Card reader controller

The present invention relates to a card reader control device that adjusts a card reader that communicates with a card in a non-contact manner using radio waves.

Currently, various types of combinations of contactless IC card readers and IC cards with different communication conditions such as modulation method and coding type are provided. However, since the communication conditions such as the modulation method and the type of coding are different, the IC card reader cannot communicate with all types of IC cards. For example, in a tenant building, an IC card reader may be installed near the entrance / exit of the tenant building to monitor the entry and exit of people by reading the data recorded on the IC card. In this case, a card with different communication conditions may be adopted for each tenant, and for the reasons described above, an IC card reader corresponding to each IC card adopted by the tenant must be prepared. At this time, the antennas of each IC card reader are installed close to each other so that the tenants of the tenant building do not have to think about which IC card reader is compatible with their own IC card and hold the IC card over. It is conceivable that a person can hold the IC card in almost the same position regardless of the type of IC card.

However, when multiple IC card readers are installed close to each other, the communication between the IC card reader and the IC card is affected by the radio waves output by another IC card reader, and the IC card reader is recorded on the IC card. It may not be possible to read the data correctly. The following technologies are known to solve this problem. When the IC card reader cannot read data from the IC card due to interference from another IC card reader, the frequency of the carrier wave output by the IC card reader is changed. As a result, the frequency domain of the sideband including the signal component is moved, and the influence of radio waves output by other card readers is reduced (see, for example, Patent Document 1).<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-358608</text></patcit>

<p> However, since the above-mentioned conventional mechanism requires that the IC card reader can output carrier waves of a plurality of frequencies, radio wave interference between IC card readers whose carrier wave frequencies cannot be changed is caused. It cannot be applied when avoiding it. Therefore, the present invention provides a card reader control device capable of avoiding a situation in which a card reader is interfered with by another card reader and cannot communicate with the card without changing the frequency of the carrier wave. The purpose.</p>

<p> In order to achieve the above object, the card reader control device of the present invention has a plurality of card readers arranged at positions where the communication conditions of non-contact communication with the card using radio waves are different from each other and can interfere with each other. In the card reader control device that adjusts the above, the reception means that accepts the designation of one card reader from the plurality of the card readers, the card reader received by the reception means, and the card reading range of the card reader exists. The detection means for detecting the communication quality of the communication performed with the card, the determination means for determining whether or not the communication quality detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, and the determination. When it is determined by the means that the communication quality is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the transmission power of a card reader other than the card reader received by the reception means may be lower than that at the time of detection, or the reception may be performed. It is characterized by including a power setting means for setting the transmission power so that the transmission power of the card reader received by the means is larger than that at the time of detection.</p>

<p> According to the above-mentioned card reader control device, if the communication quality of the communication between the designated card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, it becomes a noise source from the viewpoint of the designated card reader. The transmission power of the card reader is reduced so that the power level of the noise received by the specified card reader is lowered. Alternatively, the transmission power of the designated card reader is increased so that the power level of the signal received by the designated card reader is increased. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave.</p><p> Further, the card reader control device of the present invention is a card that adjusts a plurality of card readers arranged at positions where the communication conditions of non-contact communication with the card using radio waves are different from each other and can interfere with each other. In the reader control device, between a reception means that accepts the designation of one card reader from a plurality of the card readers, the card reader received by the reception means, and a card existing in the card reading range of the card reader. A detection means for detecting the communication quality of the communication to be performed, a determination means for determining whether or not the communication quality detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined communication quality, and the communication quality by the determination means. When it is determined that the communication quality is less than or equal to the predetermined communication quality, the modulation speed for switching the transmission data performed by the card reader received by the reception means is changed so as to be different from the modulation speed at the time of detection, and the modulation speed is set. It is characterized in that it is provided with a modulation speed setting means for performing the above. The modulation speed is a symbol rate for transmitting transmission data, and the modulation speed changes depending on the number of times the symbol is switched per unit time. A symbol is one-bit or multiple-bit data transmitted in one modulation.</p><p> According to the above-mentioned card reader control device, if the communication quality of the communication between the specified card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the modulation speed of the specified card reader is changed. .. By changing the modulation speed, for example, if the frequency domain of the sideband moves to the frequency domain where the power level of the radio wave output by the card reader, which is a noise source, is low, the sidewave containing the signal component in the specified card reader. The power level of noise in the frequency domain of the band decreases. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave.</p><p> Further, in the above-mentioned card reader control device, the modulation speed setting means changes the modulation speed by slowing down the modulation speed, and the receiving means accepts the change according to the modulation speed after the change by the modulation speed setting means. A power setting means for setting the transmission power so that the transmission power of the card reader is larger than that at the time of detection may be further provided. According to this, while slowing down the modulation speed and moving the frequency domain of the sideband of the specified card reader, the transmission power of the specified card reader is increased so that the power level of the received signal is increased. ing. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the card reader is interfered with by another card reader and cannot communicate with the card.</p><p> Currently, the Radio Law sets an upper limit for the power level in the sideband with respect to the modulation speed for inductive read / write communication equipment, and as the modulation speed slows down, the upper limit for the power level in the sideband gradually increases. It is stipulated to be large. The above configuration is also in line with the regulations regarding inductive read / write communication equipment of the Radio Law. Further, the card reader control device of the present invention is a card that adjusts a plurality of card readers arranged at positions where the communication conditions of non-contact communication with the card using radio waves are different from each other and can interfere with each other. In the reader control device, between a reception means that accepts the designation of one card reader from a plurality of the card readers, the card reader received by the reception means, and a card existing in the card reading range of the card reader. A detection means for detecting the communication quality of the communication to be performed, a determination means for determining whether or not the communication quality detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined communication quality, and the communication quality by the determination means. When it is determined that the communication quality is lower than the predetermined communication quality, the output timing of the card reader received by the reception means is changed so as to be different from the output timing at the time of detection, and the output timing is set. It is characterized in that it is provided with a timing setting means for performing.</p><p> According to the above card reader control device, if the communication quality of the communication between the specified card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the specified card reader outputs radio waves. Change the timing so that it deviates from the output timing of the card reader, which is a noise source when viewed from the specified card reader. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave.</p><p> Further, in each of the above card reader control devices, the detection means detects the communication quality by calculating an error rate which is an index related to the communication quality, and the determination means determines the error rate in advance. When the threshold value is exceeded, it may be determined that the communication quality is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality. As a result, it is possible to realize a form of determining whether or not the communication quality is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality.</p><p> Further, the card reader control device of the present invention controls a plurality of card readers arranged at positions where the communication conditions of non-contact communication with the card using radio waves are different from each other and can interfere with each other. In the reader control device, the transmission power of the detection means for detecting the card reader communicating with the card from among the plurality of the card readers and the transmission power of the card readers other than the card reader detected by the detection means is reduced. It is characterized by being provided with a power control means for controlling transmission power. Note that "communication" means that communication has progressed to a predetermined stage such as a stage where a communication link has been established between the card reader and the card.</p><p> According to the above-mentioned card reader control device, if one card reader among a plurality of card readers starts communication with a card, the transmission power of the other card readers that becomes a noise source from the viewpoint of the card reader that started communication. Lowers the power level of noise received by the specified card reader. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave.</p>

