Description
Title of Invention
INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, POWER SOURCE CONTROL
5 METHOD OF INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND PROGRAM
Technical Field
[0001]
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a
10 power source control method of the information processing apparatus and a program.
Background Art
[0002]
In recent years, an IC module that can transmit and receive communication
15 information by near field communication becomes common, and an information
processing apparatus mounting the IC module is also developed. The IC module
transmits and receives communication information with an external apparatus such
as a reader and a writer by. electromagnetic waves as a medium. Although there is a
case where a power source for driving is supplied to the IC module by the
20 electromagnetic waves as a medium, a power source from the information processing
apparatus is also supplied.
Citation List
Patent Literature
25 [0003]
Patent literature 1: JP 2010-067075A
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
30 [0004]
In the related art, an information processing apparatus controls a power
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supply to an IC module on the basis of detection information of electric waves
transmitted from an external apparatus. However, a power source control method in
the related art has the following problems.
[0005]
5 In the information processing apparatus, when an electric wave over a
predetermined level is incidentally detected due to noise mixing or ampHtude
variation in a state before staring communication with an external apparatus, there is
a case where an excessive power source may be supplied. The same applies to a
case where an electric wave turned on/off at predetermined intervals to save the
10 power consumption of the external apparatus is detected.
[0006]
Also, at the time of using detection information to terminate communication
with an external apparatus, in a case where an information processing apparatus is
held over an external apparatus which uses the same kind of electric wave and which
15 is different from the external apparatus with which the information processing
apparatus should originally communicate, there is a case where the information
processing apparatus detects an electric wave transmitted from the different external
apparatus and a power supply is erroneously continued. Also, regarding the setting
in which a power supply is continued over a necessary certain period in an external
20 apparatus with which it should originally communicate, since it is necessary to adopt
the maximum setting that can support data retransmission and the change in a
processing period, there is a case where a power supply is excessively continued.
[0007]
Also, when it detects a polling request electric wave transmitted from an
25 external apparatus to detect other communication parties in a state after terminating
communication, there is a case where an excessive power source is supplied.
[0008]
Therefore, the present invention is directed to provide an information
processing apparatus, power source control method of the information processing
30 apparatus and program that can efficiently supply a driving power source to an IC
module.
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Solution to Problem
[0009]
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an
5 information processing apparatus including an IC module that performs
communication with an external apparatus, a detection unit that detects an electric
wave, a timer that measures a time course after being started, a power supply unit
that supplies a power source to the IC module, and a control unit that controls a
supply amount of the power source based on a detection result of the electric wave
10 and a determination result of a value of the timer. The control unit starts the timer
after terminating communication with the external apparatus, restarts the timer every
time a transmission start of an electric wave is detected, in response to detection of
an electric wave received from an outside at a predetermined interval in the detection
unit, and, when the transmission start of the electric wave is not detected and the
15 timer finds a lapse of a first period longer than the predetermined interval, resets a
power supply to the IC module in a manner that the information processing apparatus
shifts to a communication standby state before a start of communication.
[0010]
Before starting communication with the external apparatus, the control unit
20 may cause the timer to measure a period until detection of a transmission end after
detection of the transmission start of the electric wave, and, when the timer finds a
lapse of a second period equivalent to a transmission period of an electric wave
corresponding to a polling request, may control a power supply amount to the IC
module to start the communication with the external apparatus.
25 [0011]
Before starting communication with the external apparatus, the control unit
may cause the timer to measure a period until detection of a transmission start after
detection of a transmission end of an electric wave, and, when the timer finds a lapse
of a third period equivalent to a non-transmission period of an electric wave between
30 polling requests that are intermittently transmitted, may control a power supply
amount to the IC module to the start the communication with the external apparatus.
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[0012]
The control unit may start the timer at a time of a start of the communication
with the external apparatus, may restart the timer every time the IC module receives
an appropriate communication packet from the external apparatus, and, when the
5 appropriate communication data is not received and the timer finds a lapse of a
fourth period longer than a reception period defined by an application being executed
in the control unit, may control a power supply amount to the IC module to terminate
the communication with the external apparatus.
[0013]
10 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is
provided a power source control method of an information processing apparatus,
including starting a timer when communication with an external apparatus through
an IC module is terminated, restarting the timer every time a transmission start of an
electric wave is detected in response to a polling request transmitted from the
15 external apparatus at a predetermined interval, and resetting a power supply to the IC
module in order to shift to a communication standby state before a start of
communication when the transmission start of the electric wave is not detected and
the timer finds a lapse of a first period longer than the predetermined interval.
[0014]
20 According to another aspect of the present invention, a program to cause a
computer to execute the above power source control method of the information
processing apparatus is provided. Here, the program may be provided using a
computer-readable recording medium or maybe provided through a communication
unit, and so on.
25
Advantageous Effects of Inyention
[0015]
According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information
processing apparatus, power source control method of the information processing
30 . apparatus and program that can efficiently supply a driving power source to an IC
module.
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Brief Description of Drawings
[0016]
[FIG 1] FIG 1 is a diagram illustrating an outline of a power source control method
5 of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[FIG 2] FIG 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing
system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power source control method based on
10 detection information.
