Title of Invention

"METHOD FOR NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATING WITH A TARGET DEVICE AND SOURCE DEVICE THEREFOR"

Abstract Provided is a communication interface between an NFCH and an NFC device and a method for controlling an NFC HCI. In the method, a command message is transmitted from the host to the device. The command message includes one of recording data, reading data of the device, requesting the device to transmit predetermined data, and setting the device. A response message informing a performance result of a relevant command is transmitted from the device to the host in response to the command message. After that, an event message is transmitted from the device to the host when needed.
Full Text Description
NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION HOST CONTROLLER
INTERFACE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a communication interface between a near field
communication (NFC) host and an NFC device.
Background Art
Universality and compatibility regarding a communication interface between an
NFC host and an NFC device or an NFC chipset are required. An interface between a
host such as an MSM chip of a mobile handset and a micro controller unit (MCU) of a
mobile apparatus, and a device or a chipset connected to the host should be handled
with great importance.
Fig. 1 illustrates interfaces between various NFC host (NFCH) and various NFC
devices or NFC chipsets (NFCC). An interface between an NFCH A 110 and an NFCC
A 210 is connected to an upper layer 111 on the basis of a relevant driver interface 112
suitably realized for a driver A 113 connected to the NFCC A 210 via a serial bus. An
interface between other NFCH B 120 and other NFCC B 220 is connected to an upper
layer 121 on the basis of a relevant driver interface 122 suitably realized for a driver B
123 connected to the NFCC B 220 via a serial bus. An interface between another
NFCH C 130 and another NFCC 230 is connected to an upper layer 131 on the basis of
a relevant driver interface 132 suitably realized for a driver C 133 connected to the
NFCC C 230 via a serial bus.
Referring to Fig. 1, for a predetermined host, a device or a chipset connected to the
predetermined host establishes a relevant driver interface using a driver suitably
realized for the device or the chipset. Therefore, interfaces between the host and the
chipset or the device are different from each other, and do not guarantee mutual com-
patibility or universality.
Fig. 2 illustrates disadvantages that can be generated in the case where mutual com-
patibility or universality is not guaranteed in interfaces between a host and a chipset or
a device. When an interface suitable for the NFCC 210 is established with respect to a
predetermined NFCH 100, other NFCCs 220 and 230 cannot be connected to the host
100 on the basis of different drivers 123 and 133.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
When interfaces between a host and a device or a chipset connected to the host are
different for each host, each device, or each chipset, mutual compatibility or uni-

versality is not guaranteed.
As described above, referring to Fig. 2, a control interface between different devices
requiring different interfaces requires design and development of a new driver and a
new driver interface suitable for each host and each device, and requires mounting of
the driver and the driver interface within the device not only in an aspect of a host but
also in an aspect of the device or the chipset.
An object of the present invention is to define an interface between a host and a
device or a chipset connected to the host, and to conform to the defined interface,
thereby guaranteeing universality and compatibility to a host controller interface
between different devices.
Another object of the present invention is to define a data format for transmitting
data between an NFCH and an NFC device or an NFC chipset, and a process of the
data format, and to provide an interface between devices by conforming to the defined
format and the process thereof, thereby guaranteeing universality and compatibility to
a host controller interface between different devices.
Technical Solution
To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the
present invention, as embodied and broadly described, there is provided a com-
munication method between a host and a device in a communication interface between
the host and the device connected to the host, the method including: transmitting a
command message from the host to the device; transmitting a response message from
the device to the host in response to the command message; transmitting data between
the host and the device; and transmitting an event message from the device to the host
when needed.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a com-
munication method between a host and a device in a communication interface between
the host and the device connected to the host, the method including: transmitting a
command message from the host to the device, the command message including data
expressing a kind of a message, data expressing contents of a message, and additional
data; transmitting an event message or transmitting a response message from the
device, the response message including data expressing a kind of a message, data
expressing contents of a message, and additional data; and transmitting information
expressing data and a message including the data between the host and the device in
response to the command or the response message when needed.
According to further another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
communication method between a near field communication host and a near field com-
munication device in a communication interface between the host and the device