&lt;&lt; First Embodiment &gt;&gt; Hereinafter, the card reader control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the card reader control device according to the first embodiment, the communication quality of communication with the card by the card reader receiving interference from other card readers at the time of introduction or maintenance of a plurality of card readers is predetermined. The transmission power of the card reader is adjusted so that the communication quality does not fall below the required communication quality. However, the transmission power level of the card reader refers to the output power level of the carrier wave, and the same applies to other cases. &lt;Overall Configuration&gt; The configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device in the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship in which the antenna coils of the non-contact IC card readers of FIG. 1 are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 1, the card reader 100 includes a card reader control device 110 and IC card readers (hereinafter referred to as card readers) 120 and 130 provided with antenna coils (hereinafter referred to as antennas) 126 and 136. , It is equipped with an operation unit 140 and an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 150. The card reader control device 110 adjusts the transmission power of the card readers 120 and 130, and sets the transmission power of the card readers 120 and 130 during the operation of the card reader 100.

The card readers 120 and 130 constantly output radio waves and communicate with an IC card (hereinafter abbreviated as a card) existing in the card reading range of the own device by non-contact using radio waves. Communication conditions such as the type of encoding are different from each other. As shown in FIG. 2, the antennas 126 and 136 are arranged close to each other so as to overlap each other in a plane when viewed in the direction of arrow A in the drawing. Therefore, the antenna 136 is interfered by the electromagnetic wave 126EM radiated from the antenna 126, and the antenna 126 is interfered by the electromagnetic wave 136EM radiated from the antenna 136. However, the card readers 120 and 130 communicate with the card having the antenna 176 at a close position where the antennas 126 and 136 overlap in a plane when viewed in the direction of arrow A. The positional relationship between the antennas provided in the card reader in the card reader in the second to fifth embodiments described later is the same as the positional relationship between the antennas shown in FIG.

The operation unit 140 is an input device of the card reading device 100, and includes a numeric keypad, a confirmation key, a mode switching key, and the like. The mode switching key is a key that is pressed when the operation of the card reader 100 is set to the adjustment mode for adjusting the card readers 120 and 130, and when the adjustment mode is canceled. The LED150 consists of multiple LEDs. In the adjustment mode, an LED that lights up if the communication quality of the communication between the card reader and the card exceeds the predetermined communication quality (hereinafter referred to as the adjusted notification LED), the predetermined communication. An LED that lights up if the quality is below (hereinafter referred to as an unadjusted notification LED) is assigned.

An upper control device 160 is connected to the card reader 100. For example, in the host control device 160, the identification numbers read from the cards by the card readers 120 and 130 are input from the card readers 120 and 130. If the input identification number matches any of the registration numbers stored in advance in the database in the storage device (not shown), the host controller 160 unlocks the electrically controllable entry / exit door for a certain period of time. .. &lt;Card reader control device configuration&gt; As shown in FIG. 1, the card reader control device 110 includes a mode switching unit 111, a reception unit 112, a detection unit 113, a determination unit 114, a power setting unit 115, and a notification control unit 116. ..

The mode switching unit 111 sets the operation of the card reading device 100 to the adjustment mode when the card reading device 100 is operating in a mode other than the adjustment mode, based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140. , Cancel the adjustment mode when operating in the adjustment mode. The reception unit 112 receives the designation of the card reader among the card readers 120 and 130 based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 in the adjustment mode. For example, an identification number for identifying the card reader is stored in a memory (not shown) for each card reader, and the operator can specify the card reader by inputting the identification number using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 140. It can be realized by doing.

The detection unit 113 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader and the card that has been designated by the reception unit 112, and detects the communication quality of the communication performed between the two. The error rate is calculated based on the correctness of the card reply data for the transmission data sent to the card by the card reader input from the card reader that accepted the designation, and the number of incorrect reply data for the number of transmission data transmitted. It is done by calculating the ratio. It should be noted that the incorrect reply data includes the case where there is no reply data.

The determination unit 114 determines whether or not the error rate calculated by the detection unit 113 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value stored in a memory (not shown), and if the error rate exceeds the threshold value, communication is performed. It is judged that the quality is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality. When the determination unit 114 determines that the error rate exceeds the threshold value, the power setting unit 115 sets the transmission power level to 1 (dB) for a card reader other than the card reader specified by the reception unit 112. ) Output the control signal to lower. The power setting unit 115 outputs a control signal to a card reader other than the card reader that has received the designation, and thereby determines the transmission power level of the card reader other than the card reader that has received the designation from the transmission power at the time of detection. (dB) Set to a low transmission power level.

When the determination unit 114 determines that the error rate exceeds the threshold value, the notification control unit 116 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150, and the determination unit 114 determines that the error rate is below the threshold value. In that case, the adjusted notification LED of LED150 is turned on. &lt;Card Reader Configuration&gt; Hereinafter, the configuration of the card reader 120 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a device configuration of the card reader 120 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the card reader 120 includes a control circuit 121, a modulation circuit 122, an RF (Radio Frequency) transmission circuit 123, an RF reception circuit 124, a demodulation circuit 125, and an antenna 126. The control circuit 121 controls the card reader 120 in various ways. The control circuit 121 internally holds the initial values of the transmission power level and the modulation speed, and the transmission held internally based on the control signal input from the power setting unit 115 of the card reader control device 110. Change the power level to the transmission power level lowered by 1 (dB) and hold it. The control circuit 121 generates the data to be transmitted and encodes the data to be transmitted, switches the data of the transmission data at the modulation speed held inside, and supplies the data to the modulation circuit 122. Further, the control circuit 121 outputs the level of the transmitted power held by the control circuit 121 to the RF transmission circuit 123. Further, the control circuit 121 decodes the reply data input from the demodulation circuit 125.