[FIG 4] FIG 4 is a diagram illustrating the state transition of a CE device.
[FIG 5] FIG 5 is a flowchart indicating the first power source control method in a
pre-communication state.
[FIG 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram indicating the first power source control
15 method in a pre-communication state.
[FIG 7] FIG 7 is a flowchart indicating the second power source control method in a
pre-communication state.
[FIG 8] FIG 8 is a sequence diagram indicating the second power source control
method in a pre-communication state.
20 [FIG 9] FIG 9 is a flowchart indicating a power source control method in a
' communication state.
[FIG 10] FIG 10 is a sequence diagram indicating a power source control method in
a communication state.
[FIG II] FIG 11 is a flowchart indicating a power source control method in a post-
25 communication state.
[FIG 12] FIG 12 is a sequence diagram indicating a power source control method in
a post-communication state.
Description of Embodiments
30 [0017]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
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described in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that, in this
specification and the drawings, elements that have substantially the same function
and structure are denoted with the same reference signs, and repeated explanation is
omitted.
5 [0018]
[1. Outline of power source control method]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the outline of a power source control method
of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention is described. As illustrated in FIG 1, an IC module 10 mounted on an
10 information processing apparatus that is not illustrated in the drawing performs near
field communication with an external apparatus 50 such as a reader and a writer.
[0019]
In the IC module 10, when a result of timer determination based on
detection information satisfies a predetermined condition in a standby state of
15 communication start (pre-communication state STl), a power supply is controlled to
start communication (the power supply amount is increased). The predetermined
condition of pre-communication state STl is satisfied when a period between the
transmission start of an electric wave and the transmission end substantially matches
a traiismission period (second period) of an electric wave at the time of a polling
20 request or when a period between the transmission end of the electric wave and the
transmission start substantially matches a non-transmission period (third period) of
electric waves between polling requests. By this means, even if an electric wave is
detected due to mixing of noise or the like in pre-communication state STl, the
power supply amount is not increased to start communication as long as the
25 predetermined condition is not satisfied. Also, the same applies to a case where an
electric wave which is intermittently transmitted is detected. Therefore, by
suppressing unnecessary power supply in pre-communication state STl, it is possible
to efficiently supply a driving power source to the IC module 10.
[0020]
30 Also, when a result of timer determination based on communication
information satisfies a predetermined condition in a communication start state
^
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(communicating state ST2), power supply is controlled to terminate communication
(the power supply amount is decreased). The predetermined condition of
communicating state ST2 is satisfied when a normal communication packet is not
received from the external apparatus 50 in a predetermined period (the fourth period)
5 longer than a reception period defined for each application being executed in an
information processing apparatus. By this means, even if electric waves from other
external apparatuses are detected in communicating state ST2, when the
predetermined condition is not satisfied, power supply is not erroneously continued.
Also, if a normal communication packet is not received in the predetermined period,
10 since power supply is controlled to terminate communication (the power supply
amount is decreased), the power supply does not have to be continued over a certain
period of time. Therefore, by suppressing unnecessary power supply in
communicating state ST2, it is possible to efficiently supply a driving power source
to the IC module 10.
15 [0021]
Also, when a result of timer determination based on detection information
satisfies a predetermined condition in a communication end state (postcommunication
state ST3), it shift to pre-communication state STl to reset power
supply for communication start standby. The predetermined condition of post-
20 communication state ST3 is satisfied when the electric wave transmission start is not
detected in a predetermined interval (the first period) longer than a transmission
interval of a polling request. By this means, even if the polling request electric
wave directed to other communication parties is detected in post-communication
state ST3, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the power supply
25 amount is not increased to start communication. Therefore, by suppressing
unnecessary power supply in post-communication state ST3, it is possible to
efficiently supply a driving power source to the IC module 10.
[0022]
[2. Configuration of information processing apparatus system]
30 _ Next, a system configuration of an information processing apparatus 30
according to an embodiment of the present invention is described referring to FIG 2.
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As illustrated in FIG 2, near field communication is performed between the
information processing apparatus 30 and the external apparatus 50 in the information
processing system. The near field communication may be performed between
communication apparatuses separated by about several tens of centimeters by using a
5 carrier wave of the single frequency of 13 MHz, for example, and may be performed
between communication apparatuses that mutually contact with each other.
[0023] .
The information processing apparatus 30 is, for example, a personal
computer, a PDA, a mobile phone or a consumer electronic device (CE device).
10 The external apparatus 50 is a reader/writer connected to a controller that is not
illustrated in the drawing. Here, the reader/writer and the controller may be
integrally configured or may be separately configured. In the following, an
explanation is given to a case where the information processing apparatus 30 is a CE
device and the external apparatus 50 is a reader/writer.
15 [0024]
The CE device 30 includes the IC module 10, a power source supply unit 15,
a timer 16 and a host 20 (control unit). Here, the IC module 10 may be
incorporated in the CE device 30 or may be detachably attached to the CE device 30.
The IC module 10 may include an antenna coil 11, a detection unit 12, a
20 communication unit 13 and a control unit 14.