connected to the host, the method including: transmitting a command message from
the host to the device, the command message including one of recording data, reading
data of the device, requesting the device to transmit predetermined data, and setting the
device; transmitting a response message informing a performance result of a relevant
command from the device to the host in response to the command message; and
transmitting an event message from the device to the host when needed.
Advantageous Effects
According to the present invention, universality and compatibility in a com-
munication between a host MCU and an NFC device or a chipset are guaranteed.
According to the present invention, universality and compatibility of an interface
regarding a command, a response, data, and an event message in a communication
between an NFC host and an NFC device or a chipset are guaranteed.
According to the present invention, an NFC device or an NFC chipset can be used
without a device driver, a middle ware, or an application modification in an aspect of
an NFCH. Also, according to the present invention, universality and compatibility in
an interface between a host and an NFC device or an NFC chipset can be achieved
even though a driver suitable for each host is not realized in an aspect of the NFC
device or the NFC chipset.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a view illustrating interfaces between various NFCH and various NFC
devices or NFC chipsets;
Fig. 2 is a view illustrating disadvantages that can be generated in the case where
different interfaces are realized between an NFCH and NFC devices or NFC chipsets;
Fig. 3 is a view explaining a host controller interface concept according to the
present invention;
Fig. 4 is a view explaining advantages in the case where a host controller interface
according to the present invention is adopted;
Fig. 5 is a view illustrating an exemplary structure of an NFCH and an NFC device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 is a view illustrating an example of an interface control process in a reader/
writer mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is a view illustrating an example of an interface control process in a peer
mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an exemplary method for transmitting data according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is a view illustrating an example of an interface control process between an
NFCH and an NFC device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 10 is a view illustrating an exemplary structure of an interface between an
NFCH and an NFC chipset (or an NFC device) according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 11 is a view illustrating another exemplary structure of an interface between an
NFCH and an NFC chipset (or an NFC device) according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
Fig. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a message format according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 13 is a view illustrating an example of a message descriptor field (MDESC) in
a message format according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 14 is a view illustrating an example of a node address field (NAD) in a
message format according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a view illustrating an example of a command message format in a
message format according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 16 is a view illustrating an example of a response message format in a message
format according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 17 is a view illustrating an example of an event message format in a message
format according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 18 is a view illustrating an example of a data message format in a message
format according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 19 is a view illustrating an example of a kind of a command message according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 20 is a view illustrating an example of a kind of a response message according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 21 is a view illustrating an example of kinds of a command message and a
response message according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 22 is a view illustrating an example of a kind of an event message according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 23 is a view illustrating an example of device management functionality in
command and response messages according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 24 is a view illustrating an example of NFC data communication functionality
in command and response messages according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 25 is a view illustrating an example of secure element support functionality in
command and response messages according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 26 is a view illustrating an example of an error code message in command and

response messages according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 27 is a view illustrating an example of an event message according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
Fig. 3 is a view explaining a host controller interface (HCI) concept according to
the present invention. An NFCH, and an NFC chipset or an NFC device conform to a
format and a process according to the present invention. According to the present
invention, an arbitrary NFCH 100 has a common interface driver 120 with respect to
interfaces 112, 122, and 132 corresponding to various kinds of drivers, and an arbitrary
NFC chipset (an NFC device is included hereinafter) 200 is connected to a common
device driver 130 including the HCI via a communication line, e.g., a serial bus as one
embodiment. Also, an extended interface 125 for the common device driver is further
provided in order to give extensibility. Accordingly, a driver area 135 that can be
freely defined and used by a vendor is further provided.
Referring to Fig. 3, it is possible to guarantee mutual compatibility and universality
in a series of control operations including data transmission between different devices
by having devices conform to a format and a process determined in association with an
interface between an NFCH and an NFC chipset.
Fig. 4 is a view explaining advantages in the case where a host controller interface
according to the present invention is adopted. When a host such as a mobile handset
and a digital television receiver conforms to an NFC HCI of the present invention, the
host can be freely used with compatibility and universality guaranteed without a device
driver or a middle ware (MW) with respect to any NFC chipset (NFC IC). Also, when
the NFC IC conforms to the NFC HCI, the NFC IC can be freely used with com-
patibility and universality guaranteed without a difficulty associated with a host driver
with respect to any NFC host.
Fig. 5 is a view illustrating an exemplary structure of an NFCH and an NFC device
according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 illustrates inner structures
of a host 500, an NFC device 600, and a secure element 700. The host (i.e., NFCH)
500 includes a logical link control protocol (LLCP), a reader/writer, an NFC data
exchange format (NDEF), a card emulation module (e.g., NFCIP-1, ISO 14443B), and
a record type definition (RTD) that are located above a device discovery and a mode
switch stack. Also, the host 500 further includes respective secure element input/
output(I/O) parts (e.g., a secure element I/O firmware (F/W) and a secure element I/O
hardware (H/W)), serial input/output(I/O) parts (e.g., a serial I/O firmwawr(F/W) and a
serial I/O hardware(H/W)). And the host 500 is connected to the NFC device 600 and
the secure element 700 on the basis of an NFC HCI.