The modulation circuit 122 uses transmission data supplied from the control circuit 121 to perform a carrier wave (for example, a carrier wave having a frequency of 13.56 (MHz)) in a predetermined modulation method (for example, an ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) method having a modulation factor of 100 (%)). Modulate with. The RF transmission circuit 123 adjusts the magnitude of the current flowing through the antenna 126 so that the power level of the carrier wave matches the level of the transmission power input from the control circuit 121, and radiates the transmission data from the antenna 126.

The RF receiving circuit 124 amplifies the reply data input from the card via the antenna 126, filters it with a bandwidth filter according to the modulation speed to limit the bandwidth, and the demodulation circuit 125 is processed by the RF receiving circuit 124. The reply data of is demodulated, and the reply data after demodulation is output to the control circuit 121. The card reader 130 differs from the card reader 120 in communication conditions such as the modulation method and the type of coding, but the parts related to the present invention are substantially the same as those of the card reader 120, and the description thereof will be omitted. .. For example, the modulation method of the card reader 130 is the ASK method having a modulation factor of 10 (%). &lt;Card Configuration&gt; Hereinafter, the configuration of the card 170 in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a device configuration of the card 170 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the card 170 performs load modulation, and includes a storage device 171, a demodulation circuit 172, a control circuit 173, a modulation circuit 174, a power generation circuit 175, and an antenna 176. The storage device 171 stores an identification number uniquely assigned to the card 170, a pair of its own public key and private key, a modulation speed, and the like.

The demodulation circuit 172 demodulates the transmission data from the card reader received by the antenna 176 and outputs it to the control circuit 173. The control circuit 173 decodes and decodes the demodulated transmission data input from the demodulation circuit 172, extracts the identification number from the storage device 171 and encodes it based on the decoded transmission data, and outputs the reply data. Generate. Then, the control circuit 173 switches the data of the reply data at the modulation speed stored in the storage device 171 and supplies the data to the modulation circuit 174. The modulation circuit 174 modulates a subcarrier (for example, a subcarrier with a frequency of 847.5 (kHz)) with the reply data input from the control circuit 173, and the reply after modulation by the carrier in the unmodulated section received by the antenna 176. Data is transmitted from antenna 176.

The power generation circuit 175 generates electric power to be used in the card 170 from the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna 176 and supplies the electric power to each part. &lt;Communication between card reader and card&gt; The outline of communication between the card reader 120 and the card 170 is described below.

The control circuit 121 of the card reader 120 generates the data to be transmitted and encodes the data to be transmitted, switches the data of the transmission data at the modulation speed, and supplies the data to the modulation circuit 122. The modulation circuit 122 modulates the carrier wave with the transmission data supplied from the control circuit 121, and the RF transmission circuit 123 adjusts the magnitude of the current flowing through the antenna 126 according to the level of the transmission power input from the control circuit 121. Send Send data.

The card 170 generates electric power from the electromagnetic wave received by the antenna 176 by the power generation circuit 175, and supplies electric power to each part from the power generation circuit 175. As a result, each part is activated. The demodulation circuit 172 demodulates the transmission data from the card reader, and the control circuit 173 decodes and decodes the demodulated transmission data. Then, the control circuit 173 generates reply data based on the decoded transmission data, switches the reply data data at the modulation speed, and supplies the reply data to the modulation circuit 174. The modulation circuit 174 modulates the subcarrier with the reply data, and transmits the modulated reply data from the antenna 176 with the carrier wave in the unmodulated section.

When the card reader 120 receives the reply data from the card 170 by the antenna 126, the RF receiving circuit 124 amplifies the received reply data, and the demodulation circuit 125 demodulates the processed reply data. Then, the control circuit 121 decodes the reply data after demodulation. When the card reading device 100 is operating in the adjustment mode, the control circuit 121 determines whether the reply data for the transmission data is correct or incorrect based on the decoded reply data, and outputs the determination result to the card reader control device 110. &lt;Operation of the card reader control device&gt; Hereinafter, the adjustment operation for adjusting the transmission power of the card reader performed by the card reader control device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card reader adjustment operation performed by the card reader control device of the present embodiment.

In order to set the transmission power during operation of the card readers 120 and 130 of the card reader 110, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140. The mode switching unit 111 sets the operation of the card reading device 100 to the adjustment mode for adjusting the transmission power of the card readers 120 and 130 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S101).

After pressing the mode switching key, the operator inputs the identification number of the card reader 120 using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 140 to specify the card reader 120. The reception unit 112 accepts the designation of the card reader 120 based on the pressing signal input from the operation unit 140 (step S102). The operator holds the card corresponding to the designated card reader 120 over the card reading range of the card reader 120. After a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed after receiving the designation of the card reader or turning on the LED for unadjusted notification of the LED 150, the card reader 120 performs the card reader 120 multiple times for the cards existing in the card reading range. Sends the send data and receives the reply data to it. Then, the card reader 120 determines whether the reply data is correct or incorrect, and outputs the determination result to the card reader control device 110. The detection unit 113 calculates the error rate of communication between the card reader 120 and the card based on the determination result input from the card reader 120 (step S103). The determination unit 114 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S103 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S104).

When it is determined that the error rate calculated in step S104 exceeds the threshold value (S104: NO), the power setting unit 115 transmits the power level to the card readers 130 other than the card reader 120 received in step S102. Outputs a control signal that lowers the value by 1 (dB) (step S105). By this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 130 changes the level of the transmission power held internally to a value lowered by 1 (dB) and holds it. The notification control unit 116 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S106) and returns to step S103 in order to notify the operator that the adjustment has not been completed.

When it is determined in step S104 that the error rate is below the threshold value (S104: YES), the notification control unit 116 sets the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 to notify the operator that the adjustment has been completed. The light is turned on (step S107), and the process proceeds to step S108. After the adjusted notification LED is lit, the operator inputs the identification number of the card reader 130 using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 140 to specify the card reader 130. The reception unit 112 accepts the designation of the card reader 130 based on the pressing signal input from the operation unit 140 (step S108).