[0025]
The antenna coil 11 supplies a signal received from the outside to the
detection unit 12 and the communication unit 13, and transmits a signal supplied
from the communication unit 13 to the outside. The detection unit 12 includes a
25 low-pass filter, a matching circuit and a detection diode, and so on, and detects a
signal supplied from the antenna coil 11. The detection unit 12 supplies a detection
signal indicating transmission/non-transmission of an electric wave having a
predetermined frequency and level to the host 20. The detection signal is supplied
as, for example, a Low signal lasted over an electric wave transmission period and a
30 High signal lasted over an electric wave non-transmission period. In this case, the
change from the High signal to the Low signal corresponds to a transmission start
^B
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signal of the electric wave and the change from the Low signal to the High signal
corresponds to the transmission end signal of the electric wave.
[0026]
The communication unit 13 includes a demodulation circuit and a load
5 modulation circuit, and so on, and performs transmission and reception processing
for near field communication. The communication unit 13 supplies communication
information included in a received signal to the control unit 14 and supplies the
communication information supplied from the control unit 14 to the antenna coil 11
as a transmission signal. The communication information is a polling request,
10 writing request, written data and reading request received from a reader/writer 50,
and is a polling response, writing response, reading response and read data
transmitted to the reader/writer 50.
[0027]
The control unit 14 includes a memory to store data or the like and controls
15 transmission and reception processing by the communication unit 13. The control
unit 14 transfers control information and data, and so on, with the host 20 through an
interface that is not illustrated in the drawing. The control unit 14 determines
whether the communication information from the reader/writer 50 is a normal
communication packet assumed by an application being executed by the host 20, and
20 supplies a determination signal indicating the determination result to the host 20.
Here, the communication packet determination may be performed on the side of the
20 host.
[0028]
The power source supply unit 15 supplies a power source to the IC module
25 10, the timer 16 and the host 20. The power source supply unit 15 controls power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 according to control by the host 20. Here,
although a power source is supplied to the communication unit 13 and the control
unit 14, it is not necessary to be supplied to the detection unit 12 driven by
electromagnetic induction of the antenna coil 11. Also, in the drawing, a power
30 supply line to the timer 16 and the host 20 is omitted. The timer 16 is started (or
restarted) according to the control by the host 20 and measures the elapsed time after
#
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the start (or restart). Here, the time 16 may be set every predetermined condition in
order to measure the predetermined condition of each communication state.
[0029]
The host 20 (a control unit of the CE device 30) includes a CPU, a ROM,
5 and a RAM, and so on, and performs computation and control required for an
operation of the CE device 30. By reading a program stored in the ROM or the like,
developing it in the RAM or the like and executing it, the host 20 performs a power
source control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
host 20 controls the timer 16 according to a detection signal from the detection unit
10 12 and/or a determination signal of communication information. When the host 20
determines the timer value and the predetermined condition set for each
communication state is satisfied, it controls power supply from the power source
supply unit 15 to the IC module 10. Here, the predetermined condition for each
communication state is read from the ROM or the like.
15 [0030]
[3. Power source control method]
Next, a power source control method of the CE device 30 according to an
embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG 12.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart indicating a power source control method based on detection
20 information. FIG. 4 is a diagram indicating the state transition of the CE device 30.
FIG 5 to FIG. 8 are flowcharts and sequence diagrams indicating the power source
control method in pre-communication state STl. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are a flowchart
and sequence diagram indicating the power source control method in communicating
state ST2. FIG 11 and FIG. 12 are a flowchart and sequence diagram indicating the
25 power source control method in post-communication state ST3. Here, the dot
hatching in the sequence diagrams indicates an electric wave transmission period.
[0031]
As illustrated in FIG 3, the reader/writer 50 transmits a predetermined
electric wave (a magnetic field is generated) to transmit a polling request. When
30 detecting the predetermined electric wave in pre-communication state STl
(communication standby state), the IC module 10 supplies a transmission start signal
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to the host 20. When receiving the transmission start signal, the host 20 controls
power supply with respect to the IC module 10 in order to shift to communicating
state ST2 (the power supply amount is increased), and initializes communication.
[0032]
5 In communicating state ST2, the IC module 10 receives the polling request
fi-om the reader/writer 50, transmits a polling response to the reader/writer 50 and
thereby establishes communication connection with the reader/writer 50. When the
communication connection is established, the IC module 10 performs writing
processing in cooperation with the host 20 according a vwriting request from the
10 reader/writer 50 and transmits a writing response to the reader/writer 50. Further,
the IC module 10 performs reading processing in cooperation with the host 20
according to a reading request from the reader/writer 50 and transmits a reading
response to the reader/writer 50.
[0033]
15 The reader/writer 50 terminates electric wave transmission to terminate
communication. When the predetermined electric wave is not detected in
communicating state ST2, the IC module 10 supplies a transmission end signal to the
host 20. When receiving the transmission end signal, the host 20 controls power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 (the power supply amount is decreased) in
20 order to shift to post-communication state ST3. In post-communication state ST3,
if the predetermined electric wave is not detected over a predetermined period, the
host 20 resets the power supply with respect to the IC module 10 (the power supply
amount is further decreased) in order to shift to pre-communication state STl
(communication standby state).