The NFC device 600 is connected to the host 500 and the secure element 700 on the
basis of the NFC HCI, and connected to the host 500 and the secure element 700 on the
basis of a serial I/O part (e.g., a serial I/O F/W and SE I/O F/W and H/W). Also, the
NFC device 600 includes a device discovery and a mode switch stack, a card
emulation module, and an NFC RF H/W.
The secure element 700 includes a card application, an NFC HCI, a secure element
I/O part (e.g., a secure element I/O F/W and H/W) and is connected to the host 500 and
the NFC device 600.
Here, the serial FO F/W controls a serial port such as a universal asynchronous
receiver and transmitter (UART) or a universal serial bus (USB). Fig. 5 illustrates an
HCI path, a physical serial I/O path, and a physical path for a secure element using
dotted lines and a solid line.
A structure of host-device-secure element illustrated in Fig. 5 is a mere example,
and an NFC system of the present invention is not limited to an embodiment illustrated
herein. Respective inner structures of the above-described host, device, and card-based
secure system, physical structures thereof, and a communication method including
modules mounted thereon can be more freely designed and modified, and can be easily
realized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.
Fig. 6 is a view illustrating an example of an interface control process in a reader/
writer mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 illustrates a
process, i.e., a host controller interface (HCI) that can be performed between a host A
and an NFC device. The host performs a device scan process on the device (S110). Ac-
cordingly, device discovery, single device detection are performed. A card detection
response (Card_Detected) therefor is delivered to the host (S120). The host performs a
card read process (Read_Card) in response to the card detection (S130). At this point, a
data exchange protocol can be applied. Data is received (Data_Received) from the
NFC device to the NFCH (S140). When data reception is completed, the host performs
a card deselect process (Deselect_Card) (S150). When the card deselect process is
completed, the NFC device performs a relevant response (Deselect_Card) on the NFC
host (S160).
Referring to Fig. 6, a command and a response operate in a pair in the HCI
according to the present invention, which will be described later in detail.
Fig. 7 is a view illustrating an example of an interface control process in a peer
mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. That is, Fig. 7 illustrates
how the NFC HCI operates in a peer-to-peer communication. A host A and a host B
communicate with each other on the basis of an NFC A and an NFC B, respectively.
The host A performs a session open (LLC_Open_Session) process on the host B on the
basis of the NFC A and NFC B (S210-S230). The host B performs a session open ac-

knowledge (LLC_Open_Session_Ack) process on the host A on the basis of the NFC
B and NFC A. That is, the peer-to-peer communication can be freely performed with
compatibility and universality guaranteed by conforming to the NFC HCI of the
present invention.
Fig. 8 is a view illustrating an exemplary method for transmitting data according to
an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the method for transmitting data
without a data loss by preventing overflow when transmitting data is illustrated. That
is, a data transmission party performs data segmentation and transmits the segmented
data and related data to a data reception party with consideration of a size of a device
buffer. The data reception party receives the transmitted and segmented data to re-
construct the segmented data, so that the original data can be received without a loss.
An example of the related data when the segmented data is transmitted includes data
size-related data. Data related to a buffer size of a device in the reception party is
obtained during a transmission operation, and data is transmitted using the obtained
buffer size-related data.
Fig. 9 is a view illustrating an example of an interface control process between an
NFCH and an NFC device according to an embodiment of the present invention. That
is, Fig. 9 illustrates a series of processes of segmenting data and transmitting the
segmented data with consideration of a buffer size of a device, thereby preventing a
data loss.
A command (HCI_GET_BUFFER_SIZE command message) requesting a buffer
size of a device is delivered from an NFCH to an HFC device (S310).
The NFC device delivers buffer size data (HCI_GET_BUFFER_SIZE response
message) expressed by m bytes to the NFCH in response to the command requesting
the buffer size of the device (S320). The NFCH transmits first data that has been
obtained by segmenting a size of data to be transmitted with consideration of the buffer
size (m bytes) on the basis of the buffer size data of the device (Command Protocol
Message)(S330). The NFC device transmits a response
(HCI_SIZE_COMPLETE_DATA event) that the data has been completely received
(S340). This response can be performed by returning m bytes. The next operations
S350, S360, and S370 describe a process of transmitting the rest data and receiving a
response thereof in the same way. When transmission of all data to be transmitted from
the NFCH to the NFC device is completed in this manner, the NFC device transmits a
message informing that data transmission has been completed to the NFCH, and ends
the process (Response Protocol Message). This response can be performed by
returning a necessary parameter.
Fig. 10 is a view illustrating an exemplary structure of an interface between an
NFCH and an NFC chipset (or an NFC device) according to an embodiment of the