The operator holds the card corresponding to the designated card reader 130 over the card reading range of the card reader 130. A predetermined time after receiving the designation of the card reader or turning on the LED for unadjusted notification of the LED 150, the card reader 130 transmits the transmission data to the cards existing in the card reading range multiple times. Receive reply data for this. Then, the card reader 130 determines whether the reply data is correct or incorrect, and outputs the determination result to the card reader control device 110. The detection unit 113 calculates the error rate of communication between the card reader 130 and the card based on the determination result input from the card reader 130 (step S109). The determination unit 114 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S109 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S110).

When it is determined in step S110 that the calculated error rate exceeds the threshold value (S110: NO), the power setting unit 115 transmits the transmission power to the card reader 120 other than the card reader 130 received in step S108. Output a control signal that lowers the level by 1 (dB) (step S111). By this control signal, the control circuit 121 of the card reader 120 changes the level of the transmission power held internally to a value lowered by 1 (dB) and holds it. The notification control unit 116 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S112), and returns to step S109.

When it is determined in step S110 that the error rate is equal to or less than the threshold value (S110: YES), the notification control unit 116 turns on the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S113), and proceeds to the process of step S114. After the adjusted notification LED is turned on, the operator checks whether the communication quality of the communication with the card by the card reader 120 first specified by the processing of steps S108 to S113 is lower than the predetermined communication quality. In order to confirm, the identification number of the card reader 120 is input using the numeric keypad of the operation unit 140 to specify the card reader 120. The reception unit 112 accepts the designation of the card reader 120 based on the pressing signal input from the operation unit 140 (step S114).

The operator holds the card corresponding to the designated card reader 120 over the card reading range of the card reader 120, and the card reading device 100 performs substantially the same processing as in step S103, and the detection unit 113 Calculate the error rate of communication between the card reader 120 and the card (step S115). The determination unit 114 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S115 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S116).

When it is determined in step S116 that the error rate is below the threshold value (S116: YES), the notification control unit 116 sets the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 to notify the operator that the adjustment has been completed. Turn it on (step S117). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 111 releases the adjustment mode of the card reading device 100 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S119). , End the process. The card readers 120 and 130 output radio waves at the transmission power level set by the above process when the card reader 100 is in operation.

When it is determined in step S116 that the error rate exceeds the threshold value (S116: NO), the notification control unit 116 informs the operator that the adjustment has been completed, and the LED for unadjusted notification of the LED 150. Is lit (step S118). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 111 releases the adjustment mode of the card reading device 100 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S119). , End the process.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, if the communication quality of the communication between the designated card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the designated card reader The transmission power of the card reader, which is a noise source, is reduced, and the power level of the noise received by the specified card reader is lowered. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave. &lt;&lt; Second Embodiment &gt;&gt; Hereinafter, the card reader control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The first method is to prevent the communication quality of communication between the card reader and the card from being interfered with by other card readers at the time of introduction or maintenance of multiple card readers so that the communication quality does not fall below the predetermined communication quality. The card reader control device in the second embodiment adjusts the transmission power of the card reader, whereas the card reader control device in the second embodiment adjusts the modulation speed of the card reader. &lt;Overall configuration&gt; The configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device in the present embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The card reader 200 includes a card reader control device 210, card readers 220 and 230 equipped with antennas 226 and 236, an operation unit 140, and an LED 150, and the card reader 200 is connected to the host control device 160. Has been done. The level of the transmission power held in the control circuit by the card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment is changed based on the control signal from the card reader 110. On the other hand, the card readers 220 and 230 include the modulation speed held in the control circuit in the control signal based on the control signal from the modulation speed setting unit 215 described later of the card reader control device 210. Change to. When the modulation speed is changed, the card readers 220 and 230 switch the transmission data at the changed modulation speed. The other functions are the same as those of the card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment. &lt;Card reader controller configuration&gt; As shown in FIG. 6, the card reader control device 210 includes a mode switching unit 211, a reception unit 212, a detection unit 213, a determination unit 214, a modulation speed setting unit 215, and a notification control unit 216. The mode switching unit 211, the reception unit 212, the detection unit 213, the judgment unit 214, and the notification control unit 216 are the mode switching unit 111, the reception unit 112, the detection unit 113, and the judgment unit 114 of the first embodiment, respectively. And the same as the notification control unit 116, and the description of the first embodiment can be applied, so the description thereof will be omitted.

The modulation speed setting unit 215 internally holds numerical data (106ksps, 212ksps, 424ksps, 848ksps) indicating a plurality of modulation speeds. When the determination unit 214 determines that the error rate exceeds the threshold value, the modulation speed setting unit 215 has a modulation speed that is one step slower than the modulation speed at the time of detection for the card reader that has received the designation by the reception unit 212. Outputs a control signal including (among the numerical data indicating the modulation speed held internally, which is smaller than the numerical data indicating the modulation speed at the time of detection and indicating the maximum modulation speed). .. By outputting a control signal to the card reader that has received the designation, the modulation speed setting unit 215 sets the modulation speed of the card reader that has received the designation to a modulation speed that is one step slower than the modulation speed at the time of detection. By using the modulation speeds in descending order, the operator who adjusts the card reader 200 can know the modulation speeds used by the card readers 220 and 230 during the adjustment work. &lt;Operation of card reader controller&gt; Hereinafter, the adjustment operation for adjusting the modulation speed of the card reader performed by the card reader control device 210 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card reader adjustment operation performed by the card reader control device of the present embodiment.

The mode switching unit 211 sets the operation of the card reader 200 to the adjustment mode for adjusting the modulation speeds of the card readers 220 and 230 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S201). The reception unit 212 accepts the designation of the card reader 220 designated by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S202).

The operator holds a card having the same modulation speed as the current modulation speed of the card reader 220 corresponding to the specified card reader 220 over the card reading range of the card reader 220. Substantially the same processing as in step S103 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 200, and the detection unit 213 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 220 and the card. (Step S203). The determination unit 214 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S203 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S204).