25 [0034]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, in pre-communication state STl (communication
standby state), the CE device 30 is in a state where detection is possible and
communication is impossible, and has the smallest power consumption than in the
other states. In communicating state ST2, the CE device 30 is in a state where
30 detection is possible and communication is possible, and has the largest power
consumption than in the other states. In post-communication state ST3, the CE
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device 30 is in a state where detection is possible, power source reset processing is
possible and communication is impossible, and has smaller power consumption.
[0035]
In the power source control method, in pre-communication state STl
5 (communication standby state), when a result of timer determination based on
detection information satisfies a predetermined condition, power supply with respect
to the IC module 10 is controlled (the power supply amount is increased) in order to
shift to communicating state ST2. In communicating state ST2, when a result of
timer determination based on communication information satisfies a predetermined
10 condition, power supply with respect to the IC module 10 is controlled (the power
supply amount is decreased) in order to shift to post-communication state ST3. In
post-communication state ST3, when a result of timer determination based on
detection information satisfies a predetermined condition, power supply with respect
to the IC module 10 is reset (the power supply amount is further decreased) in order
15 to shift to pre-communication state STl (communication standby state).
[0036]
[3-1. Power source control in pre-communication state STl (communication standby
state)]
First, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG 8, the power source control method in
20 pre-communication state STl is described. Here, in pre-communication state STl,
either of the first power source control based on the electric wave transmission
period illustrated in FIG. 5 and FIG 6 or the second power source control based on
the electric wave non-transmission period illustrated in FIG 7 and FIG 8 may be
performed, or both of them may be performed in combination.
25 [0037]
First, with reference to FIG 5 and FIG 6, the first power source control in
pre-communication state STl is described. When being in pre-communication state
STl, the host 20 performs the power source control in pre-communication state STl.
As illustrated in FIG 5, the host 20 determines whether a transmission start signal is
30 received firom the IC module 10 (step Sll), and, when receiVihg the transmission
start signal, performs the following processing. After starting the timer 16
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according to the transmission start signal (step SI2), the host 20 determines whether
a transmission end signal is received from the IC module 10 (step S13). When
receiving the transmission end signal, the host 20 determines whether the timer value
at the time of receiving the transmission end signal satisfies a predetermined
5 condition (step SI4).
[0038]
The host 20 determines whether the timer value, that is, a period from the
electric wave transmission start to the electric wave transmission end corresponds to
a transmission period (second period) of an electric wave at the time of a polling
10 request. Here, the electric wave transmission period (second period) at the time of
the polling request denotes a period in which the polling request is transmitted after
the reader/writer 50 starts electric wave transmission, reception of a polling response
from the IC module 10 is waited over a predetermined period and the electric wave
transmission is terminated. This transmission period is set in advance by a
15 communication protocol.
[0039]
Subsequently, in a case where the timer value satisfies the predetermined
condition, the host 20 controls power supply with respect to the IC module 10 (the
power supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2 (step
20 SI5). In the IC module 10, in response to the power supply, a communication
function can be executed. By contrast, in a case where the timer value do not
satisfy the predetermined condition, the host 20 returns to the processing in step S11
and determines whether a transmission start signal is received.
[0040]
25 As illustrated in FIG 6, in a case where the IC module 10 is in precommunication
state STl, the host 20 performs the power source control method
illustrated in FIG 5. By the way, in pre-communication state STl, there is a case
where the IC module 10 incidentally detects a predetermined electric wave due to
noise mixing or amplitude variation. Also, there is a case where the IC module 10
30 detects a predetermined electric wave which is intermittently transmitted at
predetermined intervals to save the power consumption of the reader/writer 50.
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[0041]
The IC module 10 detects the predetermined electric wave due to the noise
mixing or intermittent transmission. In FIG. 6, electric waves detected due to
mixing of noises 1 and 2 are assumed. In this case, the IC module 10 supplies a
5 transmission start signal to the host 20 and the host 20 starts (or resets the timer value
and restarts) the timer 16 according to the transmission start signal. When the
predetermined electric wave is not detected, the IC module 10 supplies a
transmission end signal to the host 20 and the host 20 determines the timer value
according to the transmission end signal.
10 [0042]
Here, there is a very low possibility that time over which electric waves due
to noise mixing last substantially matches the transmission period of an electric wave
at the time of a polling request (second period). Therefore, even if the
predetermined electric wave is detected due to the noise mixing and the like, the host
15 20 determines that the timer value does not satisfy the predetermined condition.
Therefore, power supply with respect to the IC module 10 is not controlled (the
power supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2.
[0043]
Meanwhile, the IC module 10 detects a predetermined electric wave at the
20 time of a polling request. In FIG 6, the electric wave detected at the time of
transmitting polling request 1 is assumed. Even in this case, the IC module 10
supplies a transmission start signal to the host 20 and the host 20 starts (or resets the
timer value and restarts) the timer 16 according to the transmission start signal.
When the predetermined electric wave is not detected, the IC module 10 supplies a
25 transmission end signal to the host 20 and the host 20 determines the timer value
according to the transmission end signal.