present invention. Communication is performed between the NFCH 10 and the NFC
device 20 on the basis of a command 30, a response 40, and an event 50. The
command 30 is delivered from the NFCH 10 to the NFC device 20. The response 40 is
delivered from the NFC device 20 to the NFCH 10. The event 50 is delivered from the
NFC device 20 to the NFCH 10, and independent with respect to the command and the
response. The command 30 and the response 40 act in a pair. An event process is
performed through asynchronous messaging.
Fig. 11 is a view illustrating another exemplary structure of an interface between an
NFCH and an NFC chipset (or an NFC device) according to an embodiment of the
present invention. Communication is performed between the NFCH 10 and the NFC
device 20 on the basis of a command 30, a response 40, and an event 50. In addition, a
data transmission process 60 is provided. The command 30 is delivered from the
NFCH 10 to the NFC device 20. The response 40 is delivered from the NFC device 20
to the NFCH 10. The event 50 is delivered from the NFC device 20 to the NFCH 10,
and independent with respect to the command and the response. The command 30 and
the response 40 act in a pair. An event process is performed through asynchronous
messaging. The data 60 is delivered from the NFCH 10 to the NFC device 20, or from
the NFC device 20 to the NFCH 10. That is, the data transmission process is based on
bi-directional communication. The interface process and the structure thereof il-
lustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 is a mere example, and the HCI process of the present
invention is not limited thereto.
Fig. 12 is a view illustrating an example of a message format according to an embo
diment of the present invention. This is just one embodiment, and a message format
according to the present invention is not limited thereto. Referring to Fig. 12, a general
message format according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a
message descriptor field (MDESC), a node address field (NAD), and a payload field.
The MDESC field and the NAD field can be considered as a mandatory part, and the
payload field can be considered as an optional part. In the message format of Fig. 12,
the MDESC has 1 byte, the NAD has 1 byte or 2 bytes, and the payload has 0-255
bytes, but these values are mere examples.
Fig. 13 is a view illustrating an example of a message descriptor field (MDESC) in
a message format according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, Fig. 13
illustrates examples in which what meaning respective values recorded on the MDESC
field have in the case where the MDESC is expressed by 1 byte. A message type, an
NAD, length data, a flag, and a reserved for future use (RFU) are recorded on the
MDESC field. The message type can be expressed by 2 bits, and can express a
command, a response, an event, and data depending on the expressed value. The NAD
can express whether it is a 4-bit NAD or a 8-bit NAD depending on a value thereof.

The length data can express a case where length data is absent (no length), a case
where length data is 1 byte long, a case where length data is 2 byte long, and a case
where length data is an RFU. The flag can express a case where following message is
present and a case where no following message is present. The RFU can be always
expressed using a predetermined value.
Fig. 14 is a view illustrating an example of a node address field (NAD) in a
message format according to an embodiment of the present invention. The NAD has
considered a case where it is a 8-bit NAD and a case where it is a 4-bit NAD. In the
case where it is a 8-bit NAD, the NAD can be expressed by 2 bytes in which a source
NAD is expressed on an upper 1 byte and a destination NAD is expressed on a lower 1
byte. In the case where it is a 4-bit NAD, the NAD can be expressed by 1 byte in
which a source NAD is expressed on upper 4 bits and a destination NAD is expressed
on lower 4 bits.
Fig. 15 is a view illustrating an example of a command message format in a
message format according to an embodiment of the present invention. The command
message format includes an MDESC of 1 byte, an NAD of 1 byte or 2 bytes, a
command (CMD) of 1 byte, a length of 1 byte, and a parameter/data of 0-255 bytes. A
command code is recorded on a CMD field. In the case where there exists a parameter
or data, a length field expresses a length of the parameter or the data. The length can be
expressed by 2 bytes. In this case, a length of a parameter or data field can be 0-65535
bytes. A code expressing a command expressed by a message is recorded on the CMD
field. Examples of kinds of commands and code values that can be used will be
descried later in detail.
Fig. 16 is a view illustrating an example of a response message format in a message
format according to an embodiment of the present invention. The response message
format includes an MDESC of 1 byte, an NAD of 1 byte or 2 bytes, a response (RESP)
of 1 byte, a length of 1 byte, and a parameter/data of 0-255 bytes. A response code is
recorded on a RESP field. In the case where there exists a parameter or data, a length
field expresses a length of the parameter or the data. The length can be expressed by 2
bytes. In this case, a length of a parameter or data field can be 0-65535 bytes. A code
expressing a response expressed by a message is recorded on the RESP field. A 1-bit
flag expressing a success or a failure of a response is expressed as a result. A 7-bit
eiTor code expressing a kind of an error is recorded. Kinds of a response, code values
that can be used, kinds of errors, and values that can be used will be described later in
detail.
Fig. 17 is a view illustrating an example of an event message format in a message
format according to an embodiment of the present invention. The event message
format includes an MDESC of 1 byte, an NAD of 1 byte or 2 bytes, an event of 1 byte,