When it is determined that the error rate calculated in step S204 exceeds the threshold value (S204: NO), the modulation speed setting unit 215 is one step higher than the modulation speed at the time of detection for the card reader 220 received in step S202. Output a control signal containing a slow modulation rate (step S205). With this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 220 changes the modulation speed held inside to a modulation speed one step slower than the modulation speed at the time of detection included in the control signal. The notification control unit 216 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S206), and returns to step S203.

If it is determined in step S204 that the error rate is below the threshold value (S204: YES), the notification control unit 216 turns on the adjusted notification LED of LED 150 (step S207), and proceeds to the process of step S208. move on. After the adjusted notification LED is lit, the reception unit 212 accepts the designation of the card reader 230 specified by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S208). ..

The operator holds a card having the same modulation speed as the current modulation speed of the card reader 230 corresponding to the specified card reader 230 over the card reading range of the card reader 230. Substantially the same processing as in step S109 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 200, and the detection unit 213 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 230 and the card. (Step S209). The determination unit 214 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S209 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S210).

When it is determined that the error rate calculated in step S210 exceeds the threshold value (S210: NO), the modulation speed setting unit 215 is one step higher than the modulation speed at the time of detection for the card reader 230 received in step S208. Output a control signal containing a slow modulation rate (step S211). With this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 230 changes the modulation speed held inside to a modulation speed one step slower than the modulation speed at the time of detection included in the control signal. The notification control unit 216 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S212), and returns to step S209.

If it is determined in step S210 that the error rate is below the threshold value (S210: YES), the notification control unit 216 turns on the adjusted notification LED of LED 150 (step S213), and proceeds to the process of step S214. move on. After the adjusted notification LED is turned on, the operator checks whether the communication quality between the card reader 120 specified first is lower than the predetermined communication quality by the processing from step S208 to step S213. Confirm. The reception unit 212 accepts the designation of the card reader 220 designated by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S214).

The operator holds a card having the same modulation speed as the current modulation speed of the card reader 220 corresponding to the specified card reader 220 over the card reading range of the card reader 220. Substantially the same processing as in step S103 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 200, and the detection unit 213 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 220 and the card. (Step S215). The determination unit 214 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S215 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S216).

When it is determined in step S216 that the error rate is equal to or less than the threshold value (S216: YES), the notification control unit 216 turns on the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S217). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 211 releases the adjustment mode of the card reader 200 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S219). , End the process. The card readers 220 and 230 switch the transmission data at the modulation speed set by the above processing when the card reading device 200 is operated.

When it is determined in step S216 that the error rate exceeds the threshold value (S216: NO), the notification control unit 216 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S218). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 211 releases the adjustment mode of the card reader 200 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S219). , End the process.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, if the communication quality of the communication between the designated card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the designated card reader Change the modulation rate of. As a result, for example, if the frequency domain of the sideband moves to a frequency domain where the power level of the radio wave output by the card reader that is a noise source is low, the frequency domain of the sideband including the signal component in the designated card reader. The power level of noise in is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave. &lt;&lt; Third Embodiment &gt;&gt; Hereinafter, the card reader control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, when installing or maintaining multiple card readers, the first is to prevent the communication quality of the communication that the card reader performs with the card due to interference from other card readers to be lower than the predetermined communication quality. The card reader control device in the third embodiment adjusts the transmission power of the card reader, whereas the card reader control device in the third embodiment adjusts the modulation speed and the transmission power of the card reader. Is. &lt;Overall Configuration&gt; The configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device in the present embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The card reader 300 includes a card reader control device 310, card readers 320 and 330 equipped with antennas 326 and 336, an operation unit 140, and an LED 150, and the card reader 300 is connected to the host control device 160. Has been done. The card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment change the level of transmission power held in the control circuit based on the control signal from the card reader 110. On the other hand, the card readers 320 and 330 change the modulation speed held in the control circuit based on the control signal from the modulation speed setting unit 315 described later of the card reader control device 310 to the modulation speed included in the control signal. change. Further, the card readers 320 and 330 change the level of the transmission power held in the control circuit to the level of the transmission power included in the control signal based on the control signal from the power setting unit 317 described later in the card reader control device 310. To do. The card readers 320 and 330 switch the transmission data at the changed modulation speed when the modulation speed is changed, and at the changed transmission power level when the transmission power level is changed. Output radio waves. The other functions are the same as those of the card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment. &lt;Card reader controller configuration&gt; As shown in FIG. 8, the card reader control device 310 includes a mode switching unit 311, a reception unit 312, a detection unit 313, a judgment unit 314, a modulation speed setting unit 315, a storage unit 316, a power setting unit 317, and a notification control unit 318. And. The mode switching unit 311, the reception unit 312, the detection unit 313, the judgment unit 314, and the notification control unit 318 are the mode switching unit 111, the reception unit 112, the detection unit 113, and the judgment unit 114 of the first embodiment, respectively. And the same as the notification control unit 116, and the description of the first embodiment can be applied, so the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the modulation speed setting unit 315 is the same as the modulation speed setting unit 215 of the second embodiment, and the description of the second embodiment will be omitted because the description of the second embodiment can be applied.

The storage unit 316 stores the transmission power level for each modulation speed, and the stored transmission power level is higher when the modulation speed is slower. However, regarding inductive read / write communication equipment, the Radio Law sets the upper limit of the power level of the sideband in the modulation speed, and the upper limit of the power level of the sideband becomes larger as the modulation speed becomes slower. There is. The level of the transmission power for each modulation speed stored in the storage unit 316 meets the regulations regarding the dielectric type read / write communication equipment of the Radio Law. When the modulation method is the ASK method, if the carrier wave amplitude level is A1 and the modulation degree is m, the sideband amplitude level is m × A1 / 2.

The power setting unit 317 has a transmission power level at the time of detection corresponding to the modulation speed changed by the modulation speed setting unit 315 stored in the storage unit 316 for the card reader for which the reception unit 312 has received the designation. Outputs a control signal that contains a greater transmission power level. By outputting a control signal to the card reader that has received the designation, the power setting unit 317 sets the transmission power level of the card reader that has received the designation to the changed modulation speed that is greater than the transmission power level at the time of detection. Set to the corresponding transmission power level. &lt;Outline of card reader controller adjustment&gt; Hereinafter, the outline of the adjustment of the card reader by the card reader control device in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the adjustment of the card reader by the card reader control device of the present embodiment. Level 316a in FIG. 9 indicates the upper limit of the power level in the sideband with respect to the modulation speed regulated for the inductive read / write communication equipment of the Radio Law. The level of the transmission power for each modulation speed stored in the storage unit 316 should not exceed the upper limit of the power level in the sideband with respect to the modulation speed of the dielectric type read / write communication equipment of the Radio Law (here, the upper limit should be set). In), it is set in consideration of the power level of the sideband and the degree of modulation.