[0044]
Here, the electric wave at the time of the polling request is transmitted over
the transmission period (second period) set by the communication protocol.
30 Therefore, when the predetermined electric wave is detected at the time of polling
request 1, the host 20 determines that the timer value satisfies the predetermined
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condition. Therefore, power supply with respect to the IC module 10 is controlled
(the power supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2.
[0045]
Subsequently, in communicating state ST2, the IC module 10 receives
5 polling request 2 from the reader/writer 50, transmits polling response 2 to the
reader/writer 50 and thereby establishes communication connection with the
reader/writer 50. Here, before shifting to communicating state ST2, since the IC
module 10 is in a state where detection is possible and communication is impossible,
it is not possible to receive the polling request and establish the communication
10 connection with the reader/writer 50.
[0046]
Next, with reference to FIG 7 and FIG 8^ the second power source control
in pre-communication state STl is described. Also, in the following explanation, an
explanation overlapping with FIG 5 and FIG 6 is omitted.
15 [0047]
As illustrated in FIG 7, the host 20 determines whether the transmission end
signal is received from the IC module 10 (step S21), and, when receiving the
transmission end signal, performs the following processing. After starting the timer
16 according to the transmission start signal (step S22), the host 20 determines
20 whether a transmission start signal is received from the IC module 10 (step S23).
When receiving the transmission start signal, the host 20 determines whether the
timer value at the time of receiving the transmission start signal satisfies a
predetermined condition (step S24).
[0048]
25 The host 20 determines whether the timer value, that is, a period from the
electric wave transmission end to the electric wave transmission start corresponds to
a non-transmission period (third period) of electric waves between polling requests in
a case where a polling request is intermittently repeated. Also, the nontransmission
period (third period) of electric waves between polling requests denotes
30 a period until transmission of the next polling request electric wave is started after
the reader/writer 50 starts transmission of the electric wave at the time of the polling
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request. This non-transmission period is set in advance by the communication
protocol.
[0049]
Subsequently, in a case where the timer value satisfies the predetermined
5 condition, the host 20 controls power supply with respect to the IC module 10 (the
power supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2 (step
S25). In the IC module 10, in response to the power supply, a communication
function can be executed. By contrast, in a case where the timer value do not
satisfy the predetermined condition, the host 20 returns to the processing in step S21
10 and determines whether a transmission end signal is received.
[0050]
As illustrated in FIG 8, in a case where the IC module 10 is in precommunication
state STl, the host 20 performs the power source control method
illustrated in FIG. 7. The IC module 10 detects a predetermined electric wave due
15 to noise mixing or intermittent transmission. In FIG 8, electric waves detected due
to mixing of noises 1 and 2 are assumed. In this case, the IC module 10 supplies a
transmission end signal to the host 20 when the predetermined electric wave is not
detected, and starts (or resets the timer value and restarts) the timer 16 according to
the transmission end signal. When the predetermined electric wave is detected
20 again, the IC module 10 supplies a transmission start signal to the host 20 and the
host 20 determines the timer value according to the transmission start signal.
[0051]
Here, there is a very low possibility that the occurrence interval of electronic
waves due to noise mixing or the like substantially matches the non-transmission
25 period (third period) of electric waves between polling requests. Therefore, even if
a predetermined electronic wave is detected due to the noise mixing or the like, the
host 20 determines that the timer value does not satisfy the predetermined condition.
Therefore, power supply with respect to the IC module 10 is not controlled (the
power supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2.
30 [0052]
Meanwhile, the IC module 10 detects a predetermined electric wave at the
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time of a polling request. In FIG 8, the electric wave detected at the time of
transmitting polling request 1 is assumed. Even in this case, the IC module 10
supplies a transmission end signal to the host 20 when the predetermined electronic
wave is not detected, and the host 20 starts (or resets the timer value and restarts) the
5 timer 16 according to the transmission end signal. When the predetermined electric
wave is detected, the IC module 10 supplies a transmission start signal to the host 20
and the host 20 determines the timer value according to the transmission start signal.
[0053]
Here, an intermittent polling request electric wave is transmitted after the
10 lapse of a predetermined non-transmission period (third period) set by the
communication protocol. Therefore, when detecting a predetermined electric wave
of polling request 2 transmitted after the lapse of the predetermined non-transmission
period after the end of transmission of electric waves at the time of polling request 1,
the host 20 determines that the timer value satisfies the predetermined condition.
15 Therefore, power supply with respect to the IC module 10 is controlled (the power
supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2.
[0054]
Subsequently, in communicating state ST2, the IC module 10 receives
polling request 2 jfrom the reader/writer 50, transmits polling response 2 to the
20 reader/writer 50 and thereby establishes communication connection with the
reader/writer 50. Here, before shifting to communicating state ST2, since the IC
module 10 is in a state where detection is possible and communication is impossible,
it is not possible to receive the polling request and establish the communication
connection with the reader/writer 50.