a length of 1 byte, and a parameter/data of 0-255 bytes. An event code is recorded on
an event field. In the case where there exists a parameter or data, a length field
expresses a length of the parameter or the data. The length can be expressed by 2 bytes.
In this case, a length of a parameter or data field can be 0-65535 bytes. A code
expressing an event expressed by a message is recorded on the event field. Examples
of kinds of events and code values that can be used will be described later in detail.
Fig. 18 is a view illustrating an example of a data message format in a message
format according to an embodiment of the present invention. The data message format
includes an MDESC of 1 byte, an NAD of 1 byte or 2 bytes, a length of 1 byte, and a
parameter/data of 0-255 bytes. In the case where there exists a parameter or data, a
length field expresses a length of the parameter or the data. The length can be
expressed by 2 bytes. In this case, a length of a parameter or data field can be 0-65535
bytes.
Fig. 19 is a view illustrating an example of a kind of a command message according
to an embodiment of the present invention. Kinds of a command message and code
values expressing relevant commands used therein are mere examples and the present
invention is not limited thereto. A Get Device Information command is a command
reading data of an NFC device. The Get Device Information command reads a serial
number of an NFC device, manufacturer-related data, and manufacturing date. Here,
an example of a code value of the Get Device Information command is expressed by
0x01. A Set Device Status command is a command setting a status variable of an NFC
device, and sets a radio frequency (RF)-related information (e.g., RF calibration) and
registers data. Here, an example of a code value of the Set Device Status command is
expressed by 0x02. A Get Device Status command is a command reading a status
variable of an NFC device. A code value of the Get Device Status command is
expressed by 0x03. A Control Device Power command is a command controlling RF
transmission power of an NFC device. A code value of the Control Device Power
command is expressed by 0x04. A Turn On/Off Device command is a command
turning on or off electrical power of an NFC device. A code valued of the Turn On/Off
Device command is expressed by 0x05.
A Reset Device command is a command initializing an NFC device. A code value
of the Reset Device command is expressed by 0x06. A Set Device Mode command is a
command setting an NFC device mode. For example, the Set Device Mode command
sets a device management mode and a peer mode. A code value of the Set Device
Mode command is expressed by 0x07. A Get Device Mode command is a command
reading a current mode of an NFC device. A code value of the Get Device Mode
command is expressed by 0x08.
Meanwhile, a command code area (vendor specific: 0x09-0x0F) that can be defined

by a vendor is assigned from a command message, and 0x10-0x1F is assigned as a
reserved code area.
Fig. 20 is a view illustrating an example of a kind of a response message according
to an embodiment of the present invention. Kinds of a response message and code
values expressing responses used therein are mere examples and the present invention
is not limited thereto. A Get Device Information Response is a response to a Get
Device Information Command, and a code value of the Get Device Information
Response is expressed by 0x01. A Get Device Status Response is a response to a Get
Device Status Command, and a code value of the Get Device Status Response is
expressed by 0x02. When a command is performed successfully, a response is made by
expressing a response informing that the command is successful using a relevant code
value of 0x03.
Besides this, a variety of error responses are performed. When an error for the Get
Device Information Command is generated, a response is made by expressing a
response message informing device information fail using a code value of 0x04. When
an error for the Get Device Status Command is generated, a response is made by
expressing a response message informing device status fail using a code value of 0x05.
When an error for Control Device Power is generated, a response is made by
expressing a response message informing device power control fail using a code value
of 0x06. When an error for Set/Get Device Mode is generated, a response is made by
expressing a response message informing device mode fail using a code value of 0x07.
Fig. 21 is a view illustrating an example of kinds of a command message and a
response message according to an embodiment of the present invention. Kinds of
command messages and response messages and code values expressing commands and
responses used therein are mere examples and the present invention is not limited
thereto. Here, Deliver describes it is a command that delivers an LLCP packet and uses
a code value of 0x02. A Deliver Response is a response that delivers a command
having effective buffer size data and uses a code value of 0x21. A Data Receive is a
command that reads data from an NFC device and uses a code value of 0x22. A Data
Receive Response is a response to a data receiving command, includes NFC device
data, and can use a code value of 0x23.
Fig. 22 is a view illustrating an example of a kind of an event message according to
an embodiment of the present invention. An event message is independent with respect
to a command and a response. When data reception or a critical error is generated at an
NFC device, an event message is used to inform the generated event to an NFCH.
Here, some representative cases are descried. Three event messages of HCI Bus Driver
Fail, NFC IC Has Data, and Buffer Available are described. Each message uses a cor-
responding code of 0x01, 0x02, and 0x03 expressing a corresponding event. In the