When the modulation speed of the card reader 320 is v1 and the power level of the carrier wave is V1 (Fig. 9 (a)), the communication quality of the communication performed by the card reader 320 with the card is lower than the predetermined communication quality. To do. At this time, the modulation speed setting unit 315 sets the modulation speed of the card reader 320 to the modulation speed v2 by delaying the modulation speed by one step. Since the power setting unit 317 can increase the transmission power level of the carrier wave at the modulation speed v2 as compared with the modulation speed v1, the transmission power level of the card reader 320 is set so that the power level of the carrier wave becomes V2. To do. As the power level of the carrier wave increases, the power level of the sideband also increases. &lt;Operation of the card reader control device&gt; Hereinafter, the adjustment operation for adjusting the modulation speed and the transmission power of the card reader performed by the card reader control device 310 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card reader adjustment operation performed by the card reader control device of the present embodiment.

The mode switching unit 311 sets the operation of the card reader 300 to the adjustment mode for adjusting the modulation speed and the transmission power level of the card readers 320 and 330 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 ( Step S301). The reception unit 312 accepts the designation of the card reader 320 designated by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S302).

The operator holds a card having the same modulation speed as the current modulation speed of the card reader 320 corresponding to the designated card reader 320 over the card reading range of the card reader 320. Substantially the same processing as in step S103 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 300, and the detection unit 313 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 320 and the card. (Step S303). The determination unit 314 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S303 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S304).

When it is determined that the error rate calculated in step S304 exceeds the threshold value (S304: NO), the modulation speed setting unit 315 is one step higher than the modulation speed at the time of detection for the card reader 320 received in step S302. Output a control signal containing a slow modulation rate (step S305). By this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 320 changes the modulation speed held inside to a modulation speed one step slower than the modulation speed at the time of detection included in the control signal. The power setting unit 317 extracts the transmission power level corresponding to the changed modulation speed from the storage unit 316, and whether or not the extracted transmission power level is higher than the current transmission power level of the card reader 320 that has received the designation. That is, it is determined whether or not the transmission power can be increased (step S306).

If it is determined in step S306 that the transmission power level cannot be increased (S306: NO), the notification control unit 318 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S308), and returns to step S303. When it is determined in step S306 that the transmission power level can be increased (S306: YES), the power setting unit 317 controls the card reader 320 received in step S302 including the transmission power level taken out from the storage unit 316. Output the signal (step S307). With this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 320 sets the level of transmission power held internally to the level of transmission power corresponding to the modulation speed after the change, which is larger than the level of transmission power at the time of detection included in the control signal. It will be changed. Then, the notification control unit 318 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S308), and returns to step S303.

When it is determined in step S304 that the error rate is equal to or less than the threshold value (S304: YES), the notification control unit 318 turns on the adjusted notification LED of LED 150 (step S309), and proceeds to the process of step S310. After the adjusted notification LED is lit, the reception unit 312 accepts the designation of the card reader 330 specified by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S310). ..

The operator holds a card having the same modulation speed as the current modulation speed of the card reader 330 corresponding to the specified card reader 330 over the card reading range of the card reader 330. Substantially the same processing as in step S109 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 300, and the detection unit 313 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 330 and the card. (Step S311). The determination unit 314 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S311 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S312).

When it is determined that the error rate calculated in step S312 exceeds the threshold value (S312: NO), the modulation speed setting unit 315 is one step higher than the modulation speed at the time of detection for the card reader 330 received in step S310. Output a control signal containing a slow modulation rate (step S313). By this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 330 changes the modulation speed held inside to a modulation speed one step slower than the modulation speed at the time of detection included in the control signal. The power setting unit 317 extracts the transmission power level corresponding to the changed modulation speed from the storage unit 316, and whether or not the extracted transmission power level is higher than the current transmission power level of the card reader 330 that has received the designation. That is, it is determined whether or not the transmission power can be increased (step S314).

If it is determined in step S314 that the transmission power level cannot be increased (S314: NO), the notification control unit 318 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S316), and returns to step S311. When it is determined in step S314 that the transmission power level can be increased (S314: YES), the power setting unit 317 controls the card reader 330 received in step S310 to include the transmission power level taken out from the storage unit 316. Output the signal (step S315). With this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 330 sets the level of transmission power held internally to the level of transmission power corresponding to the modulation speed after the change, which is larger than the level of transmission power at the time of detection included in the control signal. It will be changed. Then, the notification control unit 318 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S316), and returns to step S311.

When it is determined in step S312 that the error rate is equal to or less than the threshold value (S312: YES), the notification control unit 318 turns on the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S317), and proceeds to the process of step S318. After the adjusted notification LED is turned on, the operator checks whether the communication quality of the communication with the card by the card reader 320 first specified by the processing from step S310 to step S317 is lower than the predetermined communication quality. Confirm. The reception unit 312 accepts the designation of the card reader 320 designated by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S318).

The operator holds a card having the same modulation speed as the current modulation speed of the card reader 320 corresponding to the designated card reader 320 over the card reading range of the card reader 320. Substantially the same processing as in step S103 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 300, and the detection unit 313 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 320 and the card. (Step S319). The determination unit 314 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S319 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S320).

When it is determined in step S320 that the error rate is below the threshold value (S320: YES), the notification control unit 318 turns on the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S321). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 311 releases the adjustment mode of the card reader 300 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S323). , End the process. Note that the card readers 320 and 330 switch transmission data at the modulation speed set by the above process during operation of the card reader 300, and output radio waves at the set transmission power level.