25 [0055]
[3-2. Power source control in communicating state ST2]
Next, with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG 10, the power source control method
in communicating state ST2 is described. When being in communicating state ST2,
the host 20 performs the power source control in communicating state ST2. As
30 illustrated in FIG. 9, the host 20 determines whether it shifts from precommunication
state STl to communicating state ST2 (or whether communication is
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initialized) (step S31), and, when the state shift is caused, the host 20 performs the
following processing. After starting the timer 16 according to the state shift (step
S32), the host 20 determines whether a normal communication packet is not received
from the IC module 10 (step S33). The host 20 returns to step S32 when receiving
5 the normal communication packet, resets the timer value and restarts the timer 16.
The host 20 continuously determines whether the timer value satisfies the
predetermined condition, until receiving the normal communication packet.
[0056]
Here, the communication packet is communication information including a
10 command or data transmitted from the reader/writer 50 to the IC module 10 at the
time of a communication request such as a writing request and a reading request. A
normal communication packet is a communication packet assumed by an application
being executed in the host 20.
[0057]
15 The host 20 determines whether the timer value, that is, a period between
the shift to communicating state ST2 and the first reception of a normal
communication packet or a period between reception of the normal communication
packet and the reception of the next normal comrnunication packet exceeds a
predetermined period (the fourth period). The predetermined period (the fourth
20 period) denotes a period longer than a reception period between the shift to
communicating state ST2 and the reception of a normal communication packet of the
first communication request or a reception period between the reception of a normal
communication packet of a communication request and the reception of a normal
communication request of the next communication request. This predetermined
25 period is set for each application being executed in the CE device 30, and shared
between the CE device 30 and reader/writer 50.
[0058]
Subsequently, in a case where the timer value satisfies the predetermined
condition, the host 20 controls power supply with respect to the IC module 10 (the
30 power supply amount is decreased) in order to shift to post-communication state ST3
(step S35). In the IC module 10, when it shifts to post-communication state ST3, a
^
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communication function cannot be executed. By contrast, in a case where the timer
value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the host 20 returns to the
processing in step S33 and determines whether a normal communication packet is
not received.
5 [0059]
As illustrated in FIG 10, in a case where the IC module 10 is in
communicating state ST2, the host 20 performs the power source control method
illustrated in FIG 9. By the way, in communicating state ST2, the IC module 10
has to continuously receive power supply over a period assumed in data
10 communication. However, before communication with the reader/writer 50 is
terminated, when an electric wave from a different reader/writer 50 that is executing
a different application is detected, there is a case where power supply may be
erroneously continued though it is not possible to establish communication
connection. Also, in the setting to continue power supply for a certain period, when
15 the setting supporting data retransmission or the change in a processing period is
adopted, there is a case where power supply is excessively continued.
[0060]
In pre-communication state STl, when detecting an electric wave satisfying
the predetermined condition described in the power source control method in pre-
20 communication state STl, the IC module 10 supplies a transmission start signal to
the host 20, and the host 20 controls power supply with respect to the IC module 10
(the power supply amount is increased) in order to shift to communicating state ST2.
When the shift to communicating state ST2 is caused, the host 20 starts the timer 16
according to the state shift. The host 20 continuously determines whether the timer
25 value satisfies the predetermined condition, until receiving a normal communication
packet from the communicating reader/writer 50.
[0061]
When receiving a polling request from the reader/writer 50, the IC module
10 transmits a polling response to the reader/writer 50. When the IC module 10
30 receives a writing request from the reader/writer 50, after a communication packet
following an interrupt signal is supplied to the host 20, a communication packet for
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transmission is supplied from the host 20 and a writing response is transmitted to
reader/writer 50. Also, when the IC module 10 receives a reading request from the
reader/writer 50, after a communication packet following an interrupt signal is
supplied to the host 20, a communication packet for transmission is supplied from
5 the host 20 and a readirig response is transmitted to reader/writer 50. In
communicating state ST2, when the IC module 10 does not detect a predetermined
electric wave, a transmission end signal is supplied to the host 20.
. [0062]
Here, after shifting to communicating state ST2, the host 20 receives a
10 normal communication packet in a predetermined period, and, after receiving the
normal communication packet, receives the next normal communication packet
within a predetermined period (the fourth period). In FIG 10, communication
packets at the writing time and reading time are received as normal communication
packets. Subsequently, every time the normal communication packet is received,
15 the timer value is reset and the timer 16 is restarted. Therefore, if the
communication packet is received from the communicating reader/writer 50, the host
20 determines that the timer value does not satisfy the predetermined condition.
Therefore, in order to shift to post-communieation state ST3, power supply with
respect to the IC module 10 is not controlled (the power supply amount is decreased).
20 [0063]
Meanwhile, when the host 20 does not receive a communication packet
from the communicating reader/writer 50 or receives a communication packet from a
different reader/writer 50, it is not possible to receive the normal communication
packet within a predetermined period (the fourth period). FIG. 10 assumes a case
25 where a communication packet cannot be acquired from the communicating
reader/writer 50 in addition to a communication packet at the time of a reading
request. Then, the host 20 cannot reset the timer value, a predetermined period (the
fourth period) passes, and it determines that the timer value satisfies the
predetermined condition. Here, even in a case where a communication packet is
30 received from a different reader/writer 50, since it is not a normal communication
packet, the host 20 determines that the timer value satisfies a predetermined
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condition. Therefore, in order to shift to post-communication state ST3, power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 is controlled (the power supply amount is
decreased).
