 12 is taken as an example, but the token holder 10 can hold and use IC tokens having other shapes.

  Further, the token holder 10 is not limited to a card shape, and may have other shapes. In addition, the arrangement, shape, size, and the like of the holding unit 14 and the display device 16 are arbitrary, and these can be appropriately modified and implemented.

  Various patterns can be adopted as internal data of the IC token 12 depending on the purpose of use. In terms of transportation, for example, an amount equivalent to the amount charged in advance may be recorded as internal data. Alternatively, when the IC token 12 is used as a commuter pass, information such as a boarding route, a boarding section, an expiration date, and a user's name / age / gender can be recorded as internal data.

  In one embodiment, an example in which a non-contact communication system is applied to a transportation system is given. ) Widely applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Token holder 12 IC token 12a Circumferential groove 14 Holding part 14a Bottom surface 14b Overhang part 16 Indicator 18 Inlet

Claims (6)

A holding unit that holds a non-contact IC communication medium that performs wireless communication independently with a predetermined reader / writer communication device;
A communication circuit that performs wireless communication with the reader / writer communication device separately from the non-contact IC communication medium, and receives internal data recorded in the non-contact IC communication medium from the reader / writer communication device;
A non-contact IC communication medium holder comprising a display for displaying visible information based on internal data received by the communication circuit. The contactless IC communication medium holder according to claim 1,
The communication circuit includes:
The wireless communication performed between the non-contact IC communication medium and the reader / writer communication device and the wireless communication between the reader / writer communication device in a mode in which at least one of a frequency band or a communication method is different. Non-contact IC communication medium holder. The contactless IC communication medium holder according to claim 1 or 2,
It further comprises a holder body that has a card shape,
The holding part is
It is recessed in the thickness direction from the outer surface of the holder body, and has a recessed shape capable of receiving the non-contact IC communication medium inside thereof.
The communication circuit includes:
Formed on an IC inlet installed inside the holder body,
The indicator is
A non-contact IC communication medium holder, wherein a display surface is arranged in an exposed state on the outer surface of the holder body. A reader / writer communication device,
A non-contact IC communication medium for performing wireless communication with the reader / writer communication device;
A non-contact communication system comprising: a non-contact IC communication medium holder that performs wireless communication with the reader / writer communication device separately from the non-contact IC communication medium while holding the non-contact IC communication medium. And
The reader / writer communication device is:
Processing to request transmission of internal data to the non-contact IC communication medium;
Processing to receive and record internal data transmitted from the contactless IC communication medium in response to the request;
A process of transmitting the recorded internal data to the contactless IC communication medium holder;
The non-contact IC communication medium holder is
When the internal data transmitted from the reader / writer communicator is received by a communication circuit, a non-contact communication system is provided that executes processing for displaying visible information on a display based on the internal data. The contactless communication system according to claim 4,
The reader / writer communication device is:
When recording the internal data transmitted from the non-contact IC communication medium, the process of converting the content,
A process of transmitting the converted content as the recorded internal data to the non-contact IC communication medium holder;
The non-contact IC communication medium holder is
When the converted internal data transmitted from the reader / writer communication device is received by a communication circuit, a process for displaying visible information on a display device is executed based on the converted internal data. Communications system. The contactless communication system according to claim 4 or 5,
An arithmetic device that records or converts internal data in response to a request from the reader / writer communication device;
An external device that operates in response to an operation command from the arithmetic device;
The arithmetic unit is:
A contactless communication system that outputs an operation command to the external device based on a result of wireless communication performed between the reader / writer communication device and the contactless IC communication medium.

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