case where a problem is generated to an HCI bus driver, an NFC device receives data
from an RF module, or a buffer size changes, these messages can be used for providing
corresponding data. Detailed description of each case is made in Fig. 22.
Fig. 23 is a view illustrating an example of device management functionality in
command and response messages according to an embodiment of the present
invention. This corresponds to a device management category. A command
HCI_GET_DEVICE_INFO is a command reading NFC device data, and a message
type is a command. A code value of the command HCI_GET_DEVICE_INFO, and a
command parameter and a return parameter value as parameters are recorded.
A command HCI_TURNON_DEVICE is a command for turning on power of an
NFC device, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_TURNON_DEVICE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a
failure are recorded.
A command HCI_TURNOFF_DEVICE is a command for turning off power of an
NFC device, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_TURNOFF_DEVICE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a
failure are recorded.
A command HCI_SLEEP_DEVICE is a command for changing an NFC device to a
sleep state, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_SLEEP_DEVICE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a failure
are recorded.
A command HCI_RESUME_DEVICE is a command for waking up an NFC device
from a sleep state, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_RESUME_DEVICE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a
failure are recorded.
A command HCI_START_DEVICE_DISCOVERY is a command for starting NFC
device discovery, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_START_DEVICE_DISCOVERY and a return parameter value expressing a
success or a failure are recorded.
A command HCI_STOP_DEVICE_DISCOVERY is a command for stopping NFC
device discovery, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_STOP_DEVICE_DISCOVERY and a return parameter value expressing a
success or a failure are recorded.
A command HCI_RESET_DEVICE is a command for initializing an NFC device,
and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_RESET_DEVICE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a failure
are recorded.
A command HCI_FLUSH_DEVICE is a command for flushing an NFC device

buffer, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_FLUSH_DEVICE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a failure
are recorded.
A command HCI_GET_BUFFER_SIZE is a command for reading an NFC device
buffer size, and a message type is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_GET_BUFFER_SIZE and a return parameter value expressing a success or a
failure and a buffer size are recorded.
Fig. 24 is a view illustrating an example of NFC data communication functionality
in command and response messages according to an embodiment of the present
invention. This corresponds to an NFC data communication category.
A command HCI_SEND_DATA is a command for delivering an LLCP packet from
an NFCH to an NFC device, and a message type of this command HCI_SEND_DATA
is a command. A code value of the command HCI_SEND_DATA, a command
parameter expressing an LLCP packet, and a return parameter value expressing a
success or a failure and a buffer size are recorded.
A command HCI_RECEIVE_DATA is a command for delivering an LLCP packet
from an NFC device to an NFCH, and a message type of this command
HCI_RECEIVE_DATA is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_RECEIVE_DATA, a command parameter expressing an LLCP packet, and a
return parameter value expressing a success or a failure and a buffer size are recorded.
A command HCI_READ_TAG is a command for reading NFC data exchange
format (NDEF) data from an NFC forum tag of the NFC device, and a message type of
this command HCI_READ_TAG is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_READ_TAG, and a return parameter value expressing a success or a failure are
recorded. Also, a read_data parameter (a command parameter) is recorded. This
read_data parameter is read from an NFC forum tag, and thus this data format
conforms to an NDEF.
A command HCI_WRITE_TAG is a command for recording NDEF data on an
NFC forum tag of the NFC device, and a message type of this command
HCI_WRITE_TAG is a command. A code value of the command HCI_WRITE_TAG,
and a return parameter value expressing a success or a failure are recorded. Also, a
write_data parameter (a command parameter) is recorded. This write_data parameter
includes NDEF data to be recorded on a tag.
A command HCI_SET_CARD_DATA is a command for recording NDEF data in a
card memory of an NDEF device in order to perform card emulation, and a message
type of this command HCI_SET_CARD_DATA is a command. A code value of the
command HCI_SET_CARD_DATA, and a return parameter value expressing a
success or a failure are recorded. Also, a card_data parameter is recorded as a