[0064]
5 [3-3. Power source control in post-communication state ST3]
Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the power source control
method in post-communication state ST3 is described. When the host 20 is in postcommunication
state ST3, it performs the power source control in postcommunication
state ST3. As illustrated in FIG 11, the host 20 determines whether
10 the shift from communicating state ST2 to post-communication state ST3 is caused
(step S41), and, when the shift to post-communication state ST3 is caused, performs
the following processing. After starting the timer 16 according to the state shift
(step S42), the host 20 determines whether a transmission start signal is not received
from the IC module 10 (step S43). When receiving the transmission start signal, the
15 host 20 returns to step S42, resets the timer value and restarts the timer 16. The
host 20 continuously determines whether the timer value satisfies the predetermined
condition until receiving the transmission start signal (step S44).
[0065]
The host 20 determines whether the timer value, that is, a period between
20 the shift to post-communication state ST3 and the, reception of the first electric wave
or a period to receive electric waves that are intermittently transmitted exceeds a
predetermined period (the first period). The predetermined period (the first period)
denotes a period longer than a period between the shift to post-communication state
ST3 and the start of electric wave transmission at the time of a polling request or a
25 period longer than a period between the start of electric wave transmission at the
time of a polling request and the start of an electric wave transmission at the time of
the next polling request. Here, the electric wave transmission interval at the time of
a polling request is set in advance by the communication protocol and the
predetermined period is shared between the CE device 30 and the reader/writer 50.
30 [0066]
Subsequently, in a case where the timer value satisfies a predetermined
#
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condition, in order to shift to pre-communication state STl, the host 20 resets power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 (step S45). In the IC module 10, when the
power supply is reset, only a detection function can be performed. Meanwhile, in a
case where the timer value does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the host 20
5 returns to the processing in step S43 and determines whether a transmission start
signal is received.
[0067]
As illustrated in FIG 12, in a case where the IC module 10 is in postcommunication
state ST3, the host 20 performs the power source control method
10 illustrated in FIG H- By the way, in post-communication state STB, even if the CE
device 30 is to shift to pre-communication state STl (communication standby state)
after communication with the reader/writer 50 is finished, when a polling request
electric wave transmitted from the reader/writer 50 is detected to detect other
communication parties, there is a case where power supply may be continued.
15 Especially, when the CE device 30 is left at the position in which the electric wave
from the reader/writer 50 can be detected, it is not possible to semipermanently shift
to pre-communication state STl and the power source is wasted for a long period.
[0068]
In communicating state ST2, when detecting the transmission end of a
20 predetermined elecfric wave, the IC module 10 supplies a fransmission end signal to
the host 20. When receiving the fransmission end signal, the host 20 controls power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 (the power supply amount is decreased) in
order to shift to post-communication state ST3.
[0069]
25 When the shift to post-communication state ST3 is caused, the host 20 starts
the timer 16 according to the state shift. When detecting the predetermined electric
wave to fransmit the polling request, the IC module 10 supplies a transmission start
signal to the host 20. The host 20 continuously determines whether the timer value
satisfies the predetermined condition, until receiving the transmission start signal.
30 When receiving the fransmission start signal, the host 20 resets the timer value and
restarts the timer 16. Also, although the detection of the presence of a simple
#
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electric wave can be performed by the detection result in the detection unit 12, the
detection of the transmission start and transmission end of electric waves can be
determined by comparison with detection information on the previous electric wave
, in the host 20.
5 [0070]
Here, in a case where the CE device 30 is in the position in which it is
possible to detect the electric wave of the reader/writer 50, after shifting to postcommunication
state ST3, the host 20 receives the transmission start signal within a
predetermined period (the first period), and, after receiving the transmission start
10 signal, receives the next transmission start signal within the predetermined period
(the first period). In FIG. 10, the transmission start signals are received at the time
of transmission of polling requests 1 and 2. Subsequently, every time the
transmission start signal is received, the timer value is reset and the timer 16 is
restarted. Therefore, in a case where the CE device 30 is in the position in which it
15 is possible to detect the electric wave of the reader/writer 50, the host 20 determines
that the timer value does not satisfy the predetermined condition. Therefore, in
order to shift to pre-communication state STl (communication standby state), power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 is not reset (the power supply amount is
further decreased).
20 [0071]
Meanwhile, in a case where the CE 30 is moved to a position in which it is
not possible to detect the electric wave of the reader/writer 50, after shifting to postcommunication
state ST3, the host 20 cannot receive the first transmission start
signal within the predetermined period (the first period), or, after receiving the
25 transmission start signal, cannot receive the next transmission start signal within the
predetermined period (the first period). In FIG 10, it is not possible to receive a
transmission start signal after transmission of polling request 2. Then, the host 20
cannot reset the timer value, the predetermined period (the first period) passes and it
determines that the timer value satisfies the predetermined condition. Therefore, in
30 order to shift to pre-communication state STl (communication standby state), power
supply with respect to the IC module 10 is reset (the power supply amount is further
. ^ .