When it is determined in step S320 that the error rate exceeds the threshold value (S320: NO), the notification control unit 318 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S322). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 311 releases the adjustment mode of the card reader 300 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S323). , End the process.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, if the communication quality of the communication between the designated card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the designated card reader Slow down the modulation rate of. As a result, for example, if the frequency domain of the sideband moves to a frequency domain where the power level of the radio wave output by the card reader that is a noise source is low, the frequency domain of the sideband including the signal component in the designated card reader. The power level of noise in is reduced. If the specified card reader can increase the transmission power level at the changed modulation speed, increase the transmission power level and increase the power level of the received signal received by the specified card reader. There is. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave. &lt;&lt; Fourth Embodiment &gt;&gt; Hereinafter, the card reader control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The first method is to prevent the communication quality of communication between the card reader and the card from being interfered with by other card readers at the time of introduction or maintenance of multiple card readers so that the communication quality does not fall below the predetermined communication quality. The card reader control device in the fourth embodiment adjusts the transmission power of the card reader, whereas the card reader control device in the fourth embodiment adjusts the output timing at which the card reader outputs radio waves. Is. &lt;Overall Configuration&gt; The configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device in the present embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The card reader 400 includes a card reader control device 410, card readers 420 and 430 equipped with antennas 426 and 436, an operation unit 140, and an LED 150, and the card reader 400 is connected to the host control device 160. Has been done. The card readers 420 and 430 store the modulation speed and the transmission power level in the control circuit, and further store the output timing within one cycle in which a current is passed through the antennas 426 and 436 to output radio waves. While the card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment constantly output radio waves, the card readers 420 and 430 pass a current through the antennas 426 and 436 at the output timing held in the control circuit. To output radio waves. Further, while the card readers 120 and 130 change the level of the transmission power held in the control circuit based on the control signal from the card reader 110, the card readers 420 and 430 are the card reader control device 410. Based on the control signal from the timing setting unit 415, which will be described later, the output timing held in the control circuit is changed to the output timing included in the control signal. The other functions are the same as those of the card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment. &lt;Card reader controller configuration&gt; As shown in FIG. 11, the card reader control device 410 includes a mode switching unit 411, a reception unit 412, a detection unit 413, a determination unit 414, a timing setting unit 415, and a notification control unit 416. The mode switching unit 411, the reception unit 412, the detection unit 413, and the determination unit 414 are the same as the mode switching unit 111, the reception unit 112, the detection unit 113, and the determination unit 114 of the first embodiment, respectively. Since the description of the first embodiment can be applied, the description will be omitted.

When the judgment unit 414 determines that the error rate exceeds the threshold value, the timing setting unit 415 randomly sets an output timing different from the output timing at the time of detection to the card reader that has received the designation by the reception unit 412. It is determined and a control signal including the determined output timing is output. The timing setting unit 415 sets the output timing of the card reader that has received the designation to an output timing different from the output timing at the time of detection by outputting the control signal to the card reader that has received the designation.

When the determination unit 414 determines that the error rate exceeds the threshold value, the notification control unit 416 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150, and determines that the error rate exceeds the threshold value 11 times in a row. When it is judged, the LED for unadjusted notification of LED150 blinks. Further, the notification control unit 416 turns on the adjusted notification LED of the LED 150 when the determination unit 414 determines that the error rate is equal to or less than the threshold value. &lt;Operation of the card reader control device&gt; Hereinafter, the adjustment operation for adjusting the output timing of the card reader performed by the card reader control device 410 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the card reader adjustment operation performed by the card reader control device of the present embodiment.

The mode switching unit 411 sets the operation of the card reader 400 to the adjustment mode for adjusting the output timings of the card readers 420 and 430 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S401). The reception unit 412 accepts the designation of the card reader 420 specified by the operator by inputting the identification number based on the pressing signal of the numeric keypad input from the operation unit 140 (step S402).

The operator holds the card corresponding to the designated card reader 420 over the card reading range of the card reader 420. Substantially the same processing as in step S103 described in the first embodiment is performed in the card reader 400, and the detection unit 413 calculates the error rate of the communication performed between the card reader 420 and the card. (Step S403). The determination unit 414 determines whether or not the error rate calculated in step S403 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S404).

When it is determined that the error rate calculated in step S404 exceeds the threshold value (S404: NO), the timing setting unit 415 counts up the counter value of the counter by 1 (step S405), and the counter value after the count-up is increased. Determine if is greater than 10 (step S406). When it is determined in step S406 that the counter value is 10 or less (S406: NO), the timing setting unit 415 determines the output timing of the card reader 420 received in step S402 to be different from the output timing at the time of detection. To do. Then, the timing setting unit 415 outputs a control signal including the output timing determined to the card reader 420 (step S407). By this control signal, the control circuit of the card reader 420 changes the output timing held inside to an output timing different from the output timing at the time of detection included in the control signal. Then, the notification control unit 416 turns on the unadjusted notification LED of the LED 150 (step S408), and returns to step S403.

When it is determined in step S406 that the counter value exceeds 10 (S406: YES), the notification control unit 416 informs the operator that the adjustment could not be performed by the LED 150 for unadjusted notification. Flashes (step S409). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 411 releases the adjustment mode of the card reading device 400 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S411). , End the process. An upper limit is set for the number of times the output timing is changed by using the counter.

When it is determined in step S404 that the error rate is less than or equal to the threshold value (S404: YES), the notification control unit 416 turns on the adjusted notification LED of LED 150 (step S410). Then, the operator presses the mode switching key of the operation unit 140, and the mode switching unit 411 releases the adjustment mode of the card reading device 400 based on the pressing signal of the mode switching key input from the operation unit 140 (step S411). , End the process. The card readers 420 and 430 output radio waves at the output timing set by the above process when the card reader 400 is in operation.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, if the communication quality of the communication between the designated card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, the designated card reader Change the output timing to output the radio wave of, and shift it from the output timing to output the radio wave by the card reader which is the noise source. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave. &lt;&lt; Fifth Embodiment &gt;&gt; Hereinafter, the card reader control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The first to fourth embodiments adjust the transmission power of the card reader at the time of introduction or maintenance of the card reader, whereas the card reader control device according to the fifth embodiment is used. Is to control the transmission power of the card reader in order to prevent the card reader from being interfered with by another card reader and being unable to communicate with the card during the operation of a plurality of card readers. &lt;Overall configuration&gt; The configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the entire system including the card reader control device in the present embodiment. The same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The card reader 500 includes a card reader control device 510, card readers 520 and 530 equipped with antennas 526 and 536, an operation unit 140, and an LED 150, and the card reader 500 is connected to the host control device 160. Has been done. When the card readers 520 and 530 reach a predetermined stage with the card (in the present embodiment, a communication link with the card is established), the card reader control device 510 communicates with the card. Outputs a communication notification signal notifying that the card is being used. Further, when the communication with the card is completed, the card readers 520 and 530 output a completion notification signal notifying the card reader control device 510 that the communication with the card is completed. The card readers 520 and 530 temporarily reduce the transmission power based on the control signal from the card reader control device 510. The basic operation performed by the card readers 520 and 530 during communication is substantially the same as that of the card readers 120 and 130 of the first embodiment. &lt;Card Reader Control Device Configuration&gt; As shown in FIG. 13, the card reader control device 510 includes a reader detection unit 511, a completion detection unit 512, and a power control unit 513.