command parameter. This card_data parameter expresses data to be stored in a card
emulation memory.
A command HCI_GET_CARD_DATA is a command for reading data stored in a
card memory of the NFC device, and a message type of this command
HCI_GET_CARD_DATA is a command. A code value of the command
HCI_GET_CARD_DATA, and a return parameter value expressing a success or a
failure are recorded. Also, a card_data parameter is recorded.
In the above, the parameter value expressing a failure in the above-described
message format can be accompanied with a corresponding error code value.
Fig. 25 is a view illustrating an example of secure element support functionality in
command and response messages according to an embodiment of the present
invention. That is, Fig. 25 illustrates HCI_READ_SECURE which is a command for
reading data from a secure element, and HCI_WRITE_SECURE, which is a command
for recording data on a secure element.
Fig. 26 is a view illustrating an example of an error code message in command and
response messages according to an embodiment of the present invention. Kinds of
errors and code values expressing the errors used therein are mere examples and the
present invention is not limited thereto. Error code values and meanings thereof
according to an embodiment of the present invention are described. 0x00 expresses no
error is present, 0x01 expresses an undefined command, 0x02 expresses connection
between devices is not made, and 0x03 expresses a hardware failure.
Also, 0x04 expresses a memory full state, 0x05 expresses a command disallowed,
0x06 expresses a parameter value is not supported, and 0x07 expresses an invalid
command parameter.
Also, 0x08 expresses error not prescribed, 0x09 expresses an access of a secure
element has been rejected, and 0x0A expresses an access of a secure element has
failed. The rest code value is RFU.
Fig. 27 is a view illustrating an example of an event message according to an
embodiment of the present invention. Kinds of event messages used therein are mere
examples and the present invention is not limited thereto.
HCI_DETECT_DEVICE is an event message informing a host that the number of
detected devices or tags of a predetermined type when device discovery is performed,
and a message type of HCI_DETECT_DEVICE is an event. A corresponding message
code is recorded.
HCI_RECEIVE_DATA_EVENT is an event message for delivering data to a host
when an NFC device receives the data from an air interface, and a message type of
HCI_RECEIVE_DATA_EVENT is an event. A corresponding message code, and a
receive_data parameter as a return parameter are recorded. A receive_data parameter is

an NFC forum tag required for NFC protocol processing or data from a device.
HCI_SIZE_OF_COMPLETED_DATA is an event message for informing, at an
NFC device, an NFCH of a size of completely processed data to perform flow control.
How frequently this event message is to be sent is not particularly determined. This
message type is an event. A corresponding message code, and a data_size parameter as
a return parameter are recorded. A data_size parameter expresses a size of data
processing-completed by an NFC device.
HCI_MODE_SWTTCH_INTERRUPT is an interrupt event for informing a host of
an NFC tag or a device when the NFC tag or the device is found at a mode switch, and
a message type of HCI_MODE_SWITCH_INTERRUPT is an event. A corresponding
message code, and a device_type as a return parameter are recorded. A device_type is
a parameter expressing an NFC device or a card when the NFC device or the card is
found. For example, 0x00 expresses ISO14443-A card only, 0x01 expresses
ISO14443-B card only, 0x02 expresses Felica card only, 0x03 expresses ISO14443-A
and B, 0x04 expresses ISO14443-A and Felica, 0x05 expresses Felica and
ISO14443-B, and 0x06 expresses ISO14443-A and B and Felica and is assigned a code
value for RFU.
HCI_SECURE_INSERTED expresses a secure element has been inserted,
HCI_SECURE_EXTRACTED expresses a secure element has been extracted,
HCI_SECURE_READ expresses reading a secure element, and
HCI_SECURE_WRITTEN expresses recording a secure element.
Up to now, an NFC HCI according to an embodiment of the present invention has
been descried. Kinds, formats, code values of an HCI system, and a process for
transmitting a message described herein and illustrated in the drawings are mere em-
bodiments taken as examples for understanding of the present invention. Various mod-
ifications and changes of the kinds, formats, code values thereof, and the process for
transmitting the message may be realized on the basis of the embodiments within the
scope of the present invention. Also, terms used in the embodiments of the present
invention is intended for understanding purpose only, and the present invention is not
limited thereto.
Industrial Applicability
The present invention is applied to an HCI between an NFCH and an NFC chipset
or an NFC device.

Claims
A communication method between a host and a device in a communication
interface between the host and the device connected to the host, the method
comprising:
transmitting a command message from the host to the device;
transmitting a response message from the device to the host in response to the
command message;
transmitting data between the host and the device; and
transmitting an event message from the device to the host when needed.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the command message and the
response message are transmitted in a pair of a command and a response thereto.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the event message is independent with
respect to the command message and the response message.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the message conforms to a process of
transmitting/receiving the message to/from a device using a corresponding
device driver on the basis of a corresponding device driver interface mounted in
the host.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the message is transmitted and
received on the basis of a device driver interface mounted in a first host and a
device driver interface mounted in a second host.
The method according to claim 1, wherein data transmitted between the host and
the device is segmented by the host depending on a size of a storage space of the
device, the segmented data are transmitted using information expressing data
segmentation to the device through a plurality of processes, and the transmitted
and segmented data are reconstructed by the device.
A communication method between a host and a device in a communication
interface between the host and the device connected to the host, the method
comprising:
transmitting a command message from the host to the device, the command
message including data expressing a kind of a message, data expressing contents
of a message, and additional data;
transmitting an event message or transmitting a response message from the
device, the response message including data expressing a kind of a message, data
expressing contents of a message, and additional data; and
transmitting information expressing data and a message including the data
between the host and the device in response to the command or response
message when needed.