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decreased).
[0072]
[4. Summary]
As described above, according to the power source control method
5 according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the IC module 10, when a
result of timer determination based on detection information satisfies a
predetermined condition in a state (pre-communication state STl) to wait for the start
of communication, power supply is controlled (the power supply amount is
increased) to start communication. By this means, even if an electric wave is
10 detected due to noise mixing or the like in pre-communication state STl, the power
supply amount is not increased to start communication as long as the predetermined
condition is not satisfied. Also, the same applies to a case where an electric wave
that is intermittently transmitted is detected.
[0073]
15 Also, in a state to start communication (communicating state ST2), when a
result of timer determination based on communication information satisfies a
predetermined condition, power supply is controlled (the power supply amount is
decreased) to terminate communication. By this means, even if an electric wave is
detected from a different external apparatus in communicating state ST2, since the
20 predetermined condition is satisfied, power supply is not erroneously continued.
Also, if a normal communication packet is not received within a predetermined
period, since power supply is controlled to terminate communication (the power
supply amount is decreased), it is not necessary to continue the power supply for a
certain period.
25 [0074]
Also, in a state in which communication is terminated (post-communication
state ST3), when a result of timer determination based on detection information
satisfies a predetermined condition, it shifts to pre-communication state STl and
power supply is reset to wait for the start of communication. By this means, even if
30 a polling request electric wave directed to other communication parties is detected in
post-communication state ST3, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the
SP320751WO00
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power supply amount is not increased to start communication.
[0075]
Therefore, by suppressing unnecessary power supply in pre-communication
state STl (communication standby state), communicating state ST2 and post-
5 communication state ST3, it is possible to efficiently supply a driving power source
to the IC module 10.
[0076]
The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described
above with reference to the accompanying drawings, whilst the present invention is
10 not limited to the above examples, of course. A person skilled in the art may find
various alternations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and
it should be understood that they will naturally come under the technical scope of the
present invention.
15 Reference Signs List
20
25
[0077]
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
20
30
50
IC module
antenna coil
detection unit
communication unit
control unit
power source supply unit
timer
host (control unit)
CE device
reader/writer

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CLAIMS
Claim 1
An information processing apparatus comprising:
an IC module that performs communication with an external apparatus;
5 a detection unit that detects an electric wave;
a timer that measures a time course after being started;
a power supply unit that supplies a power source to the IC module; and
a control unit that controls a supply amount of the power source based on a
detection result of the electric wave and a determination result of a value of the timer,
10 wherein the control unit starts the timer after terminating communication
with the external apparatus, restarts the timer every time a transmission start of an
electric wave is detected, in response to detection of an electric wave received from
an outside at a predetermined interval in the detection unit, and, when the
transmission start of the electric wave is not detected and the timer finds a lapse of a
15 first period longer than the predetermined interval, resets a power supply to the IC
module in a manner that the information processing apparatus shifts to a
communication standby state before a start of communication.
Claim 2
20 The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein, before starting communication with the external apparatus, the
control vmit causes the timer to measure a period until detection of a transmission end
after detection of the transmission start of the electric wave, and, when the timer
finds a lapse of a second period equivalent to a transmission period of an electric
25 wave corresponding to a polling request, controls a power supply amount to the IC
module to start the communication with the external apparatus.
Claims
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
30 wherein, before starting communication with the external apparatus, the
control unit causes the timer to measure a period until detection of a transmission
SP320751WO00
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start after detection of a transmission end of an electric wave, and, when the timer
finds a lapse of a third period equivalent to a non-transmission period of ah electric
wave between polling requests that are intermittently transmitted, controls a power
supply amount to the IC module to the start the communication with the external
5 apparatus.
Claim 4
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the control unit starts the timer at a time of a start of the
10 communication with the external apparatus, restarts the timer every time the IC
module receives an appropriate communication packet from the external apparatus,
and, when the appropriate communication data is not received and the timer finds a
lapse of a fourth period longer than a reception period defined by an application
being executed in the control unit, controls a power supply amount to the IC module
15 to terminate the communication with the external apparatus.
Claims
A power source control method of an information processing apparatus,
comprising:
20 starting a timer wheri communication with an external apparatus through an
IC module is terminated;
restarting the timer every time a transmission start of an electric wave is
detected in response to a polling request transmitted from the external apparatus at a
predetermined interval; and
25 resetting a power supply to the IC module in order to shift to a
communication standby state before a start of communication when the transmission
start of the electric wave is not detected and the timer finds a lapse of a first period
longer than the predetermined interval. .
30 Claim 6
A program that causes a computer to execute a power source control method
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of an information processing apparatus, comprising:
starting a timer when communication with an external apparatus through an
IC module is terminated;
restarting the timer every time a transmission start of an electric wave is
5 detected in response to detection of an electric wave received from an outside at a
predetermined interval; and
resetting a power supply to the IC module in a manner that the information
processing apparatus shifts a communication standby state before a start of
communication when the transmission start of the electric wavQ is not detected and
10 the timer finds a lapse of a first period longer than the predetermined interval.