The reader detection unit 511 detects a card reader that has established a communication link with the card based on a communication notification signal input from the card reader, in other words, a card reader that is communicating with the card. The completion detection unit 512 detects that the card reader that has been communicating based on the completion notification signal input from the card reader has completed the communication. When the power control unit 513 detects a card reader communicating with the card by the reader detection unit 511, the power control unit 513 lowers the level of transmission power to a card reader other than the card reader detected by the reader detection unit 511 (for example). (Transmit power is reduced to 0) Outputs a control signal to reduce the transmission power of card readers other than the detected card reader. When the power control unit 513 detects that the card reader has completed communication by the completion detection unit 512, the power control unit 513 restores the transmission power level to the card readers other than the card reader detected by the reader detection unit 511. Outputs a control signal to be used, and restores the transmission power of a card reader other than the detected card reader. &lt;Operation of card reader controller&gt; Hereinafter, the control operation for controlling the transmission power of the card reader performed by the card reader control device 510 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 14 is a car in this embodiment is a flowchart showing the flow of the adjustment operation of the card reader Dorida control apparatus. It is described that the card reader that communicates with the card is 520.

The reader detection unit 511 detects that the card reader 520 establishes a communication link with the card and communicates with the card based on the communication notification signal input from the card reader 520 (step S501). The power control unit 513 outputs a control signal for lowering the transmission power level to the card reader 530 other than the detected card reader 520 (step S502). This control signal reduces the transmission power of the card reader 530.

The completion detection unit 512 detects whether or not the card reader 520 has completed communication with the card based on the completion notification signal input from the card reader 520 (step S503). If it cannot detect that the card reader 520 has completed communication with the card (S503: NO), it returns to step S503 and continues to monitor whether the card reader 520 has completed communication with the card.

When the card reader 520 detects that the communication with the card is completed in step S503 (S503: YES), the power control unit 513 detects a card reader 530 other than the card reader 520 detected by the reader detection unit 511 in step S501. A control signal for returning the transmission power to the original is output (step S504). This control signal restores the transmission power of the card reader 530.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, when it is detected that any of the card readers is communicating with the card, the transmission power of a card reader other than the card reader communicating with the card is transmitted. To reduce. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the card reader cannot communicate with the card due to interference from another card reader without changing the frequency of the carrier wave. &lt;&lt; Supplement &gt;&gt; In the first embodiment described above, the number of card readers in the card reader reader is two, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of card readers may be three or more. In this case, the transmission power of all card readers other than the designated card reader may be reduced, or the transmission power of one or more card readers other than the designated card reader may be reduced. ..

Similarly, in the second to fifth embodiments described above, there are two card readers in the card reader reader, but the present invention is not limited to this, and even if there are three or more card readers. Good. Further, in the first to fifth embodiments described above, the card reader control device is inside the card reading device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the card reader control device is provided outside the card reading device such as being provided inside the upper control device. May be good.

Further, in the first embodiment described above, if the communication quality of the communication between the designated card reader and the card is equal to or lower than the predetermined communication quality, a card reader other than the designated card reader is used. This is the case when the transmission power of is reduced. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the transmission power of the designated card reader may be increased. Further, according to the second embodiment described above, the modulation speed is gradually reduced, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the modulation speed may be gradually increased.

Further, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the error rate of communication between the card reader and the card is defined as the ratio of the number of times of receiving erroneous reply data to the number of times of transmission of transmitted data. Not limited to this, for example, data consisting of a plurality of bits held internally by the card reader may be output from the card to the card reader, and the ratio of the number of erroneous bits to the number of bits may be used.

<figref num="1">The system block diagram which shows the structure of the whole system including the card reader control device in 1st Embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">The schematic diagram which shows the positional relationship which the antenna of the card reader of FIG. 1 is placed.</figref><figref num="3">The block diagram which shows the apparatus configuration of the card reader of FIG.</figref><figref num="4">The block diagram which shows the apparatus configuration of the card of FIG.</figref><figref num="5">The flowchart which shows the flow of the adjustment operation of the card reader performed by the card reader control device of FIG.</figref><figref num="6">The system block diagram which shows the structure of the whole system including the card reader control device in 2nd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="7">The flowchart which shows the flow of the adjustment operation of the card reader performed by the card reader control device of FIG.</figref><figref num="8">The system block diagram which shows the structure of the whole system including the card reader control device in 3rd Embodiment.</figref><figref num="9">The figure for demonstrating the adjustment of the modulation speed and the transmission power level of a card reader by the card reader control device of FIG.</figref><figref num="10">The flowchart which shows the flow of the adjustment operation of the card reader performed by the card reader control device of FIG.</figref><figref num="11">The system block diagram which shows the structure of the whole system including the card reader control device in 4th Embodiment.</figref><figref num="12">The flowchart which shows the flow of the adjustment operation of the card reader performed by the card reader control device of FIG.</figref><figref num="13">The system block diagram which shows the structure of the whole system including the card reader control device in 5th Embodiment.</figref><figref num="14">The flowchart which shows the flow of the adjustment operation of the card reader performed by the card reader control device of FIG.</figref>

Code description

100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Card reader 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Card reader controller 111, 211, 311, 411 Mode switching unit 112, 212, 312, 412 Reception unit 113, 213, 313, 413 Detection unit 114, 214, 314, 414 Judgment unit 115, 317, Power setting unit 116, 216, 318, 416 Notification control unit 215, 315, Modulation speed setting unit 316 Storage unit 511 Reader detection unit 512 Completion detection unit 513 Power Control unit