The method according to claim 7, wherein the data expressing the kind of the
message is expressed using a code value expressing whether a message type of
the message is a command, a response, a data, or an event.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the data expressing the contents of the
message is expressed using a code value expressing what command a cor-
responding command is, what response a corresponding response is, or what
contents of an event a corresponding event is.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the command message comprises a
command for reading device data or setting device data.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the command message comprises a
command for controlling power of the device or device power for an air
interface.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the command message comprises a
command for initializing the device, setting a device mode, or reading a device
mode.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the response message comprises one
of a response in response to a device data providing request from the host, and a
response in response to a device control command from the host.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the response message comprises an
error response message.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the command message and the
response message comprise a response message regarding transmission of a data
packet or a transmission result.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the event comprises at least one of a
bus driver state, data reception by an air interface module, occurrence of a buffer
size, detection of a tag or other device, card emulation, a mode switch, in-
stallation or removal of a secure element, a read or write event of secure element
data.
A communication method between a near field communication host and a near
field communication device in a communication interface between the host and
the device connected to the host, the method comprising:
transmitting a command message from the host to the device, the command
message including one of recording data, reading data of the device, requesting
the device to transmit predetermined data, and setting the device;
transmitting a response message informing a performance result of a relevant
command from the device to the host in response to the command message; and
transmitting an event message from the device to the host when needed.
The method according to claim 17, wherein the command and response message

comprises at least one of a command for reading data of the device and a
response thereof, a command for turning on/off the device and a response
thereof, a command for changing the device into a sleep mode or waking up the
device and a response thereof, a command for starting detection of the device or
stopping detection of the device and a response thereof, a command for ini-
tializing the device and a response thereof, a device buffer flush command and a
response thereof, a device buffer size return command and a response thereof, a
command for transmitting from the host or receiving data from the device and a
response thereof, a tag data read/write command and a response thereof, and a
command for setting or reading card emulation data of a near field com-
munication tag emulation storage device and a response thereof.
The method according to claim 17, wherein the response message comprises data
expressing a success or a failure with respect to performance of a command, and
data expressing contents of the failure when the command has failed.
The method according to claim 17, wherein the host is a processor of a mobile
device.

Provided is a communication interface between an NFCH and an NFC device and a method for controlling an NFC
HCI. In the method, a command message is transmitted from the host to the device. The command message includes one of recording
data, reading data of the device, requesting the device to transmit predetermined data, and setting the device. A response message
informing a performance result of a relevant command is transmitted from the device to the host in response to the command message.
After that, an event message is transmitted from the device to the host when needed.

Documents:

01853-kolnp-2008-abstract.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-claims.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-correspondence others.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-description complete.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-drawings.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-form 1.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-form 3.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-form 5.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-gpa.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-international publication.pdf

01853-kolnp-2008-international search report.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(03-07-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(11-12-2009)-FORM 13.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-ANNEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-CLAIMS.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-DRAWINGS.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-FORM-1.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-FORM-2.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-FORM-3.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-FORM-5.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-OTHERS.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-PA.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137-1.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-(30-06-2014)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1853-KOLNP-2008-FORM 13.pdf

1853-kolnp-2008-form 18.pdf

abstract-01853-kolnp-2008.jpg


Patent Number 265382
Indian Patent Application Number 1853/KOLNP/2008
PG Journal Number 09/2015
Publication Date 27-Feb-2015
Grant Date 20-Feb-2015
Date of Filing 08-May-2008
Name of Patentee LG ELECTRONICS INC.
Applicant Address 20 YEOUIDO-DONG, YEONGDEUNGPO-GU SEOUL
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 RYOO, SEUNG HYUP LG ELECTRONICS INC.IP GROUP 16, WOOMYEON-DONG, SEOCHO-GU, SEOUL 137-724
2 LEE, BYOUNG WOOK LG ELECTRONICS INC.IP GROUP 16, WOOMYEON-DONG, SEOCHO-GU, SEOUL 137-724
3 KIM, JIN TAE LG ELECTRONICS INC.IP GROUP 16, WOOMYEON-DONG, SEOCHO-GU, SEOUL 137-724
4 MIN, SANG CHEOL LG ELECTRONICS INC.IP GROUP 16, WOOMYEON-DONG, SEOCHO-GU, SEOUL 137-724
PCT International Classification Number H04L 29/10
PCT International Application Number PCT/KR2006/004647
PCT International Filing date 2006-11-07
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/733796 2005-11-07 U.S.A.
2 60/787633 2006-03-31 U.S.A.
3 60/756562 2006-01-06 U.S.A.
4 60/795642 2006-04-28 U.S.A.
5 60/763923 2006-02-01 U.S.A.